In a historic first for India’s Northeast, PM Narendra Modi landed aboard a C-130J aircraft on a reinforced stretch of highway in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, marking the inauguration of the region’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF).
#WATCH | Assam witnesses a historic moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh. Here, he will witness the aerial display of fighters, transports and helicopters. The ELF is the first of its kind in Northeast… pic.twitter.com/DOp6lNqAXP
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2026
The milestone event on the Moran bypass of National Highway-37 highlights both strategic defence preparedness and a broader development push in the poll-bound state.
What is Assam’s Emergency Landing Facility & Why It Matters
The newly inaugurated Emergency Landing Facility spans 4.2 kilometres along the Moran Bypass and was built at a cost of around ₹100 crore. Designed for dual civilian and military use, the reinforced surface can support Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and transport aircraft, providing an alternative runway in case of emergencies or disaster situations.
Strategic planners say the ELF boosts India’s ability to deploy aircraft rapidly for defence, logistics and relief operations, especially given the Northeast’s proximity to sensitive borders. Authorities have emphasised that converting highway stretches into functional runways enhances operational flexibility across India’s network of emergency airstrips.
PM Modi’s Historic Landing on a Highway Runway
Prime Minister Modi landed at the ELF in Moran aboard the military transport aircraft, the C-130J Super Hercules, in what officials described as a “historic moment” for the Northeast. The landing followed his arrival earlier in the day at the Chabua Air Force base, after which he flew to the highway strip.
Officials, including Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, were present at the site alongside the Prime Minister as he inaugurated the project. The facility is expected to serve as a strategic runway for both civil and defence use, reinforcing Assam’s emergency response capabilities and aviation infrastructure.
Aerial Display & IAF Presence Celebrates New Infrastructure
Following his landing, PM Modi witnessed an air show featuring IAF aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. Around 16 aircraft took part in demonstrations, underscoring the facility’s operational capabilities and boosting public interest in the Northeast’s defence infrastructure.
The aerial display also highlighted how dual-use infrastructure can support the rapid deployment of military assets during crises while serving civil aviation needs during disasters or other exigencies.
More Than a Runway: Assam Development Drive Unfolds
PM Modi’s visit to Assam extended beyond the highway landing. He dedicated several major development projects designed to enhance connectivity, education and urban mobility in the state:
- Inauguration of Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu — a six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River that will ease traffic and improve connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati.
- Launch of the IIM Guwahati temporary campus at Bongora, expanding higher education access in the region.
- Flagging off electric buses for Guwahati and other cities, part of efforts to enhance public transport and reduce pollution.
These projects, part of a broader ₹5,450-crore development thrust, also include digital infrastructure and data centre initiatives aimed at future-proofing the Northeast’s economic and educational landscape.
Strategic Importance of Highway-Based Runways
India has previously developed Emergency Landing Facilities in other parts of the country, but this is the first such highway runway in the Northeast. Military analysts argue that dispersed runways enhance the survivability of air operations during conflict and improve humanitarian response capabilities.
The Moran facility’s location boosts rapid access in a region that borders China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, offering strategic depth in both defence and disaster scenarios. Fighters and transport aircraft can use the highway-based strip as an alternative to conventional airfields when needed.
What’s Next After the Moran Visit?
After inaugurating the ELF and witnessing the airshow, PM Modi proceeded to Guwahati, where he will continue his one-day visit, addressing political workers and inspecting additional civic projects.
The developments mark a significant moment for Assam ahead of elections, showcasing a blend of defence readiness and civilian infrastructure growth designed to support long-term strategic goals for the Northeast.
