The Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 2, carried out a historic “land and go” drill on a specially constructed 3.5-kilometre stretch of the under-construction Ganga Expressway. The first-of-its-kind operation in the nation’s history saw frontline fighter jets and military aircraft not only perform live landing and take-off manoeuvres but also conduct rare night-time operations, converting a highway into a full-fledged combat runway. This was not merely an exercise—it was a declaration of India’s rising military versatility.
The roaring display of tactical supremacy came at a time when India is facing renewed threats on its western front, particularly in the aftermath of the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The Ganga Expressway drill sent a powerful message: India’s skies are defended day and night, from roads if necessary.
The two-phase drill began in the afternoon with a series of low fly-pasts, simulated combat manoeuvres, and live landings on the expressway-turned-airstrip. A wide array of aircraft showcased the Air Force’s varied capabilities:
- Rafale: Known for its agility, range, and Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles, Rafale fighter jets demonstrated all-weather readiness.
- SU-30 MKI: India’s air dominance platform, capable of air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, performed deep penetration landings.
- Mirage 2000: The veteran of the Kargil conflict and Balakot strikes demonstrated high-speed tactical landings.
- Jaguar: The low-flying deep strike aircraft reinforced India’s offensive strike depth.
- MiG-29: With thrust-vectoring capabilities and high-altitude performance, the MiG-29 underlined speed and interception strength.
- C-130J Super Hercules: Executed short-field landings, simulating disaster relief and troop deployment scenarios.
- AN-32: Its rugged performance underlined the IAF’s operational preparedness in high-altitude and rough terrain situations.
- MI-17 V5 Helicopters: These multi-role machines hovered and touched down in rescue simulation exercises.
The highlight of the event came between 7 PM and 10 PM, when fighter jets performed full night landings and take-offs using night vision systems and ground-based lighting aids. This marked the first night-time landing operation ever conducted by the IAF on an expressway, and made it clear that the Ganga Expressway is now a 24/7 military asset.
The 594-kilometre-long Ganga Expressway, connecting Meerut in the west to Prayagraj in the east, is more than an economic corridor. It is now a dual-use military infrastructure asset. The specially reinforced airstrip in Shahjahanpur district, built with military-grade materials and design precision, will serve as a wartime contingency runway, a natural disaster response base, and a training zone for future combat drills.
This development places Uttar Pradesh at the heart of India’s civil-military synergy, being the only Indian state with four expressways having operational airstrips:
- Agra-Lucknow Expressway – Unnao
- Purvanchal Expressway – Sultanpur
- Bundelkhand Expressway – Etawah
- Ganga Expressway – Shahjahanpur (first with night landing capabilities)
To ensure comprehensive monitoring of the airstrip and surrounding areas, 250 high-definition CCTV cameras have been installed along both sides of the stretch. This surveillance network is connected to command centres operated jointly by IAF personnel and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). During the operation, the entire 3.5-kilometre zone was sealed off, with security cordons managed by both the Indian Air Force and state police.
The event drew a crowd of thousands, including villagers, students, and media personnel. Schoolchildren, waving tricolours, watched with open-mouthed awe as fighter jets thundered just metres above the ground. Live commentary by Air Force officials helped demystify the complex aerial operations for the general public, transforming the show into an interactive educational experience.
Local residents called it “the most powerful thing we’ve ever seen,” while teachers remarked on how it could inspire youth to join the armed forces.
The timing of the drill is crucial. India remains on high alert after the brutal April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which further underscored the urgency of decentralised, rapid-response infrastructure for military mobility. Should war or emergency arise, airstrips like this offer the Indian military an element of surprise and speed, bypassing conventional air bases that are more likely to be targeted.
By integrating highways into its defence doctrine, India is learning from models used in countries like China, Germany, and Sweden, where road-based airstrips are part of standard wartime contingency planning.
Looking beyond the tarmac, the Uttar Pradesh government has revealed plans to establish an industrial hub near the Shahjahanpur airstrip. This zone is envisioned to include aerospace training centres, logistics parks, and manufacturing units, with the goal of generating thousands of skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
According to UPEIDA officials, the location is ideal for dual-purpose development—military training during peacetime, and logistical support during crises. The synergy between infrastructure, industry, and security offers a model that other Indian states may soon follow.
