Guwahati: What was a troublesome road for commuters a decade ago, today stands as a critical military asset near the LAC in Assam. Yes, we are talking about the National Highway 37 that runs through Assam. The highway was in a pathetic condition just a decade ago. But with a vision to boost infrastructure, double-engine BJP government under the leadership of PM Modi has transformed a broken highway into an Emergency Landing Facility(ELF) and a commuter friendly infrastructure.
In a landmark boost to India’s strategic preparedness in the Northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 inaugurated the region’s first Emergency Landing Facility(ELF) at Moran in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, thus transforming a stretch of National Highway-37 into a critical military and disaster-response asset. The Prime Minister made a historic touchdown at the newly developed 4.2-kilometre reinforced airstrip aboard a C-130J aircraft, marking the first-ever landing at an ELF in the Northeast. After arriving at the Chabua Air Force Station, he took off again to land at the Moran facility, drawing attention to the growing strategic importance of the frontier state.
Developed at a cost of Rs. 100 crore, the ELF has been constructed on the Moran Bypass along the Guwahati-Dibrugarh highway corridor. Designed as a dual-use infrastructure, the facility can serve both civilian and military purposes. It is capable of handling fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tonnes and transporting aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes. In times of crisis, the airstrip will function as an alternative to Dibrugarh Airport, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and rapid deployment capabilities.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the facility would play a vital role in strengthening emergency response mechanisms. He noted that the ELF would enable faster deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters and other challenging situations, significantly enhancing regional preparedness. Following the landing, the Prime Minister witnessed an impressive 40-minute air show featuring advanced fighter jets such as the indigenous Tejas, Sukhoi aircraft and Rafale jets, showcasing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the inauguration as a “paradigm shift” in securing India’s northeastern frontier. Referring to the historical memory of the 1962 conflict, he said the development symbolised decisive steps toward fortifying the region. He also highlighted the transformation of Assam’s infrastructure, noting that roads once considered barely motorable are now capable of supporting aircraft operations.
Union Minister and Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal termed the occasion a “monumental day” for the Northeast. He said the strategic facility would serve as both a shield for national security and a lifeline during natural calamities. Witnessing Indian Air Force aircraft land on a national highway in Assam, he added, was a powerful symbol of India’s evolving defence and infrastructure capabilities.
India’s first Emergency Landing Facility was inaugurated in 2021 in Rajasthan’s Barmer district. With the Moran ELF now operational, the Northeast takes a significant step forward in strengthening defence logistics, disaster management and regional connectivity, underscoring the Centre’s renewed focus on infrastructure-led development in the frontier region.
