New Delhi: In a major strategic move, India has established an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the northeast, converting a section of national highway into a fully functional runway. This initiative, aimed at strengthening border security, allows rapid deployment of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and other military assets near the China border.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally inspected the Assam-based facility in Moran, flying there aboard a C-130J aircraft. The new ELF, located approximately 300 km from the China border and 200 km from Myanmar, marks a historic development in India’s northeastern defense infrastructure.
What is the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF)?
The ELF in Moran, Assam, features a 4.2-kilometer stretch of road converted into an advanced landing ground (ALG). This strip, part of National Highway-37, is in close proximity to Chabua Airforce Station. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, poor road infrastructure exposed vulnerabilities in the region, which the new ELF aims to address.
Highway-to-Runway Conversion
According to Assam Sentinel, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), in coordination with the Indian Air Force, converted a section of NH-127 in Dibrugarh district into an ALG suitable for fighter jets and other aircraft.
Aircraft Capacity and Capabilities
The ELF can accommodate both civil and military aircraft, including Rafale and Tejas fighter jets, as well as heavy transport aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules. The facility can handle aircraft weighing up to 74 tons, and during a 40-minute airshow, jets like Tejas, Sukhoi, and Rafale demonstrated operational maneuvers.
Strategic Significance
Positioned near the LAC, the ELF enables rapid deployment of troops, weaponry, and supplies during emergencies or conflict situations. With China maintaining several airbases close to the border, this facility strengthens India’s readiness and deterrence capability.
ELFs Across India
According to Navbharat Times, India now has six ELFs, including in Barmer (NH-925A) in Rajasthan, Agra-Lucknow and Purvanchal Expressways in Uttar Pradesh, Balasore (NH-16) in Odisha, Nellore (NH-16) in Andhra Pradesh, and Moran in Assam. The Indian Air Force, in collaboration with NHAI, plans to develop similar facilities at 28 locations nationwide.
Utility During Emergencies
Apart from military purposes, these ELFs can be used for disaster relief operations. Rapid transportation of relief materials, evacuation missions, and helicopter-based rescue operations can be efficiently conducted using these strategic airstrips.
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