Guwahati / Dibrugarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam on Saturday to witness the inauguration of the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh. Describing the facility as historic for the state, PM Modi attended an aerial demonstration featuring fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
First-of-Its-Kind in the Northeast
The newly developed ELF at Dibrugarh is the first such facility in India’s northeastern states. Designed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, it is intended to assist both military and civil aircraft in emergency landings and take-offs. This dual-use infrastructure will strengthen emergency response capabilities in the region, particularly during natural disasters or strategic operations.
Designed for Critical Missions
The facility can handle fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tons and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tons. PM Modi highlighted that this strategic infrastructure will serve as a crucial lifeline during emergencies, enabling rapid deployment for rescue and relief operations in the northeast.
National Context and Strategic Significance
Besides Dibrugarh, ELF facilities currently exist at five other locations in India: Barmer (NH-925A) in Rajasthan, Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, Balasore (NH-16) in Odisha, and Nellore (NH-16) in Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Air Force, in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), plans to develop 28 such emergency landing spots nationwide.
The Dibrugarh facility is particularly significant due to its proximity to the China border, enhancing strategic preparedness in the region.
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