PM Modi Makes Historic Touchdown at Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility in Assam

Narendra Modi arrived in Assam on Saturday for a high-profile visit marked by defence, infrastructure and public transport initiatives across Dibrugarh and Guwahati.

The Prime Minister landed at the Chabua Air Force Station at 9:50 am and shortly thereafter flew to Moran, where he created a landmark moment by touching down at the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) aboard a C-130J transport aircraft. The specially developed airstrip, located along a reinforced 4.2-kilometre stretch of National Highway-37 on the Moran Bypass, has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore.

Strategic boost for defence and disaster response

The newly inaugurated ELF is designed as a dual-use facility capable of supporting Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft. Officials said the infrastructure significantly enhances India’s operational readiness in the strategically sensitive Northeast, improving rapid troop mobilisation, logistics supply chains, and emergency response during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

During his visit, the Prime Minister attended an IAF air show at the Moran facility for around 30 minutes. Sixteen aircraft participated in the aerial display, including Rafale and Sukhoi fighter jets, underlining the strategic importance of the corridor. Several fighter aircraft also conducted landing and take-off operations at the ELF, demonstrating its operational capability.

The development of such emergency landing facilities along national highways is part of a broader defence strategy to ensure alternate runways are available during contingencies, particularly in border states.

Infrastructure push in Guwahati

Following the Moran programme, Modi is scheduled to return to Guwahati, where he will inaugurate the Guwahati–North Guwahati connecting bridge at Lachit Ghat. The bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion across the Brahmaputra and strengthen connectivity between the northern and southern banks of the city.

From the same venue, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the temporary campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), marking another step in expanding higher education infrastructure in Assam.

In addition, he will flag off 100 electric buses aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility and reducing carbon emissions in the state’s transport sector.

Political engagement and departure

The visit also includes participation in a BJP booth-level conference at Khanapara, reflecting the political significance of the tour ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to New Delhi later in the evening, concluding a visit that combined strategic defence initiatives with major infrastructure and development projects in Assam.

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