The Moran ELF holds significant strategic value due to its proximity to international borders
Digital Desk: A 4.2-km stretch of National Highway in Assam, designed to function as a military airstrip during war or disasters, will be formally inaugurated on Saturday. The project marks the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the facility on the Moran bypass in Dibrugarh district , a strategically significant corridor located close to India’s eastern borders.
According to officials, the Prime Minister will fly from New Delhi to Chabua Air Force Station on Saturday morning. From there, he will board another aircraft to land at the Moran ELF, where he will witness a major air show. Around 16 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft are scheduled to either land or fly overhead within approximately 30 minutes.
Chabua is one of the key Air Force stations in the Northeast, and the addition of the highway airstrip enhances operational flexibility in the region’s defence infrastructure.
Strategic Importance in War-Like Situations
The Moran ELF holds significant strategic value due to its proximity to international borders. The China border lies approximately 300 km away, while the Myanmar border is around 200 km from the site.
Defence officials stated that the facility will serve as an alternate runway if conventional air bases are compromised during a conflict.
“During emergency situations or any war-like scenario, this 4.2-km ELF will play a crucial role. Given its proximity to international borders, it enhances rapid deployment capability in the Northeast,” an official said.
The specially reinforced highway stretch is capable of handling fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters during defence contingencies.
Critical Support During Natural Disasters
Beyond military operations, the ELF is expected to play a vital role during natural disasters — a recurring challenge in flood-prone Assam.
In the event of major floods, earthquakes, or infrastructure damage, the highway airstrip can facilitate the rapid airlifting of relief materials, enable evacuation operations, function as an alternate landing site if airports become unusable, and support helicopter-based rescue missions.
Officials emphasized that this dual-use capability strengthens both national security and disaster response preparedness in the region.
Successful Trial Runs
Trial runs have been underway since Wednesday, drawing large crowds eager to witness fighter aircraft land on the highway.
“All major combat aircraft have successfully landed during trials. Preparations are in full swing, and all arrangements have been made by the district administration,” an official said.People have expressed pride over the development.
“It’s a historic moment for us. We never imagined fighter jets would land on our highway. The four-lane development has improved connectivity, and now this makes us proud,” said Ranjan Gogoi, a resident of Moran.
With the inauguration of the Emergency Landing Facility, Assam joins a select group of states equipped with highway airstrips capable of supporting defence operations , placing the Northeast on a stronger strategic footing during war, national emergencies, and natural disasters.
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