Ganga Expressway Night Landing

May 2, 2025

In a landmark event, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to enable night landings for fighter jets on an expressway. This achievement was marked by the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducting trials on a newly constructed 3.5-kilometre airstrip along the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur. This airstrip is strategically important for defence preparedness, particularly during times of national emergencies.

Ganga Expressway

Ganga Expressway is a greenfield expressway project in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to connect Western UP (Meerut) with Eastern UP (Prayagraj).
Total Length: 594 km
The expressway passes through 12 districts: Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj
Strategic Importance:

- Improves East-West connectivity in UP
- Links with other expressways: Yamuna Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, and Purvanchal Expressway
- Boosts connectivity to Delhi from Eastern UP
- Facilitates last-mile access to rural areas
- Expected to boost:
  - Trade and industry
  - Agriculture and tourism
  - Socio-economic development of the region

Significance of the Ganga Expressway Airstrip

The Ganga Expressway airstrip is important addition to India’s defence infrastructure. It is designed to facilitate both day and night landings of fighter aircraft. The airstrip enhances India’s ability to respond to threats swiftly and effectively. It serves as an alternative runway for the IAF during conflicts or emergencies, showcasing the country’s strategic military capabilities.

Phases of the Airstrip Trials

The trials were conducted in two phases – daytime and nighttime. During the day, IAF jets performed various manoeuvres, including low fly-pasts. Night operations were held between 7 PM and 10 PM, testing the airstrip’s operational readiness in low-light conditions. This dual-phase approach ensured comprehensive assessment of the airstrip’s capabilities.

Aircraft Involved in the Trials

A range of advanced aircraft participated in the trials. Key players included:

Rafale: known for its electronic warfare systems and long-range missiles.
SU-30 MKI: capable of long-range strikes and equipped with advanced weaponry.
Mirage-2000: A versatile aircraft for deep penetration strikes.
MiG-29: renowned for its speed and agility.
Jaguar: utilised for precision ground attacks.
C-130J Super Hercules: essential for transporting troops and equipment.
AN-32: effective in high-altitude transport.
MI-17 V5: Used for search and rescue missions.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The Ganga Expressway airstrip is the fourth expressway in Uttar Pradesh to feature an airstrip, following the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand expressways. However, it stands out as the first with a night-landing capability. This development is expected to enhance the IAF’s strategic options and improve the overall security landscape in the region.

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