Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility Inaugurated in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. The strategic infrastructure, located on the Moran Bypass, marks a major boost to India’s defence preparedness and disaster response capability in the region. The Prime Minister made a historic landing at the facility and witnessed a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force, showcasing fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters.

What is the Emergency Landing Facility?

The Emergency Landing Facility is a specially designed highway airstrip constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force. It enables the landing and take-off of military and select civil aircraft during emergencies. This is the first such facility in Northeast India, a region of high strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders. The ELF enhances rapid deployment capability and strengthens national security infrastructure in the region.

Key Features of the Moran ELF

The facility is 4.2 kilometres long and has been built at a cost of around ₹100 crore. It is capable of handling fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes. Advanced surface engineering ensures durability and high load-bearing capacity. During the inauguration, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets successfully operated from the strip, demonstrating its operational readiness.

Strategic and Disaster Response Significance

The ELF allows quick emergency response and deployment during natural disasters, strategic contingencies, or security operations. The Northeast is prone to floods and seismic activity, making rapid air connectivity crucial. The facility provides an alternative airstrip in case conventional airbases are unavailable. It strengthens India’s integrated civil-military infrastructure model and enhances logistical flexibility in sensitive border areas.

Important Facts for Exams

• Moran ELF is the first Emergency Landing Facility in Northeast India.
• Length of the facility is 4.2 km and cost is about ₹100 crore.
• Can handle fighter jets up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes.
• Built in coordination with the Indian Air Force for dual-use operations.

Associated Development Initiatives in Assam

Alongside the ELF inauguration, multiple development projects were launched in Assam. These include major connectivity projects, digital infrastructure upgrades and urban mobility initiatives. A new National Data Centre for the Northeastern region and the inauguration of IIM Guwahati aim to strengthen digital governance and higher education. The combined initiatives reflect a broader push to enhance infrastructure, strategic capability and economic growth in the Northeast.