Assam has stepped up its plans to enhance strategic infrastructure by requesting the Centre to establish more emergency landing facilities (ELFs) across the state. The move comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed on the Northeast’s first highway airstrip at Moran in Dibrugarh district, marking a major milestone in the region’s aviation and defence capabilities.
The Moran ELF, a 4.2‑kilometre reinforced stretch of National Highway‑37, was inaugurated recently and is designed to accommodate both military and civilian aircraft, including transport planes and fighter jets. The facility, which cost approximately ₹100 crore, demonstrates India’s increasing focus on the Northeast as a critical frontier for defence and disaster preparedness.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the “extreme strategic importance” of such installations, highlighting their dual role in supporting defence operations and providing access during emergencies, such as floods or other natural disasters. He noted that the Prime Minister’s visit, along with the presence of the Air Chief Marshal, underscored the government’s commitment to regional security and rapid response capability.
The state government has proposed that at least four to five additional ELFs be constructed in remote and flood‑prone areas. These facilities would act as backup hubs for logistical operations and emergency landings, ensuring that even during crises, the region remains accessible by air.
Alongside the ELF expansion plan, Assam is exploring the development of four new regional airports at Majuli, Diphu, Umrangso, and Manas, in partnership with the Civil Aviation Ministry. Feasibility studies are expected to commence soon, with the aim of significantly improving regional connectivity over the next five years.
These initiatives are part of a larger strategic push in Assam, which includes projects such as a twin‑tube road‑cum‑rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra and a railway line beneath the Siliguri Corridor, all designed to strengthen national security, disaster readiness, and economic growth in the Northeast.
Also Read: PM Modi, Emmanuel Macron to meet in Mumbai
