Feb-14: PM Modi to Open Northeast’s Landmark Highway Airstrip

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Dibrugarh–Moran stretch of National Highway 127 on Feb 14. He described the occasion as a landmark moment for Assam and the entire Northeast’s. In a first for the region, the Prime Minister’s aircraft will land directly on the National Highway and later take off from the specially developed four-lane airstrip at Moran, instead of using a conventional airport runway. The event highlights the Centre’s push to strengthen strategic and transport infrastructure in border states.

According to Sarma, PM Modi will depart from New Delhi at 7:15 am and arrive at Chabua Air Force Station at 9:50 am. From there, he will travel to Moran, where his aircraft will land on the advanced landing facility at around 10 am. After completing the formal inauguration and related engagements, the Prime Minister will take off from the same highway stretch. State officials have coordinated closely with defence authorities and civil agencies to ensure that the landing and take-off operations proceed smoothly and safely.

4.2-Km Dual-Use Stretch to Be Inaugurated on Feb 14

Engineers constructed the 4.2-kilometre reinforced concrete stretch specifically to function as an emergency runway. The facility can handle both military and civilian aircraft, making it a dual-use infrastructure asset. Designers removed the central divider along this portion of the highway to allow unobstructed aircraft movement. Authorities also installed strong fencing on both sides and cleared temporary roadside structures to maintain high safety standards. These steps ensure that aircraft operations can take place without logistical hurdles.

At the same time, the Dibrugarh district administration has tightened security arrangements in the area. Officials imposed restrictions on public gatherings and vehicular movement starting February 6. Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely and have deployed additional personnel to manage traffic and maintain order during the Prime Minister’s visit.

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Strategic Boost for Upper Assam

The Moran Emergency Landing Facility carries major strategic importance due to its location in Upper Assam. The site lies a few hundred kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and remains close to the Myanmar border. Because of this proximity, the facility will strengthen India’s operational flexibility in the region. Defence forces can use the airstrip during emergencies or special operations, while civil authorities can rely on it during natural disasters or airport disruptions.

The government plans to use the ELF as an alternative landing option if Dibrugarh Airport or Chabua Air Force Station becomes unavailable for any reason. Officials believe this added capability will enhance regional preparedness and improve rapid response capacity. Meanwhile, Sarma said that PM Modi is likely to visit Assam again in March for a two-day programme, tentatively scheduled for March 6 and 7, further reinforcing the Centre’s development focus on the state.

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