Guwahati, Feb 10 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the Dibrugarh-Moran segment of the National Highway has been upgraded not only for civilian traffic but also as an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) that can accommodate frontline fighter jets and Indian Air Force transport aircraft during emergencies.

In a message on X, Sarma highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would officially inaugurate the Emergency Landing Facility on February 14, emphasizing its critical role in national security and disaster readiness.

“The Dibrugarh-Moran section of the National Highway is designed to host not just vehicles but also India’s frontline jets and transport aircraft in cases of emergency,” the Chief Minister elaborated.

Officials revealed that the ELF has been constructed to conform to rigorous technical and safety standards necessary for military aircraft operations, featuring a reinforced surface, appropriate runway markings, and additional supporting facilities. This infrastructure is crafted to enable fighter jets and transport planes to land and take off during urgent situations, natural disasters, or elevated security scenarios, particularly in the strategically vital northeastern region.

The inauguration of the ELF is perceived as a significant enhancement to India’s defense capabilities in the Northeast, which shares borders with several nations.

Defense analysts have pointed out that such highway-based landing sites improve operational flexibility for the armed forces, facilitating quick deployment and logistical assistance without relying solely on traditional airbases.

The Dibrugarh-Moran stretch is among a limited number of national highway routes nationwide being developed as emergency landing strips as part of a larger initiative to merge civil infrastructure with defense needs.

Similar facilities have been successfully tested in various regions of India, allowing fighter jets to perform trial landings and takeoffs on highways.

Sarma remarked that this project highlights the government's commitment to bolstering strategic infrastructure in Assam and the broader Northeast. He acknowledged the effective collaboration among the Union government, the Indian Air Force, and state officials for the swift completion of the initiative.

Officials stated that the formal inauguration ceremony on February 14 would showcase the operational readiness of the facility, with attendance from high-ranking defense and civil officials. The state government considers this development a pivotal move that integrates infrastructure advancement with national security needs.

The Chief Minister further noted that such initiatives highlight Assam’s increasing significance in India’s strategic and defense framework while simultaneously fostering better connectivity and development in the area.