Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a landmark landing at Northeast India’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Moran during his one-day visit to Assam, marking a major boost to the region’s strategic and disaster-response infrastructure ahead of the upcoming state polls.
The Prime Minister arrived at Chabua airfield and then flew aboard a C-130J aircraft to land at the newly built ELF located on a reinforced stretch of National Highway-37 at Moran. The specially developed airstrip is designed to function as a dual-use runway for both defence and civilian emergency operations.
Strategic Runway for Defence and Disaster Response
Built at an estimated cost of around ₹100 crore, the 4.2-km Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran Bypass has been developed as a multi-functional airstrip capable of handling fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft. Officials said the facility will significantly strengthen rapid response capabilities during natural disasters and security contingencies in the Northeast.
The runway can support fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 74 tonnes. It is also intended to serve as an alternative landing option to Dibrugarh airport during emergencies. The facility will be used by the Indian Air Force for operational flexibility and logistics support.
After landing, the Prime Minister witnessed a 40-minute air show featuring frontline fighter and combat aircraft, including Tejas, Sukhoi and Rafale jets, demonstrating the operational readiness enabled by the new strip.
In a message shared earlier, the Prime Minister said the ELF would play a vital role in enabling faster rescue and relief deployment during critical situations and enhance last-mile emergency access in the region.
Major Connectivity and Education Projects Launched
During the visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and dedicated several major development projects aimed at improving connectivity and urban infrastructure.
A key highlight was the inauguration of a new bridge over the Brahmaputra River connecting Guwahati with North Guwahati. The bridge is expected to ease traffic congestion, cut travel time, and strengthen connectivity between the northern and southern banks of the river.
He also inaugurated the temporary campus of Indian Institute of Management Guwahati at Bongora, a step seen as important for expanding higher management education capacity in the Northeast.
Push for Clean Urban Transport
As part of green mobility efforts, the Prime Minister flagged off 100 additional electric buses for Guwahati’s public transport network. The move is aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and strengthening mass transit options in the fast-growing city.
The visit also included an interaction with workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, where the Prime Minister outlined development priorities and organisational goals ahead of the elections.
Officials said the combined defence, connectivity, education and clean-transport initiatives signal a coordinated push to strengthen infrastructure and strategic readiness across Assam and the wider Northeast.
