PM Modi lands on NH in Dibrugarh aboard Hercules aircraft, fighter jets take off near China border

Guwahati (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Assam, where he will dedicate several major development projects to the state. In Dibrugarh, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway and personally landed on the highway aboard an Indian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.

During the inauguration, fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force took off from the same airstrip, demonstrating operational readiness. Dibrugarh is located around 250–300 kilometres from the India–China border in Arunachal Pradesh, near the McMahon Line/LAC, which further enhances the strategic importance of this facility.

Providing details of the programme, Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma said that the Moranhat Emergency Landing Facility was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. He stated that from trial runs to successful operations, the project marks a significant step towards improved connectivity and strategic strength.

The Chief Minister credited the Prime Minister for strengthening national defence preparedness and infrastructure development, noting that the Moranhat ELF will enable Indian Air Force aircraft to operate from the site whenever required. He added that Assam is proud to contribute to this important strategic initiative.

A 4.2-kilometre reinforced concrete stretch on National Highway 127 between Dibrugarh and Moranhat has been developed as a dual-use airstrip in coordination with the Indian Air Force. This is the first highway airstrip in the Northeast, capable of supporting fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters during emergencies and strategic operations.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various projects worth over ₹5,450 crore in Assam. After the Moranhat programme, he will travel to Guwahati, where he will inspect the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu built over the Brahmaputra.

In addition, a National Data Centre for the Northeast was inaugurated at Amingaon. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate Indian Institute of Management Guwahati and flag off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. After completing his engagements, he will return to New Delhi.