HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Feb 11: The Indian Air Force began trial runs at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the national highway at Moran, Dibrugarh, on Wednesday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on February 14.
Large crowds of locals, students and children gathered to watch aircraft land and take off from the 4.2-km highway airstrip on NH-127. Sukhoi-30s, Rafale fighters, Tejas jets, Hercules and Antonov AN-32 aircraft participated in the trial runs, with spectators cheering as the jets performed landings and take-offs.
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The trial runs will continue until February 13 as part of preparations for the Prime Minister’s inauguration of Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility. Modi’s aircraft is scheduled to land directly on the highway airstrip before he inaugurates the facility and witnesses a 30-minute aerial demonstration.
Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota encouraged locals to witness the event, calling it a “historic and rare experience” for the region, particularly for students and children.
The facility will serve as an alternative runway for military aircraft during emergencies or wartime situations. Dibrugarh SSP Abhijit Gurav confirmed that all security arrangements and drills have been thoroughly reviewed ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
Traffic on NH-127 has been diverted via the old NH-37 through Moran town from February 6 to February 14 to facilitate the trials and main event.
Officials stated that the project enhances the operational readiness and emergency response capabilities of the Indian Air Force in Upper Assam, while reflecting the Centre’s focus on integrating civilian infrastructure with national security requirements. The emergency landing strip is expected to play a key role during natural disasters, defence emergencies and strategic operations, further strengthening Dibrugarh’s importance on the national map.
