Dibrugarh, Assam – In a first for Northeast India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed a C-130J aircraft Saturday on a 4.2-kilometer stretch of National Highway-37 in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, transforming a roadway into a temporary runway. The event demonstrated the region’s growing strategic importance and bolstered capabilities for defense, disaster response, and logistics.
The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF), located on the Moran Bypass, was inaugurated by Modi and will serve as a crucial alternative to the Dibrugarh airport in emergency situations, officials said. The Rs 100-crore facility is designed for both civilian and military use.
According to reports, Modi took off from the Chabua airfield after his arrival and landed at the ELF. The reinforced highway stretch will act as a strategic runway for Indian Air Force fighter jets and transport aircraft.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh were also present during the historic landing. This development underscores India’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in strategically sensitive border regions.
The ELF’s creation highlights the increasing focus on improving connectivity and rapid response capabilities in the Northeast, a region bordering China. Kerala Kaumudi reported the event as a historic moment.
A video of the landing has been released, showcasing the unique operation.
