Assam CM Conducts Final Inspection of Northeast's First Highway Airstrip
In a significant prelude to a historic event, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma carried out a comprehensive final inspection of the northeast's inaugural Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran in Dibrugarh on Thursday. This critical review comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on February 14, when his aircraft is set to make a groundbreaking landing on the national highway, marking a first for a sitting Prime Minister in the region.
Preparations for PM Modi's Landmark Visit
Accompanied by top officials, Chief Minister Sarma arrived at the ELF site at 6:20 PM to meticulously assess the preparations for Modi's visit. The Prime Minister will not only formally inaugurate this strategic facility but also witness a 30-minute aerial demonstration by the Indian Air Force, showcasing the nation's aerial prowess. This event underscores the government's commitment to enhancing emergency infrastructure and connectivity in the northeast.
Dress Rehearsals and Aerial Demonstrations
For the second consecutive day, intensive dress rehearsals were conducted on Thursday, with fighter jets and other aircraft performing practice runs to ensure flawless execution during the main event. These trial runs follow Wednesday's impressive aerial display, where a fleet of advanced aircraft, including Sukhoi-30s, Rafale fighters, indigenous Tejas jets, Hercules transporters, and Antonov AN-32 aircraft, executed precise landing and take-off manoeuvres on the specially constructed 4.2-kilometer highway airstrip. The rehearsals highlight the meticulous planning and coordination involved in this high-profile operation.
The establishment of the Emergency Landing Facility represents a major leap in India's infrastructure development, particularly for the northeastern states. It is designed to serve dual purposes: enhancing emergency response capabilities and bolstering national security. The facility's strategic location in Dibrugarh, a key district in Assam, is expected to improve accessibility and support during crises, while also demonstrating technological advancements in aviation infrastructure.
As the nation awaits Prime Minister Modi's visit, this initiative reflects the broader efforts to integrate remote regions into the national mainstream, fostering economic growth and resilience. The successful implementation of such projects could pave the way for similar developments across India, reinforcing the government's focus on innovation and regional development.
