IAF Launches Historic Trial Runs at Northeast's First Emergency Landing Facility in Moran
The skies over Moran in Dibrugar were filled with the thunderous roar of advanced fighter jets on Wednesday as the Indian Air Force (IAF) initiated trial runs at the northeast region's inaugural Emergency Landing Facility (ELF). This landmark event drew massive crowds of enthusiastic locals, eager to witness the historic aerial display in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on February 14.
A Spectacular Aerial Showcase
An impressive array of military aircraft, including Sukhoi-30s, Rafale fighters, indigenous Tejas jets, along with Hercules transporters and Antonov AN-32 aircraft, executed precise landing and take-off maneuvers on the specially constructed 4.2-kilometer highway airstrip in Moran. The demonstration captivated hundreds of spectators who lined the area, cheering and waving as these formidable machines touched down and soared back into the sky in rapid succession.
Students, children, and residents gathered at strategic vantage points along the Emergency Landing Facility on NH-127, creating a vibrant atmosphere of national pride and excitement. The trial runs, which commenced on Wednesday and will continue until February 13, are integral to the final preparations for the Prime Minister's visit, during which he will formally inaugurate the facility and observe a comprehensive aerial demonstration by the IAF.
Strategic Importance and Community Engagement
The Emergency Landing Facility represents a strategic milestone for the Indian Air Force, providing a critical alternative runway for military aircraft during emergencies or wartime scenarios when conventional airbases may be compromised. Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, who inspected the site last week, actively encouraged local participation, stating, "This will be a historic and rare experience for the region. I urge the local community, especially students and children, to come and witness the trials and main event as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
On February 14, Prime Minister Modi's aircraft is set to make history by landing directly on the Moran ELF, marking the first instance of a sitting Prime Minister's plane touching down on a highway airstrip in the northeast. Following the landing, Modi will inaugurate the facility and witness the full aerial demonstration, featuring the same aircraft currently undergoing trials.
Logistical and Security Preparations
To facilitate the trials and the main event, traffic on NH-127 has been diverted through the old NH-37 via Moran town from February 6 until February 14. Dibrugarh District Commissioner Bikram Kairi and Senior Superintendent of Police Abhijit Gurav have been coordinating closely with IAF officials to ensure the smooth execution of both phases.
SSP Gurav emphasized that elaborate security arrangements are firmly in place, noting, "All security measures and drills have been thoroughly reviewed in view of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit. We are leaving no stone unturned to guarantee a safe and successful event." The successful completion of these trial runs will pave the way for the grand inauguration, solidifying Moran's role in India's strategic aviation infrastructure and enhancing national defense capabilities in the northeastern region.
