PM Modi Lands on Assam's Emergency Highway Airstrip, Unveils Rs 5,500 Crore Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic landing on the North-East's first emergency landing facility, a highway airstrip at Moran in Assam's Dibrugarh district. During his visit, he rolled out a comprehensive package of infrastructure projects valued at more than Rs 5,500 crore across the poll-bound state. These initiatives span critical areas such as defence preparedness, connectivity, education, and digital capacity, marking a significant boost for the region's development.
Strategic Emergency Landing Facility Inaugurated
Modi flew from Chabua airfield aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft, touching down on the specially reinforced 4.2-kilometer stretch of the Moran bypass. Constructed at a cost of Rs 100 crore, this dual-use facility serves as both a national highway and an emergency landing strip. It is designed to function as a backup to Dibrugarh airport during natural disasters or conflicts, enhancing regional security and disaster response capabilities.
Officials highlighted that the airstrip can accommodate fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport planes with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes. This capability strengthens rapid deployment and relief operations in a sensitive region near the Chinese border, ensuring swift military and humanitarian responses when needed.
IAF Aerial Display Showcases Operational Readiness
Following the Prime Minister's landing, a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force underscored the strip's operational readiness. The demonstration featured Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters conducting takeoffs and landings, An-32 transport aircraft showcasing short-field operations, and advanced light helicopters simulating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. In a dramatic finale, Garud Commandos rappelled onto the strip, highlighting the facility's versatility for both civilian and military use.
Major Infrastructure Projects Launched in Guwahati
Later in Guwahati, Modi inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane, 7.75-kilometer concrete bridge over the Brahmaputra River. Built at a cost of Rs 3,030 crore, this bridge is the first of its kind in the North-east and significantly reduces travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati from approximately 30 minutes to about seven minutes, compared to the existing Saraighat bridge. Designed for high seismicity, it incorporates advanced features such as friction pendulum bearings and a real-time bridge health monitoring system. Modi had laid the foundation stone for this project in February 2019.
At Lachit Ghat, the Prime Minister unveiled the temporary campus of IIM Guwahati, which is the region's second IIM and India's 22nd. The permanent campus, with an investment of Rs 555 crore, will be constructed at Palasbari near Guwahati. Classes are set to begin from a transit campus at Tech City, Bongora, under the mentorship of IIM Ahmedabad, fostering educational growth in the area.
Digital and Connectivity Enhancements Announced
Modi also inaugurated the North-East's National Data Centre at Amingaon in Kamrup, a Rs 348-crore facility with an 8.5-MW sanctioned load and advanced rack capacity. This centre will host mission-critical government applications and serve as a disaster recovery hub under the Digital India initiative, bolstering the region's digital infrastructure. Additionally, a fleet of electric buses and other connectivity projects were launched, further improving transportation and environmental sustainability in Assam.
These projects collectively represent a major push towards enhancing Assam's infrastructure, security, and economic prospects, aligning with broader national development goals.
