Historic Touchdown: PM Modi Lands at Northeast's First Highway Emergency Landing Facility in Assam
In a landmark event for India's strategic infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic touchdown at the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Assam's Dibrugarh district on February 14, 2026. The Prime Minister arrived aboard a C-130J aircraft, taking off from Chabua airfield, to inaugurate this crucial ₹100-crore project that marks a significant advancement in regional security and disaster preparedness.
A Strategic Airstrip Unveiled
The newly unveiled 4.2-kilometer reinforced stretch at Moran has been specifically designed to function as an Emergency Landing Facility capable of supporting fighter jets and transport aircraft during crises. This strategic airstrip represents a paradigm shift in securing India's Northeast while strengthening disaster response capabilities across the region.
Following his historic landing, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and several Assam cabinet ministers. The Prime Minister received a traditional Assamese welcome, complete with an Assamese 'Japi' (headgear) and Muga gamosa, symbolizing the cultural significance of this momentous occasion.
Indian Air Force Stages Spectacular Aerial Demonstration
The Indian Air Force staged an impressive over 20-minute aerial demonstration to showcase operational capability at the new facility. The display featured:
- Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale jets performing precision take-offs and flypasts
- Formations of three Sukhoi-30 MKIs and three Rafales flying in quick succession
- The versatile An-32 transport helicopter performing touch-and-go manoeuvres
- Advanced Light Helicopters demonstrating special heli-borne operations
The aerial show kicked off with a Sukhoi-30 MKI taking off first, followed by a Rafale jet, with fighter jets roaring across the Moran skies in a display of India's aerial prowess.
Enhanced Disaster Response Capabilities
The event highlighted the facility's dual purpose in both security operations and disaster management. Advanced Light Helicopters demonstrated special heli-borne operations by deploying commandos at the airstrip, followed by relief and medical evacuation simulations that emphasized the enhanced disaster-response readiness this facility brings to the Northeast region.
Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a memento from the Indian Air Force during the ceremony, commemorating this historic achievement in India's defense infrastructure.
A Matter of National Pride
Prime Minister Modi hailed the new Emergency Landing Facility as "a matter of immense pride" for the nation, emphasizing its significance in securing India's Northeast while strengthening disaster response capability. The Prime Minister waved at the large gathering assembled for the event, acknowledging the importance of this strategic development for regional security and emergency preparedness.
This historic touchdown represents more than just an infrastructure milestone—it signifies India's commitment to enhancing security infrastructure in the Northeast while improving emergency response mechanisms for natural disasters and other crises. The facility's capability to handle both fighter jets and transport aircraft makes it a versatile asset for both defense operations and humanitarian missions.
