Assam Officials in Final Preparations for PM Modi's Historic Highway Airstrip Inauguration
In Dibrugarh district, Assam, senior state officials are engaged in meticulous preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's highly anticipated visit to Moran on February 14. The visit will mark the formal inauguration of the northeast region's first emergency landing facility (ELF) constructed on a national highway, a project of significant strategic importance.
High-Level Site Inspection and Coordination
On February 5, a comprehensive site inspection was conducted by a high-powered team led by Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and Director General of Police Harmeet Singh. The delegation included senior officers from the Indian Air Force, Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi, and Superintendent of Police Abhijit Gurav. The team thoroughly examined the 4.2-kilometer stretch of National Highway 127 at Moran, which has been specially designed to function as a dual-purpose strategic airstrip.
Following the field assessment, officials convened a crucial preparatory meeting near the venue to ensure seamless coordination between various government departments, security agencies, and the Indian Air Force. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota confirmed to media representatives that Prime Minister Modi's aircraft will land directly on the Moran ELF on February 14. After the landing ceremony, the Prime Minister will witness an impressive 20-minute aerial demonstration featuring advanced fighter aircraft including the Sukhoi-30, Rafale, and Tejas, alongside transport planes such as the Hercules and Antonov AN-32.
Security Reinforcement and Public Engagement
DGP Harmeet Singh emphasized that security arrangements are being substantially reinforced to match the high-profile nature of the event. "All security protocols and emergency drills have been rigorously reviewed in anticipation of the Prime Minister's visit. We are implementing comprehensive measures to guarantee a secure and successful event, with particular focus on venue safety and crowd management," Singh stated.
Chief Secretary Kota highlighted the historical significance of the occasion, describing it as "a rare and memorable experience for the entire region." He announced that trial runs for the aerial demonstration would commence on February 9, urging local residents, especially students and children, to witness both the trials and the main event. "This represents a unique opportunity that may not be repeated. We encourage community participation in this landmark occasion," Kota added.
Traffic Diversions and Operational Details
To facilitate final preparations and the scheduled aerial trials, the district administration has implemented significant traffic management measures. From February 6 through the conclusion of the event on February 14, all vehicular traffic on NH-127 (the ELF stretch) will be diverted through the older NH-37 route via Moran town. This temporary rerouting is essential to ensure both public safety and the uninterrupted conduct of trial operations.
The emergency landing facility represents a pioneering infrastructure development in India's northeastern region, enhancing both civilian emergency response capabilities and national defense preparedness. The dual-use highway airstrip concept allows for rapid deployment of military aircraft during emergencies while maintaining regular highway functionality during peacetime.
Local authorities have established multiple coordination centers to manage the expected influx of spectators and ensure smooth execution of all event components. The administration is working closely with community leaders to facilitate public access while maintaining strict security protocols throughout the preparation period and during the main event on February 14.
