Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inspected the construction site of the state’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Sunday, located in Jatiyani village near Moran. This strategic project, a collaboration between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), is being developed along National Highway 2.
The facility is being built along an 11-kilometer stretch of four-lane highway, spanning from the Polo Club in Khatkhati to Tiloijan. A reinforced core segment of 4.2 kilometers, stretching from the Polo Club to Rassipathar, will be specifically designed to accommodate emergency landings and take-offs of military aircraft such as Rafale, Tejas, and MiG, particularly in times of crises, natural disasters, or war.
During his visit, CM Sarma announced that the project is expected to be completed by October 2025. Once operational, it will also act as a crucial landing base for helicopters during flood emergencies. The Chief Minister also revealed plans for an air show at the facility post-completion to demonstrate its operational readiness.
“This is a historic development for the Northeast. It will significantly enhance both our defense preparedness and disaster response capabilities,” CM Sarma stated. “This initiative is part of a national strategy to establish ELFs every 50 to 100 kilometers to bolster national security.”
The ELF at Moran is one of several such facilities planned across Assam. Additional projects have been approved for areas between Barama and Tihu in Lower Assam, as well as Hojai-Lanka and Lumding in Central Assam.
The high-level inspection featured notable attendees, including Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, MLAs Chakradhar Gogoi, Taranga Gogoi, and Susanta Borgohain, along with ATDC Chairman Rituparna Baruah, IAF Group Captain Ashish Dhankhar, NHIDCL General Manager Rupesh Kumar, and other senior defense and government officials.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-cm-reviews-progress-of-northeasts-first-emergency-landing-strip-coming-up-in-moran-1236835-2025-06-30?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-06-30 08:11:00
