Assam to Develop Northeast’s First Dual-Use Highway Airstrip for Military and Civilian Landings
Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, revealed on Sunday plans to transform part of a national highway near Dibrugarh into an emergency landing strip suitable for Indian Air Force fighter jets and civilian aircraft. This development will mark the first dual-use highway airstrip in the northeastern region.
In a discussion with reporters, Sarma mentioned that the Union government has sanctioned the conversion of a 4.2 km segment between Moran and Numaligarh on the highway passing through Dibrugarh. Designed to accommodate emergency landings for fighter jets like the Sukhoi 30 and Rafale, the project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and is slated for completion by October 2025.
The Chief Minister noted, "We are targeting October this year to prepare the 4.2 km stretch of national highway for landing Air Force fighter jets. I have been in constant communication with the Air Force authorities to meet this goal. The work will be conducted under their supervision. After the highway is ready for fighter jet landings, we plan to hold an air show for the public."
Sarma also highlighted the airstrip's role as an emergency option for civilian aircraft. "Should any civilian aircraft face difficulties landing at Dibrugarh airport, an emergency landing on the national highway will be possible," he added.
Beyond the Dibrugarh project, the Central government has authorized similar highway-based emergency landing facilities at two additional sites in Assam. These will be located in lower Assam and between Nagaon and Lumding, with work set to begin shortly.
Sarma stressed that these projects demonstrate the remarkable progress in road and defense infrastructure that Assam is experiencing under the current government.
