IAF Trials at Assam's First Emergency Highway Landing Strip Before PM Modi's February 14 Inauguration
The Indian Air Force has commenced testing operations at the Northeast's inaugural Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) located on a highway airstrip in Moran, within Assam's Dibrugarh district. This precedes its official inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled for February 14.
Various advanced aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Rafale, indigenous Tejas jets, C-130J Hercules, and AN-32, have been engaged in landing and take-off exercises on the specially equipped 4.2-kilometre segment of National Highway-127. These trials, initiated on February 11, are set to continue until February 13 in preparation for the Prime Minister’s visit.
The aerial exercises have attracted significant attention from nearby towns and villages, with numerous spectators, including students and locals, gathering along the highway to observe the unprecedented operations. Enthusiastic cheers accompanied each landing and takeoff, reflecting the IAF’s operational readiness and adaptability.
Authorities highlighted that the Moran Emergency Landing Facility serves as a crucial strategic resource, offering an alternative runway for military aircraft in emergencies or wartime when traditional airbases might be compromised. The Prime Minister is expected to make a historic landing on the highway airstrip on February 14, marking the first such event by a sitting Prime Minister in the Northeast.
Post-landing, the Prime Minister will officially inaugurate the facility and witness a comprehensive aerial display by the Indian Air Force. To facilitate these events, traffic on NH-127 has been rerouted via the old NH-37 through Moran town until February 14.
District and police officials, working closely with IAF personnel, have implemented extensive security and logistical measures to ensure the success of the trials and the main event. Authorities indicated that the successful execution of these trial operations will solidify Moran's position as a crucial component of India's expanding strategic aviation assets in the Northeast.
