Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the North-East's first Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh, Assam

¨     Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the North-East’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on 14 February, 2026 in Dibrugarh, Assam.

¨     PM Modi inaugurated it by making a historic landing in a C-130J aircraft, marking the beginning of his one-day visit to the poll-bound state.

¨     The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is the first facility of its kind in Northeast India. It has been specially designed and built in collaboration with the Indian Air Force to assist in the landing and take-off of military and civil aircraft during emergencies.

¨     A 4.2 km stretch of highway, usually used by heavy vehicles, has now been upgraded as an emergency landing strip for the Armed Forces during disasters or contingencies.

¨     Conceptualized in 2021 and completed in 2025 at a cost of ₹99.86 crore, the four-lane ELF project has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to support the landing and take-off of both military and civilian aircraft.

¨     During a 20-minute air show, the Indian Air Force demonstrated touch-and-go operations and evacuation procedures, giving people an opportunity to see how emergency missions are carried out. Rafale jets, Sukhoi aircraft and C-130J participated in the display.

Emergency Landing Facility

¨     The ELF passes through Khelmati, Chagkipathar, Natunmaji, Jationi and Digholia villages of Dibrugarh district. Along with strengthening national security, the project is expected to improve regional connectivity in the Northeast and enhance disaster-response capability.

¨     Seen as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF can handle fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 74 tonnes.

¨     A special feature of the Moran ELF is that it does not have a road divider in the middle, allowing aircraft to move easily during landing and take-off operations.

¨     If Dibrugarh Airport or Chabua Air Force Station become unavailable due to operational issues or emergencies, it will serve as an alternate landing option.

¨     So far, most such emergency landing strips in India were located in western, northern and central regions. The Moran ELF is the first for the Northeast.