Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday scripted history by landing aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft at the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway in Moran, Assam. The landmark touchdown marks a significant boost to India’s defence preparedness and disaster response infrastructure in the strategically important region.
The Emergency Landing Facility has been developed to allow military and rescue aircraft to land on highways during emergencies. Earlier, PM Modi had described the ELF as a “vital asset” that would strengthen rapid response capabilities, especially during natural disasters and other challenging situations. The Northeast is prone to floods and earthquakes, making such infrastructure crucial for timely rescue and relief operations.
Officials said the facility will enhance both civilian and military logistics, particularly given Assam’s proximity to international borders. The successful landing of the C-130J, a tactical airlift aircraft known for operating in difficult terrains, demonstrated the operational readiness of the newly built strip.
Following the historic landing in Moran, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Guwahati, where he will inaugurate and dedicate multiple development projects at Lachit Ghat. The projects are expected to focus on infrastructure expansion and regional connectivity, reinforcing the Centre’s emphasis on the development of the Northeast.
The event underlines the government’s continued push to integrate strategic infrastructure with public welfare objectives. With the commissioning of the highway-based landing strip, Assam becomes a key hub for rapid deployment operations in the region, reflecting a blend of national security planning and disaster management preparedness.
