Northeast To Get First Emergency Landing Strip in Assam's Moran; CM Reviews Progress

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday visited Jatiyani Village near Moran to review progress on the state's first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF), currently under construction on National Highway 2.

This strategic project is being developed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

The ELF is being constructed on an 11-km four-lane highway stretch between the Polo Club in Khatkhati and Tiloijan. A core 4.2-km section, extending from Polo Club to Rassipathar, is being specially reinforced to accommodate emergency landings and take-offs by aircraft like the Rafale, Tejas, and MiG. The facility is designed to be operational during national emergencies, disasters, and wartime situations.

What you are seeing in this picture is not just a highway; it is North East's first Emergency Landing Facility 🛬

📍 Moran, Assam pic.twitter.com/nNsYvtw4ax

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 29, 2025

Speaking to the media during the inspection, CM Sarma announced that the project is expected to be completed by October 2025. Once operational, the facility will not only support military aircraft but will also allow helicopters to land during flood emergencies. He also hinted at plans to host an air show upon its completion.

"This project marks a significant milestone for the Northeast, enhancing both our national security infrastructure and our disaster response capabilities," Sarma said. "It is the first of its kind in the region and a part of a broader initiative by the Central Government to construct ELFs across the country at intervals of 50 to 100 km."

The ELF at Moran is one of several planned across Assam, with similar projects sanctioned for construction between Barama and Tihu in Lower Assam and between Hojai-Lanka and Lumding in Central Assam.

The inspection was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, MLAs Chakradhar Gogoi, Taranga Gogoi, and Susanta Borgohain, ATDC Chairman Rituparna Baruah, IAF Group Captain Ashish Dhankhar, NHIDCL General Manager Rupesh Kumar, and other senior government and defense officials.

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