Highways As Runways: Northeast's First Emergency Landing Facility Serves As A Bold Signal To China

New Delhi: In a historic feat for Northeast India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) by landing on a 4.2-kilometer segment of the Moran bypass on National Highway-37 today.

The Prime Minister arrived aboard a C-130J transport aircraft to mark the opening of the strategic landing strip.

What is ELF?

Built at a cost of Rs 100 crore, the ELF is the first of its kind in Northeast India. It has been designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support the landing and takeoff of military and civilian aircraft during emergencies.

It will serve as a critical asset for emergency response, enabling quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters or strategic requirements in the Northeast.

Envisioned as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF is capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight.

Strategic importance: The China factor

The Moran ELF significantly bolsters India’s northeastern defense, serving as a strategic counterweight to the numerous Chinese airbases near the border.

Along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has positioned multiple Indian Air Force bases to balance China’s air presence across the border. One of the two Rafale squadrons is stationed at Hashimara in West Bengal, strategically located north of the Siliguri Corridor and just south of Bhutan. This region is considered particularly sensitive because of its geographic vulnerability.

During the 2017 Doklam standoff, India was prepared to prevent any Chinese attempt to alter the status quo in this strategically critical zone. Other key IAF bases in the eastern sector include Tezpur, Jorhat, and Chabua in Assam, which strengthen India’s air posture in the Northeast.

Across the border, China operates several air bases, giving it substantial airpower in the region. In a conflict scenario, fixed airbases on both sides would be prime targets, and aircraft parked on the ground would be especially exposed to missile or air strikes.

This is why emergency landing facilities (ELFs) and alternate airstrips are vital. They allow fighter jets to disperse quickly, operate from multiple locations, and reduce vulnerability, thereby enhancing survivability during hostilities.

By converting highway segments into functional airstrips, India gains vital operational redundancy, allowing for the quick deployment, refueling, and rearming of aircraft during a conflict.

PM Modi hails Emergency Landing Facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strategic importance of the newly established Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, describing it as a "matter of immense pride".
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "It is a matter of immense pride that the Northeast gets an Emergency Landing Facility. From a strategic point of view and during times of natural disasters, this facility is of great importance."

Earlier in the day, the Indian Air Force conducted an air display at the ELF on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, with its Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets taking off in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries watching the air display. 

PM Modi witnessed an aerial display of fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters.

Also Read: PM Modi Makes Historic Touchdown Aboard C-130J Aircraft on Assam’s First Emergency Landing Facility