Northeast India’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh district, marking a major boost to India’s strategic and civil defence infrastructure.

First-of-its-Kind Facility in Northeast

The ELF has been designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support landing and take-off of military and civil aircraft during emergencies.

The 4.2-km highway stretch, normally used by heavy vehicles, has been upgraded into an emergency landing strip capable of handling fighter jets and other aircraft during disasters or contingencies.

The four-lane project was conceptualised in 2021 and completed in 2025 at a cost of ₹99.86 crore.

Air Display by Fighter Jets

Soon after inauguration, the IAF conducted an air display featuring aircraft including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Dassault Rafale fighter jets, along with other aircraft and helicopters.

The jets successfully took off from and landed on the specially reinforced highway strip in the presence of the Prime Minister and dignitaries.

Strategic Importance

The facility is seen as a major strategic addition in Upper Assam, located near sensitive frontier regions. It will serve as an alternative landing option if Dibrugarh Airport or Chabua Air Force Station becomes unavailable due to emergencies or operational constraints.