Dibrugarh (Assam): In a landmark moment for infrastructure and defence preparedness in the Northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday touched down aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft at a newly developed emergency landing strip in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.
The Prime Minister arrived at Chabua airfield earlier in the day and later flew to the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) constructed along the Moran Bypass on National Highway-37. The specially reinforced 4.2-kilometre stretch, developed at a cost of around Rs 100 crore, is the first such facility in the region and is designed to function as an alternative runway during contingencies.
Officials said the airstrip has been built to accommodate fighter jets and transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force, enhancing operational flexibility in the strategically significant Northeast. Besides military applications, the facility can also support civilian aircraft in emergency situations, serving as a backup to Dibrugarh airport and strengthening disaster response capabilities.
After landing, the Prime Minister proceeded to a nearby venue, where he witnessed an aerial demonstration by IAF fighter planes, transport aircraft and helicopters. A large crowd gathered to watch the rare spectacle, with Modi greeting attendees as the aircraft performed manoeuvres overhead.
He was received at the site by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, along with other senior state leaders.
In a ceremonial welcome reflecting Assamese tradition, the Prime Minister was presented with a Muga gamosa and an Assamese Japi. He was also gifted a portrait of Sati Sadhini, the last Chutia queen, as well as a commemorative memento from the Indian Air Force.
Taking to social media, the Chief Minister described the visit as historic and said that each trip by the Prime Minister has brought significant milestones for Assam’s growth and development.
The inauguration of the ELF marks a major step in bolstering strategic infrastructure in the Northeast, a region that holds both defence importance and critical connectivity value for the country.
