The Indian Air Force conducted a significant air demonstration at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) located on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, Assam, on February 14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the event, where Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets showcased their capabilities in front of an audience of dignitaries. The air show featured a range of fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed PM Modi upon his arrival on the stage in Dibrugarh.

About the Emergency Landing Facility

The ELF, the first of its kind in Northeast India, has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force. It is designed to accommodate both military and civilian aircraft during emergencies, significantly enhancing the region’s emergency response capabilities. This facility will play a vital role in enabling swift rescue and relief operations during natural disasters and other strategic needs. The ELF is engineered as dual-use infrastructure, capable of supporting fighter aircraft with a weight of up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft weighing up to 74 tonnes.

Development Projects Initiation

Following the air display, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate various development projects valued at over Rs 5,450 crore, which aim to bolster connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education, and urban mobility across the North-Eastern Region. Initiatives include the inspection of the newly constructed Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane extradosed Prestressed Concrete bridge spanning the River Brahmaputra.

Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu Features

This bridge, built at an approximate cost of Rs 3,030 crore, will significantly reduce travel times between Guwahati and North Guwahati to around seven minutes. Given the high seismic activity in the region, it incorporates base isolation techniques with friction pendulum bearings. The bridge also utilizes high-performance stay cables to enhance durability and longevity. A Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) is integrated to enable ongoing condition assessments, early damage detection, and to promote improved safety and service life.

National Data Centre and Digital Initiatives

Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the National Data Centre for the Northeastern region in Amingaon, Kamrup district. This advanced facility, with a sanctioned load of 8.5 MW and an average rack capacity of 10 kW, is set to support critical applications for various government departments. Additionally, it will function as a Disaster Recovery Centre to reinforce other National Data Centres. This initiative aligns with Digital India’s vision, strengthening the region’s ICT infrastructure for reliable and secure digital services.

Enhancements in Education and Urban Mobility

The inauguration of the Indian Institute of Management in Guwahati is among the highlights of the day, aimed at enhancing higher education and management training in the region. Furthermore, the rollout of over 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in cities including Guwahati, Nagpur, Bhavnagar, and Chandigarh will improve public transportation options for over 5 million residents. These developments are anticipated to positively influence urban mobility and overall quality of life in the respective areas.

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