Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first emergency landing facility (ELF) in North-East India at Moran in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, marking a major milestone in strategic and infrastructure development. The specially designed 4.2-km stretch on the Moran bypass has been reinforced to function as both a highway and an airstrip, allowing fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft to land during emergencies.

Strategic Highway Airstrip at Moran

The airstrip, built at an estimated cost of around Rs 100 crore, is capable of supporting aircraft operations in times of war, natural disasters, or airport shutdowns. The facility is designed to handle fighter aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Dassault Rafale, as well as transport aircraft like the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and AN-32.

During the event, the Indian Air Force conducted fly-pasts and landing demonstrations to showcase the operational readiness of the strip. Officials highlighted that such facilities are crucial in the North-East, given its proximity to sensitive international borders.

Rs 5,500 Crore Infrastructure Push

Apart from the airstrip inauguration, the Prime Minister announced and launched multiple projects worth over Rs 5,500 crore, covering sectors like defence logistics, road connectivity, digital infrastructure, and higher education.

One of the major highlights was the inauguration of the six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati. The bridge, known as the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, spans 7.75 km and aims to significantly reduce travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati. Built at a cost of approximately Rs 3,030 crore, the bridge features seismic-resistant technology, including friction pendulum bearings and a real-time structural monitoring system.

Boost to Higher Education: IIM Guwahati

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the temporary campus of Indian Institute of Management Guwahati at Lachit Ghat. IIM Guwahati is the second IIM in the North-East and the 22nd in India. The permanent campus at Palasbari is being developed with a proposed outlay of Rs 555 crore. The institute is currently functioning under the mentorship of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.

National Data Centre and Digital Push

In Amingaon, Kamrup district, Modi inaugurated the North-East’s National Data Centre, developed under the Digital India programme. With a sanctioned capacity of 8.5 MW, the centre will host critical government applications and act as a disaster recovery hub, strengthening digital governance in the region.

Additionally, the Prime Minister flagged off electric buses and unveiled various connectivity initiatives aimed at modernizing transport networks in Assam.

Strengthening the North-East’s Strategic Importance

The inauguration of the highway airstrip and associated projects underscores the Centre’s focus on improving infrastructure and strategic preparedness in the North-East. By integrating defence utility with civilian infrastructure, the government aims to enhance rapid response capabilities while simultaneously improving connectivity and economic prospects in the region.

With defence readiness, digital expansion, and educational growth converging in one visit, the projects signal a comprehensive push toward transforming Assam into a key strategic and economic hub in eastern India.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share