Dibrugarh, February 14, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated a crucial Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass of National Highway-37 in Dibrugarh, Assam. The facility is designed to strengthen India’s air defense capabilities and provide vital logistics support along the country’s sensitive northeastern borders.
The Moran ELF is the latest addition to a series of strategic airstrips being developed on national highways across the country. Built to withstand the weight and speed of heavy military aircraft, the facility allows fighter jets and transport planes of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to land and take off during emergencies or in the event of traditional airbases being unavailable. The strategic location in Upper Assam is particularly significant given its proximity to the international border, enhancing the rapid response time for the armed forces.
Beyond its military importance, the Prime Minister highlighted that the facility would serve a dual purpose by aiding civilian relief operations. In the event of natural disasters such as floods, which frequently affect the Brahmaputra valley, the ELF can be utilized for large-scale rescue missions and the swift delivery of essential supplies to remote areas. This infrastructure is a key component of the government’s “PM Gati Shakti” vision, which aims to integrate national security requirements with civilian infrastructure development.
The inauguration was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the IAF, and the State Government of Assam. The facility features a dedicated parking bay and a reinforced stretch of highway, ensuring that it can transition from a standard road to a functional runway within a very short timeframe. This development is expected to further boost the strategic importance of Dibrugarh as a major logistical hub for both the military and the evolving economic landscape of the Northeast.
