PM Modi makes historic touchdown aboard C-130J aircraft on Assam's first emergency landing highway
PTC News Desk: In a historic first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft landed at the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Assam’s Moran on Saturday morning, marking significant milestone in the state’s strategic and infrastructure development.
The stretch of the national highway has been specially designed for to facilitate Indian Air Force fighter jets to take off and land during emergencies.
PM Modi inaugurated the facility in Assam by making first landing on the 4.2 km stretch. The inauguration comes at a time when Assam is scheduled to hold assembly elections in March-April this year.
The facility is expected to boost defence preparedness, logistics, and disaster response in the region. It has been built for both civilian and military purposes and can serve as an alternative to the Dibrugarh Airport during emergencies. The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) can accommodate fighter jets weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes.
The Prime Minister also watched a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force, which featured fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. The show highlighted the operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force and demonstrated the dual-use capability of the highway.
- With inputs from agencies
