Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway in Moran, Assam’s Dibrugarh district. This facility is the first of its kind in the northeastern region. Following the inauguration, an air show by the Indian Air Force (IAF) was witnessed, featuring Rafale, Sukhoi, and MIG fighter aircraft.
The air show showcased the successful take-off and landing of the fighter aircraft on the highway strip. Around one lakh people gathered to witness this historic event on Saturday. The ELF, located in Upper Assam on the Moran Bypass, is a strategic addition to India’s military infrastructure in the Northeast.
Designed as an alternative landing option, the Moran ELF provides enhanced operational flexibility to the IAF in the region. It serves as a crucial facility in situations where the Dibrugarh Airport or the Chabua Air Force Station face operational constraints or emergencies. This 4.2-km-long reinforced concrete strip can handle both military and civilian aircraft, strengthening the IAF’s ability to respond swiftly to contingencies near sensitive border areas.
Unlike traditional fixed airbases, highway-based landing facilities like the Moran ELF offer mobility, redundancy, and operational surprise. The absence of a central road divider at this facility allows smooth aircraft movement during landing and take-off operations. Safety measures include fencing on both sides of the stretch and the removal of temporary roadside structures for operational readiness.
The Moran ELF’s strategic importance is further highlighted by its proximity to the India-China border. This facility represents an eastward expansion of critical infrastructure, which was previously concentrated in other regions of India. Constructed in coordination with the IAF, the Moran ELF is capable of accommodating fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 74 tonnes.
