Highway to Airstrip: Assam’s Moran ELF enhances war, disaster response capability

A 4.2-km stretch of National Highway in Assam that can transform into a military airstrip during war or disaster will be formally inaugurated on Saturday, marking the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the facility on the Moran bypass in Dibrugarh district, a strategically significant corridor located close to India’s eastern borders.

Officials said the Prime Minister will fly from New Delhi to Chabua Air Force Station on Saturday morning. From there, he will board an aircraft to land at the Moran ELF, where he will witness a major airshow featuring around 16 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft either landing or flying overhead within about 30 minutes.

Chabua is one of the key Air Force stations in the Northeast, and the new highway airstrip adds a critical layer of operational flexibility to the region’s defence infrastructure.

Strategic Importance in War-Like Situations

The Moran ELF holds significant strategic value:

The China border is approximately 300 km away.

The Myanmar border is around 200 km from the site.e

Defence officials said the facility will act as an alternate runway if conventional air bases are compromised during conflict.

“During emergency situations or any war-like scenario, this 4.2-km ELF will play a crucial role. Given its proximity to international borders, it enhances rapid deployment capability in the Northeast,” an official said.

The specially prepared stretch can handle fighter aircraft, transport planes and helicopters during defence contingencies.

Critical During Natural Disasters

Beyond military use, the ELF is expected to serve as a lifeline during disasters — a recurring challenge in flood-prone Assam.

In case of major floods, earthquakes or infrastructure damage, the highway airstrip can:

Facilitate rapid airlifting of relief materials.

Enable evacuation operations

Act as an alternate landing site if airports become unusable.

Support a helicopter-based rescue mission.s

Officials said the dual-use capability strengthens both national security and disaster response readiness in the region.

Trial runs have been underway since Wednesday, drawing large crowds eager to witness fighter aircraft land on the highway.

“All major combat aircraft have successfully landed during trials. Preparations are in full swing, and all arrangements have been made by the district administration,” an official said.

Residents expressed pride at the development.

“It’s a historic moment for us. We never imagined fighter jets would land on our highway. The four-lane development has changed connectivity, and now this makes us proud,” said Ranjan Gogoi, a resident of Moran.

With its inauguration, Assam joins a select group of states with highway airstrips capable of supporting defence operations — placing the Northeast on a stronger strategic footing during war, national emergencies and natural disasters.