Modi’s Historic Highway Landing

New Delhi, February 14, 2026: In a powerful display of India’s growing strategic reach and infrastructure prowess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic landing on a national highway in Assam’s Dibrugarh district today. Arriving aboard a C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, the Prime Minister’s touchdown marked the official inauguration of the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF).

The landing, which took place on a reinforced stretch of National Highway 37 (Moran Bypass), transforms a vital civilian artery into a sophisticated runway capable of supporting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most advanced combat and transport assets.

A Milestone in National Security

The Moran ELF is more than just a strip of asphalt; it is a specialized 4.2-km reinforced concrete stretch designed to handle heavy-duty operations. Built at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, the facility is engineered to support:

• Fighter Jets: Up to 40 tonnes (including Rafales and Sukhoi-30 MKIs).
• Transport Aircraft: Up to 74 tonnes (such as the C-130J and An-32).

Located roughly 300 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the ELF provides a critical operational alternative for the IAF. In the event of traditional airbases being compromised, this highway-airstrip ensures that India can maintain its air superiority and rapid response capabilities in the sensitive eastern sector.

IAF Puts on a Grand Aerial Spectacle

Following the Prime Minister’s landing, the skies over Moran erupted in a 40-minute display of military might. The IAF showcased its “dual-use” capability through:

1. Touch-and-Go Maneuvers: Rafale and Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets demonstrated their ability to utilize the highway for rapid sorties.
2. Special Operations: The elite Garud Commandos performed precision drills, while Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) conducted heli-borne and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) simulations.
3. Logistical Might: The An-32 “workhorse” aircraft joined the display, highlighting the facility’s role in cargo and troop movement.

Beyond Defense: A Lifeline for the Northeast

While the strategic implications are significant, the ELF serves a dual purpose for the civilian population. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that this infrastructure is a “critical asset” for disaster management.

“This facility will enable the quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters like floods, which frequently affect the Northeast,” the PMO stated.

By acting as an alternative to the Dibrugarh airport, the Moran ELF ensures that even in the worst weather or emergency conditions, the region remains connected to medical aid and essential supplies.

A Day of Development for Assam

The highway landing was the first leg of the Prime Minister’s day-long visit to Assam. Following the inauguration, PM Modi departed for Guwahati to launch projects worth over ₹5,500 crore, including:

• Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu: A landmark 6-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Guwahati to North Guwahati.
• Digital & Education Boost: The inauguration of the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region and the first academic session of IIM Guwahati.
• Green Mobility: The flagging off of 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme.

The historic landing on NH-37 stands as a symbol of the “New India” vision—where infrastructure is not just about connectivity, but about weaving together national security, economic growth, and disaster resilience.