Prime Minister Modi Opens Northeast India's First Emergency Landing Facility

On February 14, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the first Emergency Landing Facility in Northeast India. The facility is located at Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, Assam, and is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure and strategic capabilities in the region. The Emergency Landing Facility, also known as ELF, is a new type of infrastructure built on a 4.2-kilometer reinforced stretch of National Highway-37. It was constructed at a cost of 100 crore rupees. The ELF is designed to serve both civilian and military needs, making it a versatile asset for the region. It can handle fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes. This allows the facility to support diverse aircraft during emergencies. The main purpose of the ELF is to act as an alternative to the Dibrugarh airport during emergencies. It can be used for emergency landings and take-offs when regular airports are not available or operational. This is especially important during natural disasters or other crises that may affect regular transportation infrastructure. During the inauguration event, Prime Minister Modi arrived in an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Chabua airfield. He also witnessed a 40-minute aerial display by Indian Air Force fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. This display showcased the capabilities of India’s military and demonstrated the operational readiness of the new facility. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh were among the notable guests present at the event. They participated in the celebrations and expressed support for the new infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strategic importance of the ELF, stating that it holds great value both strategically and during natural disasters. He emphasized that the facility strengthens India’s defensive and disaster response capabilities, especially given its proximity to borders. The ELF is located less than 300 kilometers from the Line of Actual Control with China. This close distance enhances India’s operational flexibility along its eastern frontier. The facility allows Indian forces to respond quickly to emerging situations in the region. This new infrastructure is expected to improve rapid response capabilities along sensitive borders and facilitate quicker mobilization of rescue teams, relief materials, and supplies during emergencies. It provides a vital addition to India’s military and disaster-response infrastructure in Northeast India. The inauguration of this ELF marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to expand and upgrade its strategic infrastructure. It follows the earlier establishment of an ELF in Rajasthan’s Barmer district in 2021. This recent development indicates a focused effort to improve safety and security in the northeastern region. The facility was built with the aim of supporting emergency landings and take-offs for both military and civilian aircraft. It is designed to function during emergencies when conventional airports might not be available, providing an essential backup and alternative route for air operations. Overall, the ELF is expected to reinforce India’s defense, logistics, and disaster response capabilities in the region. It allows for faster deployment of rescue and relief teams to address natural calamities or strategic needs. Located on National Highway-37 in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, this new facility is a key part of the government’s broader plans to enhance infrastructure and strategic readiness in Northeast India. It symbolizes a major step toward better securing and developing the region, ensuring quicker and more efficient responses to various emergencies. In summary, the opening of this emergency landing facility emphasizes the importance of improved infrastructure for safety, defense, and disaster preparedness in Northeast India. It boosts India’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively in times of need, strengthening the region’s overall security and resilience.