An event that will leave an indelible influence on the nation’s ethos for decades to come took place on February 14, 2026, when PM Modi landed a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on a highway strip in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. This event marked the inauguration of the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF), turning a regular road into a vital airstrip near the China border.

It has been learned that these special highway sections have been designed to demonstrate India’s strategic plan to strengthen air defence along with rapid response capabilities during crises.

What Is an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF)?

In simple terms, an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is a reinforced stretch of a national highway that functions as a regular road daily but converts into a runway during emergencies. It meets global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to handle heavy aircraft.

Builders use thick layers of concrete and asphalt to support up to 40-ton fighter aircraft like the Sukhoi-30 MKI or 74-ton transport aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules. There are no trees, power poles, or other obstacles along the stretch. Fencing keeps animals and civilians away. This setup enables fighter jets to safely conduct touch-and-go drills.

India’s Strategic Infrastructure to Secure the Seven Sisters

India plans to develop 28 ELFs nationwide to create a strong and flexible defence network. Security concerns and strategic vulnerabilities in the Northeast have accelerated these developments.

Assam leads with five ELFs, including the new 4.2-km Moran Bypass on NH-37, built at a cost of ₹100 crore.

Other key ELFs include:

• Barmer, Rajasthan (NH-925A) – India’s first official ELF, inaugurated in 2021 near the Pakistan border.

• Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Uttar Pradesh – Mirage and Sukhoi jets conducted landings between 2015 and 2017.

• Purvanchal Expressway, Uttar Pradesh – PM Modi previously landed a C-130J here.

• Nellore, Andhra Pradesh (NH-16) – Strengthens coastal defence.

• Balasore, Odisha – Guards eastern maritime routes.

• Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir – Designed for mountainous terrain.

Additional ELFs are being developed in Gujarat, Bihar, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and West Bengal.

In Case of Emergency

During emergencies:

• Mobile fuel tankers equipped with high-pressure pumps rapidly refuel aircraft using Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).

• Portable Air Traffic Control cabins, radars, and navigation systems are deployed via trucks.

• Helicopter rescue zones and medical units remain on standby.

These features make ELFs operationally independent, even without nearby main airbases.

Strategic Importance Near the China Border

Enemies often target airbases first during conflicts. ELFs distribute and disperse air assets, making attacks significantly more difficult — a military strategy known as asset dispersal.

Rafale and Sukhoi fighter jets have already practised landings at Moran, demonstrating readiness near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

In disaster situations such as Assam’s frequent floods and earthquakes, these highway runways allow heavy aircraft to deliver relief supplies even if airports become non-functional. They also reduce dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor, strengthening logistics under India’s Act East Policy.

A Show of Strength

The Moran ELF, located close to Chabua Air Force Station, enhances India’s forward defence posture against border threats.

A major airshow featuring 16 Indian Air Force aircraft — including Rafales and C-17 Globemasters — demonstrated its capabilities.

PM Modi’s landing symbolises India’s proactive defence doctrine: highways transforming into strategic runways during peacetime. This expanding network effectively integrates civilian infrastructure with military preparedness, strengthening India’s national security shield.