Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday inspected northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), currently under construction at Jatiyani village near Moran in Dibrugarh district.
The 4.2 km-long facility, being built at Rs 99.86 crore on a four-lane highway stretch, is set to be fully operational by Oct after final technical clearances.
The strategic ELF project is a collaborative effort between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The facility is being built on an 11-kilometre four-lane highway stretch between the Polo Club in Khatkhati and Tiloijan.
During his visit, the CM was briefed by officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the IAF, who informed him that the project has achieved 99% completion and will be ready by Jul 31.
The ELF is designed to serve both military and civilian purposes. During emergencies, civilian aircraft can utilise the facility.
Additionally, it will support fighter jets like Sukhoi-30s, Rafales, and Tejas, as well as transport aircraft such as Hercules and Antonov AN-32. During emergencies, the designated highway stretch will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic and converted into an airstrip.
“The ELF will be a game-changer during emergencies. Not only will military aircraft benefit, but civilian flights in distress can also land here. If any civilian aircraft faces a problem while landing at Dibrugarh Airport, it can land on the ELF,” the CM Sarma said.
The initiative is part of a nationwide plan to establish ELFs every 50 to 100 kilometres to strengthen national security, he added.
He also announced plans for a commemorative air show during the facility’s activation ceremony.
“An air show will be organised during the activation of the ELF. I believe that the ELF will be ready for activation from Oct,” Sarma stated.
The CM said the ELF would also enhance disaster response capabilities, particularly during Assam’s frequent floods.
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The ELF at Moran is among multiple such facilities planned across Assam. Additional projects have been approved for areas between Barama and Tihu in Lower Assam and Hojai-Lanka and Lumding in Central Assam.
