Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic landing aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on a specially developed emergency runway along National Highway 127 in Assam. The dramatic touchdown took place at the Moran bypass during his one-day visit to the state ahead of the Assembly elections. Stretching 4.2 kilometres and built at a cost of ₹100 crore, the emergency landing facility is designed to enable fighter jets and transport aircraft to operate during wartime or natural disasters. It will also function as an alternative to Dibrugarh Airport in critical situations. Calling it a major boost to disaster response preparedness, the Prime Minister said the facility would significantly strengthen rapid rescue and relief operations.
The inauguration was marked by an impressive 40-minute air display featuring fighter jets and helicopters of the Indian Air Force, underscoring the airstrip’s operational capability. At Chabua Airfield, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. During the visit, he also dedicated development projects worth ₹5,450 crore to the nation, aimed at accelerating growth in the Northeast. PM is scheduled to address a BJP public meeting as part of his tour. Notably, India’s first such highway emergency landing strip was inaugurated in 2021 in Barmer district of Rajasthan, and the Assam facility marks another major step in strengthening the country’s defence and emergency infrastructure.
