Detailed Notes
Emergency Landing Facility in Assam: Location, Features and Strategic Importance
This 4.2 kilometre specially reinforced highway stretch was inaugurated on February 14, 2026, marking a historic milestone in India's strategic defence infrastructure. The inauguration was carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who landed at the facility aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft.
Exact Location Details
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Location: Moran Bypass, Dibrugarh district, Upper Assam
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Highway: NH-127 (formerly NH-37)
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Length: 4.2 kilometres
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Distance from LAC: Less than 300 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control with China
The facility is strategically positioned in Upper Assam, close to the sensitive India-China border, enhancing India's operational readiness in the Northeast.
What is the Emergency Landing Facility?
The Emergency Landing Facility is a specially designed highway airstrip that can transform from a regular national highway into an operational runway within minutes. Under normal conditions, the stretch functions as a four-lane road for daily traffic. During emergencies, it can be sealed and used by the Indian Air Force for aircraft landing and take-off operations.
It is the first Emergency Landing Facility in Northeast India.
Technical Specifications and Capacity
The Moran Emergency Landing Facility has been constructed to handle heavy military aircraft. Its key specifications include:
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Capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes
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Can accommodate transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes
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Reinforced concrete surface designed for high load-bearing capacity
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Built to sustain repeated aircraft landings
The project was executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd in coordination with the Indian Air Force. The total cost of the project is approximately Rs 100 crore.
Strategic and National Importance
The location of the Emergency Landing Facility gives it immense strategic value.
1. Alternative Airstrip During Conflict
If major airbases such as Chabua are damaged or compromised during conflict, the Moran facility can function as an alternative landing ground. This enhances operational flexibility and strengthens national security.
2. Proximity to India-China Border
Being less than 300 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control, the facility strengthens India's defence preparedness in a sensitive frontier region.
3. Disaster Response Capability
Assam and the Northeast are prone to floods and earthquakes. In situations where conventional transport routes are blocked, the facility ensures quick deployment of relief supplies, evacuation missions, and emergency military operations.
Why This Project Matters
The Emergency Landing Facility represents a modern approach to infrastructure development where civilian highways are integrated with defence preparedness. It enhances:
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Rapid military deployment
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Border security reinforcement
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Disaster management efficiency
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Strategic depth in Northeast India
This project reflects India's focus on strengthening infrastructure in strategically important regions.