A highway-based Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran in Upper Assam is set to be inaugurated by PM on 14 February, marking the first such facility in the Northeast.

What is the Moran Emergency Landing Facility?

• It is a 4.2-kilometre-long reinforced concrete stretch built on National Highway 127 between Dibrugarh and Moran.
• The highway has no central divider, allowing it to function as a runway during emergencies.
• Fencing and safety infrastructure have been installed to prevent entry of people and animals during aircraft operations.
• The facility can support both military and civilian aircraft in emergency situations.

Key highlights of the inauguration event

• The Prime Minister will land directly on the highway instead of a conventional airport.
• Indian Air Force fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi and Rafale jets, will conduct landing demonstrations.
• Trial aircraft operations are scheduled to begin from 8 February, with viewing arrangements for the public at designated locations.
• District authorities have imposed movement and traffic restrictions from 6 February for security reasons.

Strategic significance

• The Moran ELF lies close to the Line of Actual Control with China and the Myanmar border, making it strategically crucial.
• It provides operational redundancy if nearby airbases like Dibrugarh Airport or Chabua Air Force Station become unavailable.
• The facility strengthens India’s rapid military response capability in the eastern sector.
• It reflects India’s evolving doctrine of dual-use infrastructure, where civilian assets support defence preparedness.

Governance and security measures

• The site inspection and security review were conducted by the Chief Secretary of Assam and the Director General of Police, along with Indian Air Force officials.
• Inter-agency coordination, traffic management, and public safety protocols are in place.
• Temporary roadside structures have been removed to ensure flight safety.

Significance for Assam and the Northeast

• Enhances national security and disaster preparedness in a sensitive border region.
• Encourages defence awareness among youth, with officials highlighting its motivational value.
• Positions Assam as a key node in strategic infrastructure development.

One-line wrap

The Moran highway-based Emergency Landing Facility marks a major leap in India’s defence-ready infrastructure in the Northeast.

Exam Hook – 

Consider the following statements regarding highway-based Emergency Landing Facilities in India:

1. They allow both military and civilian aircraft to land during emergencies.
2. The Moran Emergency Landing Facility is India’s first such airstrip in the Northeast.
3. These facilities reduce dependence on conventional airports during conflict situations.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer: 1, 2 and 3

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