Guwahati: Assam is set to witness history on Saturday, as 16 Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft will land on the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran bypass.
The Northeast will witness this first-of-its-kind event, as fighter aircraft land on a National Highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the facility.
“The Prime Minister will fly from New Delhi to the Chabua Air Force Station on Saturday morning. Chabua Air Force Station is one of the most important defence air bases in the Northeast. From there, he will take another flight and land at the Moran ELF in Dibrugarh district. The Prime Minister will then witness an airshow featuring around 16 IAF aircraft either landing or flying overhead within about 30 minutes,” an official said.
Strategically, the 4.2-km ELF will play a crucial role during emergencies. The China border lies approximately 300 km from Moran, while the Myanmar border is around 200 km away.
People in Moran are highly excited to witness the airshow. Trial runs at the Moran ELF have been underway since Wednesday. Large numbers of people have gathered to watch the fighter aircraft land on the bypass.
This new facility, the first of its kind in the Northeast, will serve as an alternate runway. It will handle emergency landings and take-offs for military aircraft, helicopters, and transport planes during national contingencies and humanitarian operations.
An Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is a specially prepared section of a public road. It can temporarily function as an airstrip for aircraft and helicopters during emergencies or defence contingencies.
“During emergencies or disasters, the ELF will play a crucial role. The China and Myanmar borders are only a few hundred kilometres away from Dibrugarh. If any eventuality occurs or a war-like situation arises, this 4.2-km ELF will play a vital role,” an official said.
Preparations are in full swing. All major combat aircraft have successfully landed on the airstrip during trial runs. The district administration has made all necessary arrangements.
“This is a historic moment for the people of Dibrugarh. We never dreamed of witnessing something like this. Earlier, roads in Assam were poor and travel was difficult. Now, after the construction of four-lane highways, travel has become much easier. We feel proud to see fighter aircraft landing at the Moran ELF,” said Ranjan Gogoi, a resident of Moran.