PM Modi makes historic landing on Assam highway, inaugurates emergency airstrip near LAC

India strengthens border infrastructure as PM Modi opens 4.2-km highway airstrip in Assam’s Moran

February 14, 2026

Historic Touchdown: Modi Opens Northeast’s First Highway Airstrip

PM touches down aboard C-130J at Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility in Moran; strategic highway runway boosts IAF flexibility close to China border

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a historic landing aboard a C-130J aircraft on a specially developed highway airstrip in Assam’s Moran, marking the inauguration of the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF).

The newly constructed facility is located on the Dibrugarh–Moran stretch of National Highway 127 in Upper Assam, less than 300 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The development is being seen as a major strategic boost to India’s military preparedness in the sensitive frontier region.

Earlier in a post on X, the Prime Minister said the ELF would be vital for emergency response, enabling the timely deployment of rescue and relief operations during challenging situations.

Strategic boost for the Northeast

The 4.2-kilometre reinforced concrete stretch has been engineered to function as an emergency runway for both military and civilian aircraft. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the facility provides greater operational flexibility, especially in responding swiftly to contingencies near sensitive border areas.

Unlike fixed airbases that may be vulnerable during a conflict, highway-based landing strips offer redundancy and the advantage of operational surprise. The absence of a central divider allows smooth aircraft movement, while fencing has been installed on both sides. Temporary roadside structures along the stretch have also been cleared to ensure safety during operations.

The ELF adds to India’s growing military infrastructure in the Northeast, a region that has witnessed heightened tensions in recent years.

First touchdown on national highway

To mark the opening, PM Modi’s aircraft landed directly on the reinforced four-lane highway stretch at Moran instead of using the runway at the nearby Chabua Air Force Station. He is also scheduled to take off from the same airstrip later in the day — another first for the region.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi’s flight departed New Delhi around 7:15 am and reached Chabua Air Force Station at 9:50 am. From there, he proceeded to Moran, where the touchdown on the advanced landing facility took place at approximately 10 am.

#WATCH | Assam witnesses a historic moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh. Here, he will witness the aerial display of fighters, transports and helicopters. The ELF is the first of its kind in Northeast… pic.twitter.com/DOp6lNqAXP
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2026

The Prime Minister also witnessed a 20-minute aerial display featuring fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters before departing for Guwahati aboard a C-130 aircraft directly from the highway strip.

“This will be a historic moment for us,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said ahead of the event.

Later in the afternoon, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and dedicate multiple development projects at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati.

#WATCH | Assam | Fighter jets carried out a trial landing at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the four-lane highway in Moran, Dibrugarh (11.02)
PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate northeast’s first highway-based emergency landing facility in Assam on 14th February. pic.twitter.com/Hzt46rFyRN
— ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2026

The highway airstrip represents a blend of civilian infrastructure and defence preparedness, underscoring India’s effort to strengthen both connectivity and security in the strategically important Northeast.

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