Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic landing on Assam’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran, marking the Northeast’s debut highway-runway. The 4.2 km stretch on NH-127 doubles as a military and civilian airstrip, strengthening India’s strategic posture near the China border, while inaugurating projects worth ₹5,500 crore.
On February 14, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft, an IAF C-130J, landed on the newly built Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. This marks the first highway airstrip in the Northeast, designed to support both military and civilian aircraft during emergencies.
The ELF, built on a 4.2 km stretch of NH-127, lies less than 300 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, underscoring its strategic importance. The facility enhances India’s defense readiness while also serving as a backup for civilian aviation.
Following the touchdown, PM Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth ₹5,500 crore, highlighting the government’s commitment to boosting connectivity and security in the Northeast. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the Prime Minister, calling the landing a “historic milestone” for the region.
Major Takeaways
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PM Modi landed on Assam’s first Emergency Landing Facility at Moran
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ELF built on a 4.2 km stretch of NH-127 in Dibrugarh district
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Facility supports both military and civilian aircraft during emergencies
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Location less than 300 km from LAC with China, boosting strategic readiness
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PM inaugurated projects worth ₹5,500 crore alongside the landing
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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the event as historic for the Northeast
Conclusion
The historic touchdown at Moran symbolizes India’s dual focus on infrastructure and defense preparedness. By combining strategic utility with regional development, the ELF strengthens India’s frontier security while positioning Assam as a hub for innovation in transport and defense infrastructure.
Sources: India Today, The New Indian Express, Hindustan Times