What is the Emergency Landing Facility... where PM Modi disembarked from an Air Force plane?

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules at the country's first Highway Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Dibrugarh, Assam, today (February 14th). This facility, built on a highway strip in Upper Assam, will provide an alternative landing site for fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters in case of war or emergency. This is a significant step in the defense and strategic preparedness of Northeast India.

Its proximity to the China border will provide an alternative runway in case of war. Twenty-eight ELFs are planned across the country, with five to be built in Assam. This will provide disaster relief.

What is the ELF, and why is Dibrugarh special?

An Emergency Landing Facility is a highway strip that normally serves vehicles, but can be converted into a runway for aircraft landing and takeoff if needed. The Dibrugarh ELF is located in the upper reaches of Assam, very close to the India-China border.

• It will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an alternative landing site if the main airbase is attacked or damaged.

• It will allow aircraft to be deployed, making it more difficult for enemy targets.

It will increase the depth and survivability of air operations in the eastern sector.

• Fighter aircraft like the Rafale and Sukhoi-30 MKI.

• C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.

• Dornier surveillance aircraft.

• Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)

All these aircraft successfully landed and took off on the highway strip. 'Touch and go' maneuvers and combat formation landings were also performed. Casualty evacuation exercises were also conducted. This facility will be useful in both combat and humanitarian aid missions.

Prime Minister Modi himself landed on this strip in an IAF C-130J aircraft. It will mirror a similar strip built in Uttar Pradesh in 2021, where he also landed. This is also a demonstration of the military's capabilities.

Nationwide Network of ELFs

The Dibrugarh ELF is not the only one. The Ministry of Road Transport and the IAF have jointly identified 28 such locations across the country. Five ELFs are being built in Assam alone. Several are already operational. All IAF Advanced Landing Grounds have been modernized.

Why is this necessary?

Northeast India is close to sensitive borders (China, Myanmar, Bangladesh). The terrain here is difficult – rivers, mountains, and floods. These projects will provide protection against both natural disasters and enemy attacks. They will provide the army with faster response and improved logistics. It will bring connectivity and development to both defense and the common people.

Summary

The Dibrugarh ELF is a milestone in strengthening the defense backbone of the Northeast. It reflects India's strategic thinking – transforming the challenges of geography into strengths.