Historic Touchdown: PM Modi Lands on Assam Highway, Signaling New Era for Northeast Defense
PM Modi makes history landing on Assam's first highway airstrip, signaling a massive defense and infrastructure boost for Northeast India.
In a powerful display of India’s evolving infrastructure and military readiness, history was made this Saturday on a quiet stretch of road in Assam.
For the first time in the history of Northeast India, a
Prime Minister’s aircraft didn't aim for an airport runway but instead
descended onto a National Highway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landing on
the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J
Super Hercules wasn't just a travel itinerary—it was a strategic statement.
This event marks the inauguration of the Northeast's first-ever Emergency Landing Facility (ELF), a 4.2 km stretch of highway capable of transforming into a fully operational airstrip during war or natural disasters.
Not Just a Road: A Strategic Runway
The visuals were striking. The massive transport aircraft
touched down smoothly on the tarmac usually reserved for trucks and cars. This
facility, built at a cost of approximately ₹100 crore, is located just
about 300 km from the China border, making it a critical asset for national
security.
"The roar of aircraft on a national highway
announces the arrival of a new, capable Northeast. This is not just
connectivity; it is a shield for the nation," PM Modi remarked during
the event.
The Sky Roars Over Assam
Following the Prime Minister's landing, the highway turned
into an active airbase. The skies over Dibrugarh thunder with the sound of
India’s modern air power.
- Fighter
Jets: The cutting-edge Rafale and the formidable Sukhoi
Su-30MKI fighter jets executed precision touch-and-go maneuvers on the
highway.
- **
rapid Response:** Elite Garud Commandos demonstrated a rapid
deployment drill, rappelling down from helicopters to secure the area,
showcasing how quickly troops can be mobilized in this sensitive region.
Connecting the Northeast
While the fighter jets stole the show, the day was also
about civilian growth. The Prime Minister inaugurated the stunning Kumar
Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River. This
engineering marvel will cut travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati
from 45 minutes to just 7 minutes.
From dual-use highways to world-class bridges, the message
from the center is clear: The Northeast is no longer a distant frontier but a
central pillar of India's growth story.
