Guwahati: The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on National Highway near Moran in Dibrugarh district, Assam is set to be officially activated on 14 February 2026, marking a historic milestone in India’s defence infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
This new facility, first of its kind in the North East region, will serve as an alternate runway capable of handling emergency landings and take-offs for military aircraft as well as helicopters and transport planes during national contingencies and humanitarian operations.
The activation ceremony will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside senior military and civil dignitaries, highlighting the strategic importance of this unique dual-use infrastructure in strengthening national security and regional resilience.
What is Emergency Landing Facility Assam
An Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is a specially prepared section of a public road that can temporarily function as an airstrip for aircraft and helicopters during emergencies or defence contingencies.
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These facilities are designed to bolster defence preparedness, provide alternate landing options in unforeseen situations, and support operations such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The Moran ELF will be capable of supporting:
- Fighter aircraft
- Transport planes
- Helicopters
This includes both military squads and emergency civilian transport aircraft if needed.
Location and Technical Details
The ELF being activated lies along the National Highway near Moran in Dibrugarh district of Assam. While the official PIB press release does not specify the exact length of the runway section, other reporting indicates that similar highway ELFs in India typically span several kilometres to meet minimum runway length requirements for military aircraft operations.
Key technical features typically found in such ELFs include:
- Reinforced pavement to handle both vehicles and aircraft.
- No permanent central medians in the designated stretch.
- Clear runway markings and temporary safety infrastructure during activation events.
- Inter-agency coordination for traffic management and air traffic control.
Significance of Emergency Landing Facility Assam
Assam and the broader North East region are of high strategic importance due to their proximity to international borders and geopolitical sensitivities. The activation of the Moran ELF provides the Indian Air Force with additional flexibility to respond swiftly to border challenges or operational requirements without being solely dependent on fixed airbases.
Enhancing Humanitarian Response
Assam frequently experiences natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and infrastructural disruptions. In such scenarios, the Moran ELF can be a critical asset for rapid relief efforts, allowing helicopters and transport aircraft to land at the closest possible point for distributing aid and evacuating affected populations.
Dual-Use Infrastructure Benefits
The facility also reinforces India’s broader policy of integrating civilian infrastructure for defence readiness. Highway emergency strips have a history of use in India — several such ELFs have been identified and developed across different states to strengthen operational redundancy for both military and civilian aviation needs.
Emergency Landing Facility Assam: Official Inauguration Event
The Prime Minister of India will preside over the official activation on 14 February 2026.
The ceremony is expected to be attended by:
- The Governor of Assam
- The Chief Minister of Assam
- Senior civil and military officials
- Key defence and aviation stakeholders
This formal event will commemorate the opening of the Moran ELF as a nationally significant asset, recognizing its contribution to aviation safety, defence logistics, and disaster response frameworks.
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