FCC

Assam Builds Emergency Airstrip for IAF on NH-2

2025-07-03

A 4.2-kilometre Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is being developed in Assam’s Dibrugarh district to enable Indian Air Force aircraft such as Rafale, MiG, Tejas, AN-32, and Hercules to take off and land during emergencies like war or natural disasters. The ELF is located along a new 11-kilometre four-lane section of National Highway 2 between Moran Town and Tiloijan.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently inspected the project site, particularly the stretch between Polo Club in Khatkhati and Rassipathar, which is being constructed to meet the Indian Air Force’s technical specifications.

“This is a significant milestone for Assam and for national security. It ensures that the Indian Air Force can operate swiftly in Upper Assam when needed,” said the Chief Minister during his visit.

The ELF is a collaborative initiative between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Indian Air Force’s airfield construction wing. It includes temporary fencing to prevent intrusion by people or animals and an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower to guide aircraft during operations.

Under normal conditions, the highway will function as a public road, but it is designed to be rapidly converted for military use in emergency scenarios.

The complete 11-kilometre four-lane highway was opened to public traffic on 1 April. A formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated in the coming weeks.