Prime
MinisterNarendra Modi on Saturday made a historic landing at the first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) of the northeast aboard the C-130J aircraft in Assam's Dibrugarh district. PM Modi had taken off from the Chabua airfield after his arrival, and landed at the ELF in Moran on a stretch of National Highway-37. Envisioned as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF is capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight.
At the ELF, Prime Minister Modi also attended an aerial show featuring IAF’s fighter jets and transport helicopters, which are engaged for emergency situations and responses. PM Modi was welcomed on the stage by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in Dibrugarh. He witnessed India's air dominance on display as IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets took off.The Rs 100-crore ELF, a 4.2-km reinforced stretch on the Moran Bypass, which was inaugurated by the PM, will act as a strategic and multi-functional runway for IAF fighter jets and transport aircraft, strengthening defence, logistics and disaster response, officials said.
What is ELF?
The ELF is the first of its kind in Northeast India. It has been specially designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support the landing and take-off of military and civil aircraft during emergencies. The Rs 100 crore landing facility will act as a strategic and multi-functional runway for Indian Air Force fighter jets and transport aircraft. It will serve as a critical asset for emergency response, enabling quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters or strategic requirements in the Northeast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deIQEtOBUlM
PM Modi will also inaugurate and flag off development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education and urban mobility in the North-Eastern Region.
(With agency inputs)