India's Northeast to Open First Highway Airstrip for Rafale and Civil Aircraft
Key Points
- 1The 4.2km Dibrugarh-Moran Emergency Landing Strip (ELS) is the Northeast's first highway-based facility, scheduled for a February 2026 inauguration.
- 2The dual-use strip is designed to accommodate both civilian aircraft and Indian Air Force fighter jets, including Sukhoi and Rafale platforms.
- 3The project significantly boosts strategic flexibility for the Armed Forces and strengthens civil aviation and disaster response capabilities in the sensitive frontier region.
- 4Two more highway-based emergency landing strips have been approved for construction in Assam, alongside a plan for regular helipads along major highways.
The Northeast region of India is set to mark a major infrastructure milestone. The area will soon open its first highway-based emergency landing strip (ELS). Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the facility will be inaugurated in February 2026. This advanced landing facility is located on the Dibrugarh–Moran stretch of the National Highway.
Project Overview and Dual-Use Capability
The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is being developed on a 4.2-kilometer stretch near Moran. It is a critical piece of dual-use infrastructure. The facility is designed to handle both civilian aircraft and advanced Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets. These include the Sukhoi and Rafale platforms.
In an emergency, the strip will serve as a vital alternative. The Chief Minister noted it can be used if aircraft cannot land at Dibrugarh Airport for operational reasons. This project is a collaboration between the IAF and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). The Centre is planning a high-profile launch, potentially involving the Prime Minister or the Defence Minister.
Strategic and Civil Aviation Impact
This new ELS is expected to significantly enhance strategic flexibility for the Armed Forces. The Northeast frontier is a sensitive region, sharing borders with multiple countries. Highway airstrips offer crucial dispersal and resupply points during conflict or national crises. This distributed approach enhances the survivability of air assets.
The facility also strengthens civil aviation emergency response capabilities. It provides a prepared, alternative landing site for commercial aircraft. Furthermore, the infrastructure is key for disaster relief. The region is prone to flooding, and the strip can facilitate rapid deployment of aid and evacuation efforts.
- The 4.2 km stretch is specially reinforced to handle heavy military aircraft.
- It provides an essential alternative to the primary Dibrugarh Airport.
- The project is part of a wider national initiative to create dual-use infrastructure.
Expanding Emergency Infrastructure
The Moran facility is the first of its kind in the Northeast. However, the Central Government has already approved two more Emergency Landing Facility projects in Assam. One is planned for the Boroma–Tihu stretch in lower Assam. The second will be located between Nagaon and Lumding at Sankardevnagar. These projects underscore a commitment to building a resilient transport and emergency-response corridor.
In addition to the ELFs, the state government is planning to develop helipads. These will be at regular intervals along major highways, especially in flood-prone highland areas. The goal is to create helipads every 50 to 100 km. This will transform the Numaligarh–Dibrugarh–Tinsukia corridor into a modern, resilient stretch. This development is a key story in commercial aviation news and national security.