PM Modi Charts New Strategic Heights: In a landmark moment for India’s strategic and infrastructural landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic touchdown on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF). Arriving aboard a massive C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, the Prime Minister inaugurated the strategic 4.2-km reinforced stretch on National Highway-37 in Assam’s Moran, marking a significant leap in regional defense and disaster response capabilities.
The event, occurring just before the state heads to the polls, was not merely a ceremonial opening but a high-octane demonstration of India’s growing air dominance and rapid-response infrastructure.
PM Modi New Strategic Moran ELF: A Strategic Fortress on a Highway
Constructed at a cost of ₹100 crore, the Moran ELF on the Dibrugarh–Moran section of NH-37 is designed as a multi-functional, dual-use asset. Positioned strategically within 300 km of the China border and 200 km of the Myanmar border, the facility serves as a critical alternative to the Dibrugarh airport.
Technical Capabilities of the ELF:
- Reinforced Stretch: 4.2 km of specialized concrete capable of withstanding extreme pressure.
- Heavy-Duty Capacity: Designed to handle fighter jets up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes.
- Dual-Use Vision: Serves civilian needs during peacetime and transforms into a military runway during contingencies or natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
Air Dominance on Display
Following his landing, the Prime Minister witnessed a spectacular 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The show featured a fleet of 16 aircraft, highlighting the operational readiness of the IAF in the Northeast.
The skies over Moran were filled with the roar of:
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI & Rafale: Showcasing high-speed maneuvers and precision landings.
- Tejas: India’s indigenous light combat aircraft demonstrating its agility.
- An-32: The “workhorse” of the IAF, highlighting cargo and troop transport capabilities.
- Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH): Conducting Special Heli-Borne Operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills.
The Garud Commandos, the IAF’s elite special forces, also demonstrated precision drills, proving that this highway can be converted into a lethal operational base within minutes.
A ₹5,450-Crore Developmental Push
The historic landing was the prelude to a massive developmental blitz across Assam. During his day-long tour, PM Modi inaugurated and dedicated projects worth over ₹5,450 crore at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati, focusing on “unwavering and progressive Assam.”
1. The Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu
A major highlight was the inauguration of the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a 6-lane extradosed bridge over the Brahmaputra River.
- Cost: Approximately ₹3,030 crore.
- Impact: Connects Guwahati with North Guwahati, slashing travel time from over an hour to just 7 minutes.
- Tech: The first extradosed bridge in the Northeast, featuring advanced Bridge Health Monitoring Systems (BHMS) and seismic isolation technology.
2. Strengthening the Digital and Educational Spine
The Prime Minister also dedicated the National Data Centre for the North Eastern Region at Amingaon. With a load of 8.5 MW, this facility will host mission-critical government applications and act as a disaster recovery hub. Simultaneously, the inauguration of the IIM Guwahati temporary campus at Bongora marked a significant fillip to higher education and management training in the region.
3. Green Mobility: PM-eBus Sewa
Towards a greener future, the PM flagged off 100 electric buses for Guwahati. This is part of a larger 225-bus rollout under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and provide clean, reliable public transport to millions.
Conclusion: Security Meets Prosperity
By blending civilian utility with military readiness, the Moran ELF stands as a symbol of the “New India” vision—where infrastructure serves both the security of the borders and the prosperity of the people. As Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted, each visit by the Prime Minister marks a “historic achievement” that integrates the remote Northeast more closely with the national growth story.