Guwahati, Jan 10: Assam is set to achieve a major milestone in aviation and strategic infrastructure with the upcoming inauguration of the Northeast’s first highway-based emergency landing strip. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the advanced facility, developed along the Dibrugarh–Moran stretch of the National Highway, is expected to be inaugurated in February.
Speaking at a programme in Khowang, the Chief Minister said the Centre is considering a high-profile inauguration for the project, with the possibility of either the Prime Minister or the Union Defence Minister attending the event. The proposed launch underscores the strategic importance of the facility for both national security and regional connectivity.
The emergency landing strip has been developed over a 4.2-kilometre stretch near Moran and has been designed to support the landing and take-off of both civilian aircraft and Indian Air Force fighter jets. Advanced combat aircraft such as Sukhoi and Rafale jets will be able to operate from the strip, significantly enhancing the region’s defence preparedness and operational flexibility.
In addition to its military significance, the facility will also serve an important civilian purpose. It will function as an emergency alternative landing option for Dibrugarh airport, strengthening aviation safety and disaster-response readiness in upper Assam. Officials say the project reflects a growing emphasis on dual-use infrastructure that can support both strategic and civilian needs.
The highway-based landing strip is being seen as a landmark development for the Northeast, positioning Assam as a key hub for strategic infrastructure while improving emergency response capabilities and reinforcing the region’s importance in India’s broader defence and aviation framework.
