Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed plans for an innovative project on Sunday that will see a portion of national highway near Dibrugarh transformed into an emergency landing facility for both Indian Air Force fighter jets and civilian aircraft. This development marks the first dual-use highway airstrip in the northeastern region, aimed at bolstering the region’s defenses and enhancing air travel safety.
During a briefing with reporters, Sarma shared that the Union government has given the green light for the development of a 4.2-kilometer stretch of highway between Moran and Numaligarh. This segment is expected to facilitate emergency landings of military jets, including advanced aircraft such as the Sukhoi 30 and Rafale, thereby elevating the strategic capabilities of the region. The project is being executed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, with a targeted completion date set for October 2025.
“We are aiming for October this year to prepare the 4.2 km stretch of national highway to land Air Force fighter jets. I have been constantly in touch with the Air Force authorities to meet this deadline. The work will be completed under their supervision also,” Sarma elaborated. He also hinted at an air show intended for the public once the facility is ready, showcasing the capabilities of the Air Force.
The Chief Minister underscored that the airstrip will also function as an emergency alternative for civilian aircraft. In circumstances where landing at Dibrugarh airport is not feasible, the highway will provide a crucial fallback option for passenger planes.
In addition to the Dibrugarh initiative, Sarma disclosed that the Central government has approved plans for similar highway-based emergency landing facilities at two other sites in Assam—one located in lower Assam and another positioned between Nagaon and Lumding. Work on these additional projects is poised to begin shortly.
Sarma emphasized that these initiatives are emblematic of the significant strides in both road and defense infrastructure within Assam under the current administration, reflecting a commitment to enhancing safety and strategic readiness in the region.
