Historic landing on Assam highway; PM Modi unveils Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history in Assam, after he landed in a C130J aircraft on National Highway 37 in Moran, Assam, the location of the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) facility. PM Modi also inaugurated the 4.2-km long facility. The aircraft took off from Chabua Airfield. The Prime Minister arrived in Assam on a day-long visit ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

The ELF was built for Rs 100 crore. It is expected to be a major asset for the country's defence and disaster management operations. The ELF can be used for both fighter jets and passenger and cargo aircraft in emergencies. It has the capacity to carry fighter jets up to 40 tons and large aircraft weighing 74 tons. It will also act as an alternative to the airport in times of need.

The Prime Minister also witnessed a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force, featuring fighter jets like Tejas, Sukhoi and Rafale. He then inaugurated the strategic bridge across the Brahmaputra River connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati.

PM Modi inaugurated the temporary campus of IIM Guwahati in Bangora and also flagged off 100 new electric buses to reduce air pollution and curb carbon emissions in the city. A large crowd gathered to witness the ceremony.