Moran : An ordinary stretch of national highway in Moran has been transformed into a fully functional Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Assam on February 14, drawing widespread attention and excitement across Upper Assam.

What typically serves as a busy corridor for trucks, buses and daily commuters was cleared, secured and meticulously prepared to host fighter jets and military transport aircraft. As part of a high-intensity defence drill, aircraft successfully executed take-offs and landings on the highway strip, demonstrating the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force to convert civilian infrastructure into emergency airbases at short notice.

Residents gathered along designated viewing points to witness the rare spectacle. As jets descended and touched down on the asphalt, the roar of engines reverberated across the area, with many locals describing the moment as “unforgettable.” Children perched on their parents’ shoulders while others captured the event on mobile phones.

Speaking to reporters at the site, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Prime Minister would travel from New Delhi to the Chabua Air Force Station and then board a C-130 transport aircraft to land directly on the newly prepared airstrip at Moran before proceeding to Guwahati.

Around 16 IAF aircraft are expected to participate in a 30-minute aerial exercise. According to Sarma, advanced fighter platforms including the Dassault Rafale and the Sukhoi Su-30MKI will take part in the demonstration, with several jets also scheduled to land on the highway strip. He described it as the first such elaborate exercise on an Emergency Landing Facility in the region.

Security has been tightened across the Moran sector, with vehicular movement regulated and access points sealed to facilitate the operation. Officials said the drill is designed to test rapid deployment capability, logistical preparedness and coordination between defence forces and civil administration.

The successful execution of take-offs and landings on a public highway underscores India’s focus on developing dual-use infrastructure capable of serving both civilian and strategic needs.

Calling the event “very rare,” the Chief Minister said students from schools, colleges and universities in Dibrugarh and Charaideo districts have been invited to witness the demonstration. He expressed hope that the exercise would inspire young people to consider careers in the Indian Air Force.

Sarma clarified that only the aircraft landing demonstration will be held at Moran and that no public meeting or speech is scheduled at the venue. Nonetheless, for residents, the transformation of their familiar highway into a temporary airbase represents a striking blend of development, defence preparedness and national pride in the heart of Upper Assam.