Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Assam today to dedicate several high-impact infrastructure and connectivity projects to the nation. The highlight of the visit is the inauguration of the Northeast region's first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on National Highway-37 (NH-37) in Dibrugarh district. According to official reports, the Prime Minister will personally arrive at the site on board an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, marking the formal operationalization of the highway strip. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has described this development as a significant milestone in enhancing the strategic depth and connectivity of the region.
Technical Specifications of the Moran Emergency Landing Facility
2 kilometer stretch of the Dibrugarh-Moran section of National Highway 127 (formerly NH-37). This dual-use airstrip has been constructed using reinforced concrete to meet the stringent technical requirements of the Indian Air Force. It's designed to facilitate the landing and takeoff of heavy transport aircraft as well as high-performance fighter jets during emergencies or strategic contingencies. Developed in close coordination between the IAF and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), this facility is the first of its kind in the Northeast, while it serves as a critical asset for defense preparedness near the international borders and provides a vital alternative for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
IAF Aerial Display and Strategic Readiness
To mark the occasion, the Indian Air Force will conduct a comprehensive aerial display involving approximately 16 aircraft. The fleet will include Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, C-130J Super Hercules, and AN-32 transport planes, along with a variety of helicopters. According to defense officials, the display will feature fly-pasts and potential touch-and-go maneuvers to demonstrate the operational readiness of the highway strip. This exercise is intended to validate the integration of civil infrastructure with military requirements, ensuring rapid deployment capabilities in the sensitive border region. The facility is also expected to support the movement of missile systems and other heavy military equipment when required.
Infrastructure Projects Worth ₹5,450 Crore
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will launch and inaugurate a series of development projects totaling over ₹5,450 crore. These initiatives span multiple sectors, including transport, digital infrastructure, and education. Following the event at Moran, the Prime Minister will travel to Guwahati to inspect the newly constructed Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu over the Brahmaputra River. This bridge is expected to Importantly reduce travel time and enhance economic integration between the north and south banks of the river. The government stated that these investments are part of a broader strategy to transform Assam into a logistical hub for the entire Northeast region.
Digital Infrastructure and Educational Milestones
The Prime Minister's itinerary includes the inauguration of the National Data Center for the North Eastern Region at Amingaon. This facility is designed to serve as the backbone for digital services and e-governance across the eight northeastern states, providing secure data storage and cloud computing capabilities. Plus, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati. The establishment of this premier management institute is expected to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional excellence among the youth of the region, reducing the need for students to travel to distant cities for quality management education.
Urban Mobility and PM-eBus Sewa Initiative
In a move to modernize urban transport and promote sustainable mobility, Prime Minister Modi will flag off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. These buses will be deployed in Guwahati and surrounding areas to provide eco-friendly and efficient public transportation. According to state officials, the introduction of these electric vehicles is a key component of the state's mission to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in urban centers. The project includes the development of dedicated charging infrastructure and maintenance depots, while after concluding these programs, the Prime Minister is scheduled to return to New Delhi.