Nalbari, 20 May (HS): A strategic 5-kilometre stretch of National Highway-27 between Tihu and Madhapur in Assam’s Nalbari district is being transformed into an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) to support military and disaster-response operations during emergencies.

The project is being executed in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), with the specially designed highway stretch expected to function as an alternative runway for both military and civil aircraft in times of war, natural calamities or when conventional airbases become unavailable.

Officials said the emergency landing strip has been planned according to IAF specifications and will feature heavy-duty concrete infrastructure capable of handling aircraft operations under critical conditions. The facility is also expected to strengthen Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, particularly in remote and vulnerable regions of the Northeast.

The initiative forms part of the Centre’s broader push to develop dual-use infrastructure across the country by converting selected highway stretches into emergency airstrips. The move is aimed at enhancing rapid deployment capability, strategic preparedness and national security in the strategically important northeastern region.

Once operational, the Nalbari ELF will significantly improve the region’s emergency response network while adding a crucial layer to India’s defence infrastructure.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash