Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Assam on Saturday for a packed one-day visit marked by the inauguration of the Northeast’s first dedicated Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) and the rollout of development projects worth more than ₹5,500 crore. The visit underscores the Centre’s push to strengthen both strategic infrastructure and regional development in the frontier state.
The Prime Minister was welcomed at Chabua airfield by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and senior state officials. From there, he boarded a C-130 aircraft of the Indian Air Force to reach the newly developed facility located along the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh district.
The 4.2-kilometre-long airstrip, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹100 crore, has been designed to function as a dual-use corridor, enabling fighter jets and military aircraft to land during emergencies while also serving civilian infrastructure needs. Officials described it as a strategic asset that enhances India’s defence preparedness in the Northeast, a region that shares sensitive international borders.
After formally inaugurating the facility, the Prime Minister witnessed an aerial demonstration staged by the Indian Air Force. The display featured a range of fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters executing coordinated manoeuvres over the newly operational strip, showcasing the operational readiness of the armed forces.
Beyond the defence milestone, the visit also included the foundation-laying and launch of multiple development initiatives spanning infrastructure, connectivity and public welfare sectors. According to officials, the combined value of these projects exceeds ₹5,500 crore and aims to accelerate economic growth, improve transportation networks and generate employment opportunities across Assam.
Following the programme at the emergency landing facility, the Prime Minister departed for Guwahati aboard the same C-130 aircraft to continue engagements in the state capital. The visit highlights the Centre’s focus on integrating strategic infrastructure with broader regional development, positioning Assam as a key hub in India’s Act East and national security framework.
