16 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Assam requests additional emergency landing facilities following PM Modi's touchdown.

Assam government seeks more emergency landing facilities from Centre after PM Modi's touchdown on Moran Bypass ELF.

Photo by Niklas Jonasson

The Assam government has requested additional emergency landing facilities (ELFs) from the central government, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed on the Moran Bypass ELF in Dibrugarh district. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the state expects four or five more ELFs, which can be used by the Indian Air Force for military purposes and to supply relief materials during floods.

He emphasized the strategic security the Moran ELF will provide to the northeastern region, located near the borders with China and Myanmar. Sarma also highlighted the approval of a road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra river, connecting Gohpur with Numaligarh, as a strategic project.

Key Facts

Assam government has requested additional emergency landing facilities (ELFs) from the central government.

The state expects four or five more ELFs.

The Indian Air Force can use these ELFs for military purposes and to supply relief materials during floods.

The Moran ELF is located 70-200 km from India’s borders with China and Myanmar.

A 33.7-km four-lane corridor, including a road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra river, is a strategic project connecting Gohpur with Numaligarh.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3: Infrastructure development and its strategic importance

GS Paper 2: Centre-State relations in infrastructure projects

Potential for questions on border area development and security implications

In Simple Words

Assam wants more emergency landing strips. These are like small airports on highways. They help planes land quickly during emergencies or to deliver supplies during floods.

India Angle

In India, especially in flood-prone areas like Assam, these landing strips are super useful. They help the Air Force bring food, medicine, and other essentials to people when roads are flooded.

For Instance

Think of it like having a backup generator for your house. When the power goes out, the generator kicks in. Similarly, these landing strips ensure help arrives even when regular airports are unusable.

It matters because it means faster help during disasters. It can save lives and reduce suffering when floods or other emergencies strike.

Emergency landing strips: lifelines in the sky for disaster-prone areas.

Visual Insights

Emergency Landing Facility in Dibrugarh, Assam

Map showing the location of the Moran Bypass Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Dibrugarh district, Assam, and its proximity to the borders with China and Myanmar.

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📍Assam📍China📍Myanmar

More Information

Background

Emergency landing facilities (ELFs) are crucial for military and civilian aircraft operations, especially in strategically important regions. The need for such facilities arises from various factors, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and military requirements. These facilities ensure that aircraft can land safely in unforeseen circumstances, maintaining operational readiness and providing humanitarian assistance. The development of ELFs often involves coordination between the central and state governments, as land acquisition and infrastructure development fall under state jurisdiction. The central government, particularly the Indian Air Force (IAF), identifies strategic locations and provides technical expertise, while the state government facilitates land allocation and necessary clearances. The construction of ELFs enhances the overall security architecture of the region, enabling rapid deployment of forces and efficient disaster response. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been involved in developing ELFs on national highways. This initiative aims to utilize existing infrastructure for dual purposes, improving connectivity and bolstering defense preparedness. The use of national highways as ELFs requires careful planning and coordination to ensure minimal disruption to civilian traffic while maintaining the operational readiness of the facilities.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on enhancing border infrastructure and connectivity in the northeastern region of India. The central government has launched several projects to improve road, rail, and air connectivity, aiming to boost economic development and strengthen national security. These projects include the construction of new highways, railway lines, and airports, as well as the upgradation of existing infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence has been actively collaborating with state governments to identify and develop strategic infrastructure projects, including ELFs. This collaboration ensures that the projects align with the security needs of the country and contribute to the overall development of the region. The development of dual-use infrastructure, such as ELFs on national highways, is a key focus area. Looking ahead, the government plans to further expand the network of ELFs in strategic locations across the country. This expansion is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF and improve disaster response mechanisms. The focus will be on integrating these facilities with existing transportation networks to ensure seamless connectivity and efficient utilization of resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) and why is it important, especially in the context of Assam and the Northeast?

An Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is a designated area where aircraft can land safely during emergencies. In regions like Assam and the Northeast, ELFs are crucial due to the area's strategic importance, frequent natural disasters like floods, and the need for swift military operations. They ensure operational readiness and facilitate timely relief efforts.

Exam Tip

Remember that ELFs are important for both military and disaster relief operations, making them a dual-use asset.

2. What are the key facts about the Moran Bypass Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) that are relevant for the UPSC Prelims exam?

The Moran Bypass ELF is located in the Dibrugarh district of Assam. It is strategically important because it is located approximately 70-200 km from India’s borders with China and Myanmar. The Indian Air Force can use it for military purposes and to supply relief materials during floods.

Exam Tip

Focus on the location and strategic importance of the ELF for Prelims.

3. Why is the Assam government requesting additional Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) from the central government?

The Assam government is seeking additional ELFs to enhance the region's strategic security, particularly given its proximity to the borders with China and Myanmar. These facilities will also aid in quicker disaster response during floods and other emergencies, and support military operations by the Indian Air Force.

Exam Tip

Consider the dual benefits of ELFs: strategic security and disaster management.

4. What is the strategic importance of the road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra river connecting Gohpur with Numaligarh?

The road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra river, connecting Gohpur with Numaligarh, is a strategic project aimed at improving connectivity and facilitating smoother transportation in the region. This 33.7-km corridor enhances logistical capabilities for both civilian and military purposes, contributing to regional development and national security.

Exam Tip

Note the length of the corridor (33.7 km) and its dual purpose for civilian and military use.

5. How might the increased focus on infrastructure development in Northeast India, including ELFs, impact common citizens?

Increased infrastructure development, including ELFs and improved connectivity, can lead to better economic opportunities, improved access to healthcare and education, and enhanced disaster response capabilities for common citizens in Northeast India. These developments can also boost tourism and trade, leading to overall socio-economic progress.

Exam Tip

Consider the positive impacts on quality of life, economic growth, and disaster resilience.

6. What are the potential implications of Assam's request for additional ELFs on Centre-State relations, particularly concerning infrastructure development and national security?

Assam's request highlights the importance of cooperative federalism in addressing strategic and developmental needs. Successful collaboration on projects like ELFs and the Brahmaputra tunnel can strengthen Centre-State relations, fostering mutual trust and ensuring coordinated efforts towards national security and regional development. Disagreements on funding or project execution could strain relations.

Exam Tip

Consider the role of cooperative federalism in infrastructure projects with national security implications.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) in India: 1. ELFs are primarily intended for civilian aircraft during medical emergencies. 2. The Assam government has requested additional ELFs from the central government. 3. The Moran Bypass ELF is located near the borders with China and Myanmar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: ELFs are intended for both military and civilian aircraft during various emergencies, not just medical emergencies. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Assam government has requested additional ELFs. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Moran Bypass ELF is strategically located near the borders with China and Myanmar, as stated in the summary.

2. Which of the following statements best describes the strategic importance of Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) in the northeastern region of India?

A.They primarily serve to boost tourism by improving air connectivity.
B.They enhance military capabilities and facilitate disaster relief operations.
C.They are mainly used for commercial cargo transportation.
D.They are designed to reduce air traffic congestion in major cities.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is the most accurate. ELFs in the northeastern region enhance military capabilities by providing strategic landing locations for the Indian Air Force. They also facilitate disaster relief operations by allowing for the rapid deployment of personnel and supplies during natural disasters like floods, as mentioned by Chief Minister Sarma.

3. Assertion (A): The Assam government is seeking additional Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) in the state. Reason (R): These ELFs can be used by the Indian Air Force for military purposes and to supply relief materials during floods. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C.A is true, but R is false.
D.A is false, but R is true.

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The Assam government's request for additional ELFs is directly linked to their potential use by the Indian Air Force for military purposes and disaster relief, as stated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.