Guwahati: In a significant development for infrastructure and strategic preparedness in Northeast India, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to utilize the newly constructed emergency landing strip along National Highway-127 in Dibrugarh district. This request pertains to the Prime Minister's scheduled visit to Assam on February 14, marking a potential inaugural use of this critical facility.
Strategic Request for Prime Minister's Visit
Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that his administration has sent a detailed request to Prime Minister Modi, proposing that the Prime Minister's aircraft land on this innovative highway-based strip during his upcoming state visit. "We have this special thought in mind. We have sent him this request," Sarma stated, emphasizing the symbolic and practical importance of this gesture. The move aims to highlight the operational readiness and strategic value of this new infrastructure project.
Details of the Emergency Landing Facility
The emergency landing strip, spanning 4.2 kilometers at Moran in Dibrugarh district, represents a pioneering achievement in the Northeast region. It is the first highway-based emergency landing strip in the area and is scheduled to become fully operational in February. This dual-use facility is designed to serve both military and civilian purposes, enhancing India's logistical and defense capabilities.
Key features of the landing strip include:
- Capability to accommodate advanced fighter jets such as the Rafale and Su-30MKI, providing the Indian Air Force with greater operational flexibility.
- Designation for emergency landings, disaster management operations, and defense exercises, particularly during natural calamities or security exigencies.
- Strategic location in upper Assam, which is considered crucial due to its proximity to international borders with China and Myanmar, bolstering regional security.
Operational and Strategic Significance
Officials have underscored the multifaceted utility of this landing strip. Beyond emergency scenarios, it will play a vital role in disaster response and military preparedness, ensuring rapid deployment and support in the strategically sensitive Northeast region. The facility's activation aligns with broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and security along India's eastern frontiers.
The request from Chief Minister Sarma to Prime Minister Modi not only seeks to demonstrate the strip's functionality but also aims to draw national attention to Assam's advancements in infrastructure development. If approved, this landing could set a precedent for future high-profile uses of such facilities, reinforcing their importance in national defense and emergency management frameworks.
