Assam Government Unveils Plans for Four New Airports and Strategic Infrastructure
In a significant announcement on Sunday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma detailed the state government's ambitious plans to develop four new airports in Majuli, Diphu, Umrangso, and Manas. The CM stated that an agreement will be signed with the civil aviation ministry in March to initiate feasibility studies for these projects. If the response is positive, construction could commence within the next five years, potentially introducing aircraft landing on water in Assam.
Strategic Assets for Regional Security
Emphasizing the strategic importance of the northeast, Sarma highlighted that Assam and the region must possess numerous strategic assets to ensure national security. This comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the region's first emergency landing facility (ELF) at Moran in Dibrugarh district. Sarma revealed that the Assam government has written to the Centre, requesting additional ELFs, with plans already in place to build four to five more.
The CM explained, "Assam govt shot off letters stating that we need more ELFs. The military regions will be looked after by IAF, but in the civil region, in case of flood, C-130 aircraft can land with relief material." He noted that such aircraft can serve dual purposes for both IAF and civilian needs. PM Modi's landing at the Moran ELF in a C-130J aircraft on Saturday underscored its operational readiness.
Key Strategic Projects Underway
Sarma discussed several high-stakes projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and security. These include the proposed twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh and an underground corridor beneath the Chicken's Neck, a 22 km strip connecting the northeast to mainland India. He stated, "The situation of the northeast is very, very strategic. Moran ELF, Numaligarh-Gohpur terminal tunnel and the railway corridor beneath the Chicken's Neck are very, very strategic projects."
Calling the Moran ELF a critical asset, Sarma pointed out its proximity to China (200 km) and Myanmar (70 km), making it vital for aircraft operations if Dibrugarh airport were attacked during conflicts. On the Union Cabinet-approved Numaligarh-Gohpur tunnel, he emphasized its role in maintaining connectivity if bridges over the Brahmaputra, such as Bogibeel and Kaliabhomora, are bombed in wartime. The tunnel has Army backing, with NHIDCL, Indian Railways, and the state government as stakeholders.
Infrastructure Development and Connectivity
Sarma stressed the need to build extensive strategic assets in Assam and the northeast to address internal and cross-border threats. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to finalize a proposal connecting Tata's semiconductor plant in Morigaon district to Bhutan via Udalguri and Darrang through a national highway. He added, "This proposal is under active consideration. The semiconductor plant will be connected with Bhutan's boundary."
While major highway and strategic projects are being developed in Arunachal Pradesh along the China border, Assam is being positioned as a backup state in the event of war. Sarma thanked PM Modi for creating these strategic assets, noting that while they are linked to protection and security, they will largely benefit civilians. The state government is actively involved in advancing these initiatives to ensure regional stability and growth.
