PM Modi to Make Aviation History with Highway Landing in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to create a significant milestone in India's aviation and infrastructure history during his upcoming visit to Assam on February 14. In a groundbreaking move, the Prime Minister's aircraft will touch down on the northeast region's first-ever highway-based emergency landing strip, located along the strategic Dibrugarh–Moran stretch.
Third Visit to Poll-Bound State in Three Months
This marks Modi's third visit to the election-bound state within as many months, underscoring the region's growing political and developmental importance. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally confirmed the unprecedented landing plan, stating clearly that "The Prime Minister will not land at the conventional Dibrugarh airport. Instead, his flight will land directly on a highway at Moran, where he will spend considerable time."
Military Precision for Highway Landing
Defence Public Relations Officer Lieutenant Colonel M. Rawat provided crucial operational details, revealing that a military aircraft will transport the Prime Minister from Guwahati to the highway landing site. Extensive preparations are currently underway to ensure the emergency strip landing proceeds with absolute precision and safety. The designated landing strip on National Highway 127 spans an impressive 4.2 kilometers in length, providing adequate space for aircraft operations.
Spectacular Aerial Demonstration with Fighter Jets
The visit will feature a dramatic and visually stunning aerial display that highlights India's military capabilities. Chief Minister Sarma elaborated that "Fighter aircraft, including advanced Rafale and Sukhoi jets, will perform landing maneuvers on the highway road in the Prime Minister's presence. This demonstration is scheduled to last between 30 to 40 minutes."
Comprehensive Safety and Security Preparations
Authorities have undertaken extensive measures to prepare and secure the designated runway portion of the highway. These preparations include the complete removal of central dividers, installation of fencing on both sides to prevent unauthorized entry by people and animals, and systematic dismantling of temporary roadside shops and structures. Every precaution has been implemented to guarantee maximum safety during this unprecedented aviation event.
Major Infrastructure Inaugurations Planned
Beyond the spectacular aviation demonstrations, Prime Minister Modi's itinerary is packed with significant developmental milestones that will benefit Assam's infrastructure and connectivity. Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the visit carries "multiple objectives, both developmental and organisational" and revealed that the Prime Minister will return to Assam in March to inaugurate additional projects.
Upon his arrival in Guwahati, Modi will officially inaugurate the Kumar Bhaskar Varma bridge, a crucial infrastructure project connecting Guwahati with North Guwahati. This bridge is expected to substantially ease chronic traffic congestion while dramatically improving connectivity across the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Educational and Digital Infrastructure Boost
The Prime Minister's developmental agenda includes several key initiatives:
- Launching academic classes at the new Palasbari campus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
- Flagging off 100 electric buses for Guwahati's public transportation system
- Inaugurating a National Informatics Centre (NIC) data centre to strengthen digital infrastructure across the region
Political Engagement with BJP Workers
Later in the day, Modi will attend a BJP booth sammelan at Khanapara, where he will interact directly with party workers and grassroots leaders. This engagement underscores the political significance of the visit as Assam prepares for upcoming elections, allowing the Prime Minister to connect with the party's organizational base while highlighting developmental achievements.
