India Bolsters Defense with New Emergency Landing Facilities in Assam

Numaligarh, Assam, July 5, 2025 – In a significant boost to India’s defense infrastructure, a 60 km stretch of the national highway connecting Numaligarh to Dibrugarh in Assam has been transformed into an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) for advanced fighter jets, including Rafale and Sukhoi. The project, set to be operational by October, includes a specially constructed 4 km runway designed to meet the Indian Air Force’s stringent requirements.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance defense preparedness in India’s northeastern region, a geopolitically sensitive area near the borders of China and Myanmar. The development reflects innovative use of existing infrastructure, converting a national highway into a dual-use facility capable of supporting military operations while maintaining civilian functionality.

The project has seen seamless collaboration between the district administration, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Defence Construction Limited (DCL), and the Indian Air Force. Minor issues encountered during construction were swiftly resolved through coordinated meetings, ensuring the project remains on track for its October deadline.

In addition to the Numaligarh-Dibrugarh ELF, two other facilities are under development in Assam: one in Lower Assam near Bama Tihu and another in Central Assam near Hojai in the Shankardev Nagar area. This network of ELFs will expand the Indian Air Force’s operational reach, providing critical redundancy and flexibility during emergencies.

The strategic use of highways as emergency runways optimizes resources and eliminates the need for constructing dedicated airfields. The ability to accommodate advanced fighter jets underscores the facility’s high standards in runway design and safety. This development enhances India’s rapid deployment capabilities and strengthens deterrence in the region.

By integrating civil and military infrastructure, the project exemplifies efficient governance and innovative planning. It ensures that civilian traffic and military operations can coexist, maximizing investment while bolstering national security.

As India continues to fortify its defense infrastructure, the Assam ELFs mark a significant step toward operational readiness and strategic resilience in the northeastern frontier.