Prime Minister Modi Commissions Northeast India's First Emergency Landing Facility and Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge in Assam

On February 14, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone in India's regional infrastructure by officially commissioning the first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the Northeast. This strategic asset is situated on a 4.2-kilometer segment of National Highway 127, specifically along the Moran bypass in the Dibrugarh district of Assam. Developed through a close partnership with the Indian Air Force (IAF), the complex is designed to function as a dual-purpose site, providing a critical alternative runway for the emergency takeoff and landing of military jets and helicopters while also serving as a vital hub for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

The deployment of this ELF is a central component of the 2026 national strategy to strengthen defense readiness and improve transport accessibility in the strategically sensitive Northeast region. The facility's location is of paramount importance due to its proximity to international borders, sitting approximately 300 kilometers from the border with China and roughly 200 kilometers from Myanmar. The specially reinforced landing strip, which measures 33 meters in width, is engineered to accommodate heavy transport aircraft, helicopters, and advanced fighter jets. Successful trial runs involving the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Rafale, and Tejas aircraft have already validated the infrastructure's full operational status.

Beyond its military applications, the ELF on NH-127—which previously functioned as a standard four-lane highway—will play a transformative role in civilian safety, particularly during Assam’s frequent and severe flooding seasons. In the event of natural disasters that render traditional airports unusable, this highway segment will allow for the rapid delivery of essential relief supplies and the efficient evacuation of affected populations. This integrated approach highlights the government’s commitment to regional development by harmonizing national security requirements with the necessity for resilient civilian mobility.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a landmark bridge spanning the Brahmaputra River that links the city of Guwahati with North Guwahati. This 1.24-kilometer, six-lane extradosed bridge was completed with an investment of approximately 3,030 crore INR and is set to revolutionize local travel by reducing the commute between these two points from nearly an hour to just seven minutes. As the first extradosed bridge in Northeast India, the structure incorporates advanced seismic isolation technology, utilizing friction pendulum bearings to ensure stability in the geologically active region.

The central government is simultaneously pushing forward with other massive infrastructure projects to secure the region's logistical future. The Union Cabinet is expected to deliberate on a 18,600 crore INR project to construct an underwater tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra, connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. This ambitious initiative would represent India’s first twin-tube underwater tunnel capable of supporting both vehicular and rail traffic, potentially cutting travel time between the two locations from four hours to just 30–35 minutes. Strengthening these corridors is considered essential given Assam’s proximity to international frontiers and the narrow Siliguri Corridor.

These comprehensive infrastructure upgrades signify a new era of connectivity for Assam, ensuring that the state is better equipped to handle both economic growth and emergency scenarios. By bridging the gap between remote areas and urban centers, and by providing the military with flexible operational options, the government aims to create a robust foundation for long-term stability in the Northeast. The combination of high-tech defense facilities and modern transit routes reflects a holistic vision for the region's integration into the national economic fabric.