Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate Northeast’s First Highway Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Moran, Assam on February 14 – Historic Landing and Airshow Awaited

PM Modi Assam Visit : Assam is gearing up for a landmark day in its history as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a high-profile visit to the state on February 14, 2026. The centerpiece of this visit is the inauguration of the Northeast India’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran in Dibrugarh district — a strategic highway-based airstrip that transforms a section of the national highway into a fully operational runway for military and emergency aircraft operations.

This development marks a significant boost to India’s defence infrastructure in the region, particularly given its proximity to sensitive border areas. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma personally inspected the site on Thursday evening, reviewing every aspect of the preparations to ensure a seamless and historic event.

Chief Minister’s On-Site Inspection and Key Highlights

On February 12, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the ELF site in Moran during the evening hours. Accompanied by senior district administration officials and top Indian Air Force (IAF) officers, he thoroughly assessed security measures, the temporary pandal structures, public viewing zones, and landing preparations. Expressing complete satisfaction, the Chief Minister engaged in detailed discussions to iron out any last-minute issues.

Speaking to the media at the site, Dr. Sarma described February 14 as a “historic day for Assam.” He revealed that the PM Modi Assam visit will feature the Prime Minister arriving from Chabua Air Force Station in a C-130 transport aircraft before making a direct landing on the 4.2-km stretch of the national highway (NH-127) developed as the Emergency Landing Facility Moran.

“The Prime Minister will land on this highway airstrip, witness demonstrations, and then depart directly from Moran to Guwahati,” Sarma stated. He emphasized that this is not just an infrastructure project but a demonstration of India’s growing aerial capabilities in the Northeast.

Trial runs and dress rehearsals have already showcased the facility’s readiness. Over the past few days, IAF aircraft including Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters, Rafale multi-role combat jets, indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, C-130J Super Hercules transporters, Antonov An-32s, and various helicopters successfully performed landings and take-offs on the reinforced highway strip. These manoeuvres drew large crowds of enthusiastic locals, underscoring public excitement for the main event.

The Emergency Landing Facility Moran is designed as a dual-use infrastructure — serving civilian highway traffic normally while converting into a 30-metre-wide runway during contingencies, disasters, or military needs. This strategic asset enhances rapid deployment, emergency operations, and overall defence posture in a geopolitically sensitive region close to international borders.

IAF Airshow and Youth Inspiration

A major attraction during the PM Modi Assam visit will be a spectacular 30-minute aerial demonstration by the Indian Air Force. As many as 16 aircraft are expected to participate, with fighter jets like Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas performing precision landings, take-offs, and flypasts directly on the highway ELF.

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the inspirational value of this display, particularly for Assam’s youth. Noting a decline in Air Force recruitment from the state in recent years, he said such events are crucial to reignite interest among young people. “Seeing these advanced aircraft up close will motivate our youth to join the armed forces,” he remarked.

To maximize outreach, the district administration has been asked to arrange special access for students from schools and colleges in Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Moran districts. The Chief Minister appealed to residents, educational institutions, and nearby communities to attend in large numbers, turning the event into a memorable public spectacle.

Prime Minister’s Full Itinerary in Assam

The PM Modi Assam visit on February 14 is packed with developmental milestones:

7:15 AM: Prime Minister departs from New Delhi.
9:50 AM: Arrival at Chabua Air Force Station.
Morning (around 10 AM): Proceeds to Moran for landing on the Emergency Landing Facility Moran and inauguration of the Northeast’s first highway-based ELF. Witnesses IAF airshow featuring fighter jets and transport aircraft.
12:30 PM: Departs from Moran ELF directly to Guwahati.
1:15 PM: Inaugurates the iconic Guwahati–North Guwahati bridge over the Brahmaputra River (also known as Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu), a major connectivity project built at a cost exceeding Rs 3,000 crore. The Prime Minister will also inspect the bridge.
Subsequently: Virtually inaugurates the temporary campus of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati at Lachit Ghat (constructed in Bongaigaon area as an interim facility).
2:00 PM: Addresses a BJP booth-level workers’ convention at Khanapara, Guwahati, with participation from two representatives each from 30,000 booths across the state.

The event at Moran is focused on defence demonstrations rather than a public rally, ensuring smooth operations and security.

Strategic and Long-Term Significance

The activation of the Emergency Landing Facility Moran elevates Assam’s role in national security. Such highway airstrips provide alternative runways in case primary airbases are compromised, enabling quicker response times in emergencies or conflicts. Developed in collaboration with the IAF, this 4.2-km stretch on NH-127 exemplifies the “whole-of-nation” approach to defence infrastructure.

Beyond military utility, it promotes regional connectivity and showcases India’s engineering prowess. The facility’s inauguration by the Prime Minister himself underscores the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the Northeast.

As Assam prepares for this grand occasion, excitement is palpable across the state. With final touches like dust control and minor finishing works underway, everything is set for a flawless execution.

This PM Modi Assam visit on February 14 promises to be unforgettable — blending defence spectacle, infrastructure triumphs, and inspiration for the next generation. Stay tuned for live updates as Assam makes history with the Northeast’s pioneering Emergency Landing Facility Moran.