Two Highway Stretches in Middle and Lower Assam Selected for ELFs
In a significant move towards bolstering disaster preparedness and enhancing air operational capabilities, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has identified two key national highway stretches in Assam for the development of Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) for aircraft. This initiative is part of the Indian government’s broader plan to establish ELFs across the country, and the identified stretches are located near Nagaon in Middle Assam and Nalbari in Lower Assam.
These stretches, each measuring 5 kilometers, are expected to serve as vital assets in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, especially in the geographically sensitive Northeastern region. If approved, the highways will be converted into six-lane stretches to accommodate emergency landing operations.
Proposed ELF Stretches: Nagaon and Nalbari
The first identified stretch for the ELF is on the Nagaon-Lumding section of NH 27 (formerly NH 54) in Middle Assam. This 5-kilometer stretch, from Nilbagan to Shankar Nagar, is currently a four-lane highway. However, in line with the proposal, it will be widened to a six-lane highway to facilitate emergency landings. A feasibility study conducted by Almondz Global Infra Consultant Limited and Thoughts Consultants Pvt Ltd has deemed this stretch suitable for such developments.
Similarly, the second stretch identified for ELF is on the Nalbari-Bijni section of NH 27 (formerly NH 31) in Lower Assam. The 5-kilometer stretch between Patacharkuchi and Barama is also a four-lane highway that will be upgraded to a six-lane stretch. Like the Nagaon section, this stretch has also undergone a feasibility study led by the same consultancy firms. Both locations are considered strategic due to their proximity to critical areas, enhancing the potential for emergency operations during natural disasters or other contingencies.
Ongoing Work on ELF in Upper Assam
In addition to these new locations, Assam already has an ELF under development in Upper Assam, where work is ongoing on a stretch between the Moran Bypass and the Bogibeel junction in Dibrugarh district. This ELF is expected to play a crucial role in emergency operations, given the region’s strategic importance.
The inclusion of these ELF stretches aligns with the central government’s focus on improving air operations in remote and sensitive areas. These emergency airstrips will provide greater flexibility for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other agencies in managing disaster relief efforts, especially in regions that are prone to natural calamities like floods and landslides.
Strategic Importance of Assam’s ELF Development
The decision to develop ELFs in Assam holds significant geopolitical and strategic importance, particularly given the state’s proximity to Arunachal Pradesh and international borders. With increasing concerns over natural disasters and the need for rapid military mobilization, these facilities could serve as essential infrastructure for both military and civilian purposes.
ELFs are not only critical for military operations but also serve as lifelines during HADR operations, enabling the rapid deployment of rescue teams, medical aid, and essential supplies to remote regions. These airstrips can be used to launch or receive aircraft during times of crisis, such as in the event of a natural disaster or a security emergency.
Collaborative Efforts for ELF Development
The development of ELFs is a joint initiative between the Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which aims to identify and convert suitable highway stretches into emergency landing strips. Assam, with its unique geographical and strategic significance, is one of the states where this development is being prioritized.
Previously, MoRTH had proposed the establishment of two ELFs in Assam, with a focus on enhancing air operations in areas close to Arunachal Pradesh. The new proposals for Nagaon and Nalbari come as part of this effort to strengthen India’s infrastructure for disaster response and defense preparedness.
Assam’s Role in Enhancing National Security and Disaster Response
The identification of these two highway stretches in Assam for ELFs marks a significant step in the state’s role in national security and disaster management. As the feasibility studies move forward and construction plans are finalized, Assam is poised to become a critical hub for emergency air operations in the Northeast.
With the completion of these ELFs, Assam will not only be better equipped to handle natural disasters but will also contribute to India’s broader efforts to enhance military readiness in sensitive border regions. This development is a testament to the central government’s commitment to ensuring that the state has the necessary infrastructure to deal with emergencies efficiently and effectively.
The conversion of these highways into emergency airstrips will undoubtedly strengthen Assam’s role in national disaster preparedness and will further solidify its importance in India’s geopolitical strategy.
