In a major infrastructure development aimed at enhancing defense preparedness and emergency response capabilities, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that the state government, with approval from the Centre, is developing a dedicated emergency landing strip for Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and civilian aircraft along a stretch of national highway near Dibrugarh. The project, which is the first of its kind in the northeastern region, is expected to be completed by October this year.
Assam to Host Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Strip
Addressing the media, the Assam Chief Minister Sarma revealed that a 4.2-kilometre section of the National Highway between Moran and Numaligarh, passing through Dibrugarh district, has been earmarked for this ambitious initiative. Once completed, this highway segment will serve as an emergency landing and take-off zone for fighter jets such as the Sukhoi Su-30 and Rafale, as well as civil aircraft in times of need.
“The Union government has given its nod to convert a portion of the national highway near Dibrugarh into an emergency landing strip,” Sarma stated. “This is a strategic decision that will not only enhance India’s defense readiness in the Northeast but will also add a crucial safety mechanism for civilian aviation.”
The Assam Chief Minister informed that the groundwork for the project has already begun and is being carried out in close coordination with the Indian Air Force. According to him, the entire process is under the supervision of Air Force officials to ensure compliance with aviation and safety standards.
“We are targeting to complete the construction of the 4.2 km stretch by October this year. I am in regular contact with IAF authorities to ensure the timeline is maintained. Once completed, we plan to organize an air show at the site to demonstrate its capability and allow the public to witness it in action,” he said.
The upcoming highway landing strip is designed not only for military operations but also with dual-use capability. In the event of natural disasters, technical failures at nearby airports, or other emergencies, civilian aircraft will be able to make safe landings on this prepared stretch of road.
“In situations where aircraft are unable to land at the Dibrugarh airport due to any emergency—whether weather-related or technical—this stretch of national highway will serve as an alternate landing site,” Sarma emphasized. “The move will significantly strengthen disaster management infrastructure in Upper Assam and the broader northeastern region.”
Such highway landing strips have been a part of strategic infrastructure in several parts of India, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. However, this is the first instance of such a facility being developed in any of the eight northeastern states. Defense experts have often stressed the importance of such facilities, particularly in border states, as they enable rapid deployment of aircraft and supplies in crisis scenarios.
The choice of location—Dibrugarh and its surrounding areas—also carries strategic importance. Situated in Upper Assam, Dibrugarh is close to the eastern borders and sensitive zones and serves as a key hub for oil, tea, and defense logistics. The Moran–Numaligarh stretch is relatively straight and has the minimal urban encroachment required for such a development.
The 4.2 km portion of highway will be specially reinforced to bear the weight and speed of high-performance fighter jets. According to engineers working on similar past projects, such stretches need to be devoid of any overhead obstructions such as signage or electric poles and require modifications including retractable barriers, emergency communication systems, and rapid repair kits.
The Chief Minister also lauded the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which are expected to play pivotal roles in the engineering and implementation aspects. He further stated that the initiative falls in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of bolstering infrastructure in Northeast India—not just for connectivity and development, but also for national security.
Public response to the announcement has been largely positive, with local residents expressing both curiosity and excitement. Many believe that apart from enhancing security, the project may also generate local employment and spur peripheral infrastructure development.
A local teacher from Dibrugarh, Ranjan Saikia, said, “This is a great move. It will put our region on the defense map and shows that the government is thinking ahead in terms of security and emergency management.”
While the project is still under development, officials confirmed that feasibility assessments and safety audits are being carried out simultaneously to ensure that the highway conforms to both military and civil aviation requirements.
Once operational, Assam will join a select group of Indian states with dual-use highway landing infrastructure, signaling a significant leap forward in both regional strategic planning and disaster readiness.
With the deadline set for October and work progressing swiftly under the supervision of defense and highway authorities, Assam’s first emergency landing strip near Dibrugarh is poised to become a landmark achievement for the region—and a potential model for other northeastern states to follow.
