Source India Today
Guwahati, India — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday witnessed a landmark aviation demonstration as a military aircraft successfully landed on Assam’s first emergency landing facility built along a national highway. The event marked a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen dual-use infrastructure in border and remote regions.
The specially developed airstrip — constructed on a stretch of highway in upper Assam — is designed to allow fighter jets and transport aircraft to take off and land during emergencies such as war, natural disasters, or when conventional airbases become unusable.
Defence officials said the project enhances rapid troop deployment capability in the Northeast, a strategically sensitive region close to international borders. The landing was carried out by an aircraft of the Indian Air Force, followed by operational drills demonstrating refuelling and quick turnaround procedures directly on the roadway.
Speaking after the demonstration, the Prime Minister said the facility would boost disaster response and national security preparedness. He noted that highways capable of supporting aircraft operations reduce dependence on fixed airbases and improve connectivity in remote areas during floods, earthquakes, or conflict situations.
Engineers reinforced the highway surface with high-grade concrete and widened shoulders to accommodate aircraft wingspan, while removable lighting and navigation systems were installed for rapid deployment when needed. Traffic can resume shortly after operations, ensuring minimal disruption to civilian movement.
Security experts say such hybrid infrastructure has become a global trend, allowing nations to maximize logistics readiness without building entirely new airfields. India has previously built similar emergency landing strips in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, but this is the first of its kind in Assam.
Officials confirmed the facility will also be used periodically for training exercises, ensuring pilots remain prepared for operations from unconventional runways in challenging terrain.
