MORAN (Feb 14, 2026) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a major defense milestone today by landing on National Highway-37 aboard a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The landing inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass, signaling a boost to India’s strategic readiness near the eastern border.
The Moran ELF: Key Specifications
Built at a cost of ₹100 crore, this 4.2-km reinforced highway stretch serves as a multi-functional runway:
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Load Capacity: Capable of handling fighter jets up to 40 tonnes and heavy transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes.
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Strategic Backup: Designed as a military and civil alternative to the Dibrugarh airport for disaster relief and defense logistics.
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Air Show: The inauguration featured a 40-minute display by Tejas, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Rafale fighter jets.
Broader Development Blitz
Following the landing, the Prime Minister moved to Guwahati to launch several high-impact projects:
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Guwahati-North Guwahati Bridge: Unveiled the long-awaited bridge over the Brahmaputra River to slash travel time between the two banks.
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Education: Inaugurated the temporary campus of IIM Guwahati at Bongora.
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Green Mobility: Flagged off 100 additional electric buses to modernize Guwahati’s public transport.
Political Context
The visit comes just ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, with the PM also scheduled to address a massive gathering of party workers in the capital.
