Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Northeast India’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, where the Indian Air Force showcased a thrilling air display featuring Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets.
Impressive IAF Air Show Marks ELF Opening
The Prime Minister observed an aerial demonstration that included fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters taking off from the newly operational ELF. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed him on stage prior to the event.
Northeast’s Pioneering Emergency Landing Facility
This dual-use infrastructure, developed in coordination with the Indian Air Force, supports landings and takeoffs for both military and civilian aircraft during emergencies. It handles fighter jets up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes, bolstering rapid rescue and relief efforts amid natural disasters or strategic needs in the region.
Major Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 5,450 Crore
Prime Minister Modi also launched development initiatives totaling over Rs 5,450 crore to enhance connectivity, digital systems, higher education, and urban transport across Northeast India. Around 1 PM, he inspected the new Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu bridge over the Brahmaputra River, followed by flagging off projects at 1:30 PM from Lachit Ghat in Guwahati.
Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu: Engineering Marvel
Costing approximately Rs 3,030 crore, this 6-lane extradosed prestressed concrete bridge links Guwahati and North Guwahati—the first of its kind in the Northeast. It slashes travel time to just seven minutes. Designed for high seismic activity, it features base isolation with friction pendulum bearings, high-performance stay cables, and a Bridge Health Monitoring System for real-time safety checks.
National Data Centre Boosts Digital Infrastructure
The Prime Minister unveiled the National Data Centre in Amingaon, Kamrup district, Assam. Equipped with an 8.5 MW sanctioned load and 10 kW average rack capacity, it hosts critical government applications and acts as a disaster recovery hub. This facility advances Digital India goals by providing secure, reliable digital services to Northeast citizens.
IIM Guwahati Elevates Higher Education
The opening of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati promises a significant uplift for management and higher education in the region.
PM-eBus Sewa Enhances Urban Mobility
Over 225 electric buses rolled out under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme, including 100 for Guwahati, 50 for Nagpur, 50 for Bhavnagar, and 25 for Chandigarh. These initiatives aim to serve more than 50 lakh people with eco-friendly, affordable public transport, improving city life and mobility.
