The central government is planning to establish another Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway in Assam, this time in Nalbari district of lower Assam. The proposed facility will be the second ELF in the state after the one developed on the Moran Bypass, which was inaugurated earlier this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified a five-kilometre stretch of NH-27 between Tihu and Madhapur in Nalbari district for the project. The existing four-lane highway section will reportedly be upgraded in accordance with specifications required for emergency aircraft landings.
As part of the plan, the NHAI is also considering declaring the surrounding area near the proposed ELF a no-construction zone within a specified radius to ensure safety and operational requirements.
To discuss the proposal, Nalbari Deputy Commissioner Nibedan Das Patowary chaired a meeting with stakeholders on May 19.
Speaking on the development, Patowary said the authorities are currently examining the conditions linked to the proposed no-construction zone and the restrictions that local residents may need to follow.
“We held a preliminary discussion regarding the proposal. More detailed consultations with the NHAI and other concerned agencies will be required before final decisions are taken,” he said.
Officials stated that the selected stretch of NH-27 was chosen due to its straight alignment, making it suitable for emergency aircraft operations.
The first ELF in Assam, located on the Moran Bypass, was inaugurated on February 14 this year. During the event, Prime Minister Modi landed on the highway strip in an aircraft, while several other aircraft also successfully carried out landing operations.
Following the inauguration, Modi had described the facility as strategically important for the Northeast, especially during emergencies and national disasters.
