SOURCE: AFI
The Government of India has put forward a significant proposal to establish Emergency Landing Facilities (ELF) on two stretches of national highways in the Nagaon and Baksa districts of Assam. Additionally, two ELF strips are proposed for Rajasthan, reflecting a strategic initiative to enhance emergency preparedness and national security.
Currently, India has seven designated stretches where ELF will be available. Out of these, three ELF airstrips have already been completed, with ongoing work on the remaining four. One of these under-construction ELF strips is located in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, specifically on a section of the Moran Bypass extending to Bogibeel Junction. Upon completion, and if the new proposals are approved, Assam will have three ELF airstrips, significantly bolstering its emergency infrastructure.
The proposed ELF strips in the Nagaon and Baksa districts are presently in the project preparation stage. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has stated that these projects will advance based on the outcomes of feasibility studies. This meticulous approach ensures that the proposed ELF strips are viable and effective for their intended purposes.
The establishment of ELF strips on national highways is a forward-thinking move aimed at providing critical infrastructure for emergency situations. These facilities are designed to accommodate the emergency landings of aircraft, offering a crucial safety net during crises such as natural disasters, military emergencies, or technical failures.
By integrating ELF into the national highway network, the government aims to create a robust system that enhances both civilian and military emergency response capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to upgrade the country’s infrastructure to meet contemporary security and safety challenges.
The construction of ELF airstrips involves transforming sections of highways into makeshift runways that can support various types of aircraft. This requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the highways can be swiftly converted and restored as needed. The proposed ELF projects in Assam and Rajasthan demonstrate the government’s commitment to leveraging existing infrastructure for multifaceted uses, maximizing resource efficiency.