Guwahati, June 30: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the first emergency landing facility on a national highway in the North East region is expected to be ready in eastern Assam by October. The facility, being developed in coordination with the Indian Air Force, will be located on a 4 km stretch of the national highway between Moran and Demow.

This strategic project, implemented by NHIDCL, will enhance disaster response and national security readiness. The facility will be capable of handling advanced defense aircraft like Sukhoi and Rafael, as well as civilian flights. Sarma said two more such emergency landing facilities will be developed in western and central Assam, one between Tihu and Barama, and another between Nagaon and Lumding.

The Chief Minister also mentioned plans to develop helipads at specific gaps on national highways in eastern Assam for use during floods, particularly on the stretch from Numaligarh to Dibrugarh to Tinsukia. Sarma requested the IAF to hold an air show and bring in fighter jets during the opening of the emergency landing facility.