GUWAHATI, June 30: In a significant boost to the region’s strategic and disaster-response infrastructure, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Northeast’s first highway-based emergency landing strip is set to become operational by October 2025. The 4.2-km stretch is being developed on the Demow–Moran section of National Highway (NH) near Dibrugarh.
Speaking to media during his two-day visit to Upper Assam, the Chief Minister stated that the facility is designed to handle emergency landings of both civilian aircraft and Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, including Sukhoi-30 and Rafale. The project is being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), under close coordination with the IAF and the Ministry of Defence.
“In the event that aircraft cannot land at the Dibrugarh airport, this highway airstrip will provide an essential alternative,” Sarma said. He also confirmed that the IAF is actively inspecting the site and is optimistic about beginning trial landings by September, with full operational readiness expected in October.
The facility is part of a larger strategic initiative, with the Government of India already approving two additional highway-based landing strips—one at Boroma–Tihu in Lower Assam and another between Nagaon and Lumding, at Sankardevnagar.
Highlighting long-term planning, CM Sarma revealed that the state government also aims to construct helipads every 50 to 100 kilometers along the highway network in highland zones. “These helipads will play a critical role during flood emergencies when conventional runways or open areas may not be available for helicopter operations,” he explained.
The emergency airstrip and proposed helipad network are expected to significantly enhance Assam’s disaster management capabilities and provide critical support to defence operations in the strategically sensitive Northeast frontier.
“This is not just about infrastructure. It’s about building a modern, resilient corridor from Numaligarh to Dibrugarh–Tinsukia,” Sarma stated. He affirmed that coordination with all relevant central agencies is ongoing to ensure timely completion and operational efficiency.
Once functional, the Dibrugarh highway landing strip will mark a first for the region and serve as a model for similar infrastructure across other vulnerable and strategically important parts of India.
