During a two-day visit to Upper Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Northeast’s inaugural highway-based airstrip, located on the Dibrugarh–Moran section of the National Highway, is on track for completion by October 2025.
Spanning 4.2 km, this innovative emergency landing strip is designed to support both civilian aircraft and Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, such as Sukhoi and Rafale. “This facility on the Demow–Moran stretch will act as a vital backup for Dibrugarh Airport, ensuring landing capabilities for both civil and military aircraft during emergencies,” Sarma explained to the media.
The project, spearheaded by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), is undergoing IAF inspections, with trial landings anticipated by September 2025. Sarma emphasized its strategic importance, noting, “This is the first such facility in the Northeast. The IAF is keen to use it for advanced fighter jets and potentially for air shows in the future.”
The Government of India has also greenlit two additional highway airstrips—one at Boroma–Tihu in lower Assam and another between Nagaon and Lumding at Sankardevnagar. “We’ll operationalize this one first before moving to the others,” Sarma stated.
Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed plans to build helipads every 50 to 100 km along the highway, from Numaligarh to Dibrugarh–Tinsukia. “These helipads will be crucial during floods when traditional landing sites are unavailable, enhancing Assam’s disaster response framework,” he said.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, NHIDCL, and the Central Government, the airstrip is poised to strengthen the region’s military and civilian aviation capabilities, offering a robust solution for emergencies and bolstering the Northeast’s strategic infrastructure.
