From Highway to Runway: PM Modi’s Moran Touchdown and Its Strategic Message

New Delhi/Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday added an important chapter by landing at Northeast India's first emergency landing facility in Moran, Assam. This landing done by C-130J Super Hercules aircraft was not just a formal event, but through it the Central Government clearly put forward its priorities regarding security, connectivity and development in the Northeast. Many big projects related to military preparations, infrastructure and education were included in this visit of the Prime Minister.

Why is Moran's emergency landing facility considered so special?

The facility, located on the Moran Bypass, is the first road-based emergency runway in the Northeast. It has been prepared in coordination with the Indian Air Force so that both military and civilian aircraft can land here if needed. This facility will become the basis for rapid action in case of disaster, relief or any strategic situation.

Why was an air show organized as soon as the prime minister landed?

As soon as the Prime Minister arrived, Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale fighter planes conducted touch-and-go exercises on the runway. Along with this, transport aircraft and helicopters were also involved. This exercise was to show that this road could be used as a full-fledged military runway if needed.

What is the importance of this facility in the geographical location of the Northeast?

Northeast India is connected to borders like China, Bangladesh and Myanmar. In such an area, it is challenging to rapidly transport troops, relief material or equipment in case of any emergency. This facility of Moran will help in reducing these challenges to a great extent.

How technically capable is this runway?

This runway can handle fighter aircraft weighing about 40 tonnes and heavy transport aircraft weighing up to 74 tonnes. This means it can be easily used for large military or relief operations.

What will be the benefit to common people from Kumar Bhaskar Verma Bridge?

The Prime Minister also inspected the Kumar Bhaskar Verma Bridge built on the Brahmaputra River. Built at a cost of about Rs 3,030 crore, this six-lane bridge will significantly reduce the distance between Guwahati and North Guwahati. Now this journey can be completed in a few minutes.

What arrangements have been made to make this bridge earthquake resistant?

Assam is a seismically sensitive area; hence, base isolation technology has been used in the bridge. Along with this, Bridge Health Monitoring System has been installed so that any technical glitch can be detected in time.

What do the projects worth Rs 5,450 crore awarded to Assam indicate?

The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth more than Rs 5,450 crore at Lachit Ghat in Guwahati. The aim of these projects is to strengthen roads, urban transport, digital services and education.

What benefits will the region get from the National Data Centre?

The National Data Center built in Amingaon will make government digital services more secure and reliable. This center will also provide a backup facility in times of disaster so that services are not disrupted.

Why is the new campus of IIM Guwahati considered important?

The new campus of IIM Guwahati will provide better opportunities for higher and management education to the students of the Northeast. This will reduce the compulsion for talents to go out of the area and will also promote local development.