PM Narendra Modi visits Assam’s first Emergency Landing Facility and inaugurates ₹5,450 crore projects, including a major Brahmaputra bridge and electric buses in Guwahati.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his Assam visit in Dibrugarh on Thursday, where he reviewed the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) constructed on the Moran Bypass. The dual-use airstrip, designed to accommodate fighter jets up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes, was showcased through an aerial display. The facility is expected to support quicker response during floods and enhance logistical capabilities in border regions.

Later in Guwahati, the Prime Minister inaugurated development projects valued at over ₹5,450 crore. Among the major highlights was the ₹3,030 crore six-lane Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu bridge across the Brahmaputra, aimed at easing connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati and reducing travel time.

The programme also included the launch of a National Data Centre with a storage capacity exceeding 70 petabytes, the start of academic sessions at the new IIM Guwahati campus, and the rollout of 225 electric buses to promote sustainable urban transport.

The visit concluded with the Prime Minister addressing BJP party workers at a public rally ahead of upcoming state elections.

Observers note that infrastructure expansion, particularly in transport and data capacity, could have long-term economic impact in the region. However, consistent maintenance and effective implementation will be essential to ensure that large-scale projects translate into lasting benefits for local communities.