Imagine driving down a smooth national highway, the wind in your hair and your favorite playlist on the radio. Suddenly, the traffic is diverted, and within minutes, the road ahead transforms. A thunderous roar fills the air as a Sukhoi Su-30MKI or a Rafale fighter jet descends gracefully onto the very asphalt you were just cruising on.
This isn’t a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster; it is India’s rapidly evolving reality. As of February 2026, India is aggressively expanding its network of Emergency Landing Facilities (ELF) on National Highways to bolster national security and disaster response.
How Many Emergency Landing Facilities are Operational in India?
As of February 14, 2026, there are approximately 15 operational Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) across various Indian states, out of a total of 28 to 29 locations identified and sanctioned by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The most recent and historic addition to this list is the Moran ELF in Assam, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, 2026. This marks a pivotal shift in India’s defense strategy, extending these “mobile airbases” to the sensitive northeastern frontier.
The Breakdown: Active vs. Planned Facilities
The government’s master plan involves a grid of 28 strategic locations. While construction is at different stages (bidding, land acquisition, or environmental clearance), the operational ones are already serving as a powerful deterrent and a lifeline for humanitarian aid.
| State | Identified ELFs | Status (Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | 5 | 1 Operational (Moran), 4 in Progress |
| Rajasthan | 3 | Operational (NH-925A Barmer, etc.) |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1 | Operational (Purvanchal/Agra-Lucknow) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 3 | Operational (NH-16 Bapatla) |
| West Bengal | 4 | Under Construction / Testing |
| Tamil Nadu | 2 | Under Construction |
| Others (J&K, Gujarat, Bihar) | 10+ | Various Stages |
Why Does India Need “Highway Runways”?
You might wonder: “Why not just build more traditional airbases?” The answer lies in strategic redundancy. In a conflict scenario, traditional airfields are the first targets for enemy missiles. If a primary runway is damaged, an ELF provides the IAF with an “alternative heart” to keep the pulse of air operations beating.
1. Strategic Deterrence (The China & Pakistan Factor)
The inauguration of the Moran ELF in Dibrugarh is a direct message regarding India’s preparedness near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Being less than 300 km from the border, it allows fighter jets to scramble and land even if the main bases like Chabua or Tezpur are compromised.
2. Disaster Relief (HADR Operations)
India is prone to floods and landslides, especially in the Northeast. These facilities allow heavy transport aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules to land life-saving supplies directly into affected zones where traditional airports might be flooded or inaccessible.
3. Cost-Effective Infrastructure
Building a dedicated airbase costs thousands of crores. By reinforcing a 3-5 km stretch of an existing highway with Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC), the government achieves a dual-use asset at a fraction of the cost (approximately ₹100 crore per ELF).
Notable Case Study: The Moran ELF (Assam)
On February 14, 2026, history was made when PM Modi landed on National Highway (Moran Bypass) in a C-130J aircraft.
- Length: 4.2 km reinforced stretch.
- Capacity: Can handle fighter jets up to 40 tonnes and transport planes up to 74 tonnes.
- Unique Feature: No central median and zero obstructions like poles or wires, allowing for immediate transformation from road to runway.
Expert Tips: How to Identify an ELF While Driving
Keep an eye out for these signs when you are on a National Highway or Expressway:
- The Median Gap: If you see a long stretch of highway where the central divider suddenly disappears and is replaced by a flat, paved surface, you are likely on an ELF.
- Concrete vs. Tar: ELFs are usually built with high-grade white concrete (PQC) rather than standard black bitumen to withstand the heat of jet engines.
- Fencing: High-security fencing on both sides of the highway is a standard feature to keep animals and unauthorized persons off the “runway.”
Future Outlook: Strengthening the 28-Site Grid
The Indian government is moving toward a future where every 500 km of major strategic highways will have a “plug-and-play” runway capability. With 15 already functional, the focus is now on completing the remaining sites in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Final Thought: India’s journey from a single test landing on the Yamuna Expressway in 2015 to a nationwide grid of 28 facilities in 2026 is a testament to its “Aatmanirbhar” spirit in defense. Next time you drive through the deserts of Barmer or the lush greenery of Assam, remember—the road beneath you might just be a runway for a Rafale!
