Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a welfare scheme seed-capital distribution programme at Khowang in Dibrugarh, Sarma said the Centre is expected to accord the project a high-profile launch. He added that there is a possibility of the Prime Minister inaugurating the advanced landing facility, and if not, the Defence Minister may attend the event.

The emergency landing strip is being developed on a 4.2-kilometre stretch at Moran and is designed to handle both civilian aircraft and Indian Air Force fighter jets, including Sukhoi and Rafale platforms. Sarma said the facility will act as an alternative landing option if aircraft are unable to land at Dibrugarh airport due to operational or emergency constraints.

The project is being executed by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd and will be the first highway-based emergency landing strip in the Northeast. Sarma had earlier stated that the Centre has also approved two additional such facilities in Assam, one on the Boroma–Tihu stretch in lower Assam and another between Nagaon and Lumding at Sankardevnagar.

Once operational, the landing strip is expected to significantly enhance strategic flexibility for the armed forces in the sensitive Northeast frontier, while also strengthening civil aviation preparedness during emergencies. The Chief Minister added that helipads are being planned at regular intervals along major highways, particularly in highland areas vulnerable to flooding.

He said the state aims to develop helipads every 50 to 100 kilometres and transform the Numaligarh–Dibrugarh–Tinsukia corridor into a modern, resilient transport and emergency response corridor.