Jaipur (TIP): Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Surface Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari jointly inaugurated an emergency landing facility (ELF) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Satta-Gandhav stretch on NH-925A near Barmer district of Rajasthan on September 9, Thursday. The two ministers travelled to Barmer on C-130J aircraft to inaugurate the facility.

This is the first time that a National Highway has been used for emergency landing of aircraft of Indian Air Force. This landing strip will be able to facilitate landing of all types of IAF aircraft.  The strip is 3.5 km long and 33 meter wide on the national highway in Barmer-Jalore districts (NH-925A) that is readied to meet any emergency landing of IAF fighter jets, Sukhoi, Hercules and other aircraft.

Speaking after witnessing the aircraft operations, Rajnath Singh said EFL near the International border was a shining example of the government’s commitment to protect the unity and sovereignty of the nation.

“This highway and landing field will further cement the basic infrastructure along the western border and strengthen national security. Such emergency fields will provide more edge to the operational and civil assistance of our forces. It will also play a crucial role in facing natural calamities,” Defense Minister said.

Singh commended the Armed Forces for displaying the same level of courage, dedication and promptness during natural calamities as they show when they face their adversaries. He lauded the Indian Air Force for playing a central role in dealing with the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also lauded the Indian Air Force for playing a central role in dealing with the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Referring to the Cabinet’s approval to procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for Indian Air Force, Singh said the decision was a big step towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the aircraft would be manufactured under the ‘Make in India‘ initiative.

Singh further hailed the IAF, NHAI & the private sector for joining hands and completing the construction of Emergency Landing Field in 19 months despite COVID-19 restrictions. It is a great example of coordination among multiple departments & Ministries; Government & private sector and Civil & Defence.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr G Satheesh Reddy and other senior central & state government officials were present during the inauguration of the Emergency Landing Facility.

About ELF

The NHAI has developed the three-kilometer section as an ELF for Indian Air Force. It is part of the newly-developed two-lane paved shoulder of Gagariya-Bakhasar & Satta-Gandhav Section having total length of 196.97 kilometres and costing Rs 765.52 crore under Bharatmala Pariyojana. The work commenced in July 2019 and was completed in January 2021.

This project will improve connectivity between villages of Barmer & Jalore districts located on the international border. The stretch located in the western border area will facilitate the vigilance of the Indian Army and strengthen the basic infrastructure of the country. During normal time, the ELF will be used for smooth flow of road traffic.

Apart from the Emergency Landing Strip, three helipads have been constructed in Kundanpura, Singhania & Bakhasar villages under this project as per the requirements of the Armed Forces.