Security turns top priority ahead of PM’s historic highway landing in Moran

Dibrugarh: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-anticipated visit to Moran in Dibrugarh district on Feb 14, top officials, including Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota and DGP Harmeet Singh, are on their toes to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.The duorecently visited the site to asses the final arrangements for the inauguration of the northeast’s first emergency landing facility (ELF) on a national highway.The top state officials were joined by senior officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Dibrugarh DC Bikram Kairi, and SSP Abhijit Gurav. During the inspection conducted on Feb 5, the team scrutinised the 4.2-km stretch of the highway at Moran that will double as a strategic airstrip.

Following the field visit, a high-level preparatory meeting was held near the venue to ensure flawless coordination between various govt departments, security agencies, and the IAF.Chief secretary Ravi Kota told the media that the PM’s aircraft will land directly on the Moran ELF on Feb 14. Following the landing, the PM will formally inaugurate the facility and witness a 20-minute demonstration, where advanced aircraft like the Sukhoi-30, Rafale, and Tejas, along with transport planes like the Hercules and Antonov AN-32, will perform manoeuvres.

“This will be a historic and rare experience for the region. We have scheduled trial runs starting Feb 9, where advanced aircraft along with transport planes will perform manoeuvres. I urge the local community, especially students and children, to come and witness the trials and main event as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Kota said.DGP Harmeet Singh said the security apparatus is being reinforced to handle the high-profile nature of the event.“All security arrangements and drills have been thoroughly reviewed in view of the PM’s upcoming visit. We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe and successful event. The safety of the venue and the management of the expected crowds are our top priorities,” the DGP said.To facilitate the final stage of preparations and the aerial trials, the administration has announced that traffic on NH-127 (the stretch of the ELF) will be diverted. From Feb 6 until the conclusion of the event on Feb 14, all vehicles will be rerouted through the old NH-37 via Moran town.