Bihar
Bihar to Develop Three Highway Emergency Runways
- 06 Apr 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Government of Bihar is planning to develop three highway-based Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) that can allow fighter jets such as Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and transport aircraft like Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules to land on highways during emergencies.
Key Points:
- Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs): Three highway airstrips will be developed to allow fighter jets and military transport aircraft to land during emergencies or when conventional airbases are unavailable.
- Key Highway Corridors:
- Patna–Purnia Expressway (245 km): Bihar’s first expressway planned with an integrated airstrip.
- Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway (417 km): The highway connects Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- Ram Janaki Marg (40 km): Linking Ayodhya with Janakpur in Nepal.
- Collaboration: The project is being implemented through coordination between the Government of Bihar and the Indian Air Force.
- Strategic Location: The proposed airstrips will be located mainly in North Bihar near the India–Nepal border, improving rapid military response and border surveillance.
- Disaster Management Role: The airstrips can also support flood relief and disaster response operations in North Bihar by enabling quick delivery of aid and emergency services.
- Strategic Importance: These facilities will allow aircraft operations even if conventional airbases are targeted and will help in rapid deployment of troops and equipment in sensitive border areas.
| Read More: Indian Air Force |
