Bihar to Develop Three Highway Emergency Runways | 06 Apr 2026

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.