Emergency landing strip for IAF inaugurated on National Highway in Rajasthan

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country is prepared to defend its unity, integrity and sovereignty and is capable to deal with any challenges.

While inaugurating an emergency landing field on the national highway in Rajasthan’s Jalore, Singh said: “Having an emergency landing field so close to the international border shows that India is always prepared to defend its unity, integrity, and sovereignty. It shows that India is capable to deal with any challenge.”

The Union Minister further said that the emergency landing fields are useful during any natural disaster.

The Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria onboard landed at Emergency Field Landing at the National Highway in Jalore, Rajasthan on Thursday.

“This emergency landing field and the three helipads will not only be useful in the time of war but carry out rescue and relief operations during any natural disaster.”

He also informed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing emergency landing fields at 20 locations and also constructing helipads at many locations.

Speaking at the same event, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Whenever an out-of-the-box idea is proposed, apprehensions emerge. But glad for the support from the Defence Ministry and the Airforce that has led to the successful launch of this 3 km long road-cum-air strip.”

Defence Minister and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister will also inaugurate the Emergency Landing Facility on Satta-Gandhav stretch of National Highway (NH) 925A in Rajasthan’s Barmer on Thursday.

This is the first time that the National Highway will be used for emergency landing of aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).