The second ELF along NH-16 remains incomplete due to construction delays, raising questions about disaster readiness.
Nellore: Even as national security concerns grow, the second of two proposed Emergency Landing Facilities (ELFs) on National Highway 16 between Nellore and Chilakaluripeta remains incomplete, raising questions over preparedness for military and disaster-response operations.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), had proposed two ELFs along this vital corridor. The first—a 4.1-km-long, 33-metre-wide concrete airstrip near Muppavaram in Addanki mandal of Bapatla district—was completed and activated on March 18. Test landings and take-offs by Su-30 and Hawk fighter jets, and An-32 and Dornier transport aircraft, demonstrated flawless coordination between the IAF, NHAI, district administration and police.
This was the first ELF to become operational in southern India and has been proven capable of supporting emergency landings, strategic military movements and disaster-relief missions. However, the second ELF, a 3.6-km-long and 33-metre-wide stretch at Singarayakonda in Prakasam district, is still under construction. Delays have been caused by the need to straighten road curves and bends to meet aircraft safety requirements.
Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Ongole Division project director M. Vidya Sagar said that estimates are being finalised for road straightening and construction of service roads on both sides of NH-16. These service roads are essential to prevent disruption of highway traffic during aircraft operations. During the first ELF activation, vehicular traffic had to be halted for several hours. Two circulars have been issued to expedite the development of service roads and installation of crash barriers to demarcate the airstrip, he informed.
The IAF has designed the ELFs to enable rapid conversion of national highways into operational runways during national emergencies or natural disasters. The highways can be closed to civilian traffic and repurposed exclusively for military or relief aircraft when needed.
Located close to the cyclone-prone Bay of Bengal coastline, including SPSR Nellore and Guntur districts, the ELFs are strategically important for swift deployment of aid during floods or cyclonic events. Land near the runways has also been earmarked for the parking of emergency vehicles and relief materials.
