With the integration of a dedicated airstrip along the Ganga Expressway, designed to support night landings by Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to have four operational airstrips on its expressway network. This achievement not only reflects the state's rapid infrastructure development but also underscores its growing importance in national defence preparedness.
"This isn't merely a road, it's a development lifeline and a runway for national security," said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasising the dual-use nature of the Ganga Expressway. The newly built landing strip, located in Shahjahanpur district, is the first of its kind on this expressway and marks another milestone in India’s strategic use of transport corridors.
The airstrip spans 3.5 km and is fully equipped to handle both day and night operations by IAF jets. This capability ensures round-the-clock readiness for military exercises, emergency landings or wartime deployments, validating the expressway’s potential as an alternative runway when needed.
Such infrastructure significantly enhances India’s defence preparedness by offering the IAF alternative landing zones during emergencies or conflict scenarios, reducing reliance on traditional airbases which may be compromised in critical situations.
Expressways and Highways Serving as Airstrips in India:
- Agra-Lucknow Expressway (Uttar Pradesh): The first expressway in India to double as an emergency airstrip, this route includes a 3.2-km stretch near Unnao, purpose-built for fighter jet operations. In a major exercise in 2017, IAF aircraft, including Mirage-2000s, Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs and Jaguars conducted landings and take-offs. Its reinforced concrete design supports high-speed military use.
- Purvanchal Expressway (Uttar Pradesh): Inaugurated in 2021, this expressway includes a 3.2-km emergency airstrip in Sultanpur district. During the launch event, the IAF showcased its readiness with landings, using Mirage-2000 jets and AN-32 transport aircraft. The expressway is explicitly designed to meet both civilian and military operational needs.
- Yamuna Expressway (Uttar Pradesh): Connecting Greater Noida to Agra, the Yamuna Expressway was among the earliest roads tested for military use. In 2015, a Mirage-2000 fighter jet successfully landed on a stretch near Jewar. Although not a designated permanent airstrip, this test demonstrated the potential of civilian highways for strategic military operations during emergencies.
- National Highway 925A (Rajasthan): This highway was the first in India officially developed as an emergency landing strip. A 3.5-km section near Gandhav Bhakasar in Barmer district was inaugurated in September 2021. The facility was used by IAF aircraft like Rafale, Jaguar and Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, representing a significant advancement in integrating defence infrastructure with national transport planning.
- National Highway 16 (Odisha, near Balasore): An emergency airstrip developed on NH-16 in Odisha’s Balasore district serves strategic needs due to its proximity to key defence locations like Chandipur and Wheeler Island. Though less publicised, this facility is actively used for defence drills and underscores the region's strategic relevance.
With the Ganga Expressway joining this elite list, India continues to enhance its dual-use infrastructure, improving connectivity while simultaneously strengthening defence capabilities.
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