Indian Air Force Jets Fly on Ganga Expressway Airstrip in Uttar Pradesh

GG News Bureau
Shahjahanpur, 2nd May: In a significant boost to India’s defense infrastructure, Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft conducted flight operations on the newly constructed airstrip on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Advanced fighter jets and transport aircraft of the IAF utilized the 3.5-kilometer long airstrip prepared on the expressway.

The airstrip in Shahjahanpur holds the distinction of being the first such strip in the country where IAF fighter jets will be capable of landing during both day and night. According to officials, the fighter aircraft will also be able to conduct practice drills here. From a security perspective, approximately 250 CCTV cameras have been installed on both sides of the airstrip.

With this development, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to boast four expressway airstrips. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated, “This is not just a road, but a lifeline of development and a runway for national security.”

The airstrip on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur is the first landing strip of its kind in the country. The 3.5-kilometer stretch is equipped to handle the landing of IAF jet aircraft during both day and night, facilitating continuous military operations and testing the suitability of expressways as alternative runways in emergency situations. The airstrip’s importance lies in strengthening India’s defense preparedness by providing an alternative runway for the Indian Air Force during emergencies or wartime.

Uttar Pradesh now leads the way with four expressway airstrips:

• Agra-Lucknow Expressway (Uttar Pradesh): This was India’s first expressway to be used as an emergency landing facility by the Indian Air Force. A 3.2-kilometer stretch near Unnao was specifically constructed for fighter jet operations. In 2017, the IAF conducted a major exercise where Mirage-2000, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, and Jaguar fighter jets successfully landed and took off. The expressway is designed with reinforced concrete, making it suitable for high-speed military landings.
• Purvanchal Expressway (Uttar Pradesh): Inaugurated in 2021, this airstrip is located on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur district and is 3.2 kilometers long. During its inauguration, Indian Air Force jets, including Mirage-2000 and AN-32 transport aircraft, demonstrated take-offs and landings in a live exercise. This expressway was built with military utility in mind, showcasing India’s move towards dual-use infrastructure.
• Yamuna Expressway (Uttar Pradesh): The Yamuna Expressway, connecting Greater Noida to Agra, first witnessed a trial landing by the Indian Air Force in 2015 when a Mirage-2000 fighter jet successfully landed near Jewar. Although not permanently designated as an emergency strip, it was among the first highways tested for military readiness, demonstrating India’s capability to utilize civilian infrastructure for strategic operations in emergencies.
• National Highway 925A (Rajasthan): This was the first national highway to be officially designated and developed as an emergency landing facility for the IAF. Located near Gandhav Bhakasar in Barmer district, the 3.5-kilometer stretch was inaugurated in September 2021. This airstrip has been used by Rafale, Jaguar, and Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft. The project marked a significant milestone in integrating defense preparedness into national highway planning.
• National Highway 16 (Odisha, near Balasore): An emergency landing airstrip has also been developed on NH-16 in the Balasore district of Odisha. While not as widely publicized, the airstrip is built on a strategic section used by the IAF for emergency drills and defense exercises. Its proximity to defense establishments like Chandipur and Wheeler Island adds to its significance.

The successful flight operations on the Ganga Expressway airstrip mark a crucial step in bolstering India’s air power projection capabilities and further solidify Uttar Pradesh’s position as a state with advanced dual-use infrastructure.