Jalore: IAF's C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft became the first aircraft to make the Emergency Field Landing during the demonstration in Rajasthan's Jalore. Fighter aircrafts, including Jaguars and Su-30 MKIs, took off and landed.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were aboard the aircraft. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat also witnessed the landing demonstration.

Defence Minister Rajnath 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".

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

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had developed a 3.0 Km section of the Satta-Gandhav stretch of NH-925A from Km. 41/430 to Km. 44/430 as an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) for Indian Air Force, which is part of newly developed Two-lane paved shoulder of Gagariya-Bakhasar and Satta-Gandhav Section having a total length of 196.97 Km. and Costing of Rs. 765.52 Crores under Bharatmala Pariyojana.

This project will improve connectivity between villages of Barmer and Jalore districts located on the international border. The stretch is located in the western border area will facilitate the vigilance of the Indian Army as well as strengthen the basic infrastructure of the country.

Apart from this Emergency Landing Strip, 3 helipads (size 100 x 30 metres each) have been constructed in Kundanpura, Singhania and Bakhasar villages in this project according to the requirements of the Air Force/Indian Army, which will be the basis for strengthening the Indian Army and security network on the western international border of the country.