Lagatar24 Desk
Shahjahanpur: The Indian Air Force on Friday began its “land and go” exercises on a 3.5-kilometre stretch of the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, marking India’s first expressway capable of supporting both day and night fighter jet operations. This advancement significantly boosts the country’s emergency preparedness and defence mobility.
First expressway with full-spectrum landing capability
Unlike previous drills held on the Lucknow-Agra and Purvanchal expressways, which were restricted to daytime use, the Ganga Expressway now sets a precedent as India’s only stretch designed for round-the-clock jet landings. The participating aircraft include Rafale, SU-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and MI-17 V5 helicopters.
Public turnout and strategic importance
Local residents and students gathered in large numbers to witness the rare aerial manoeuvres. The IAF is testing a full range of operations including low fly-pasts, emergency landings, and night-time take-offs, showcasing the expressway’s potential as a makeshift airstrip during national emergencies.
Security and operational oversight
The expressway has been fitted with over 250 CCTV cameras to ensure real-time surveillance throughout the drill. High-ranking defence personnel and Uttar Pradesh state officials monitored the operations, which are seen as a critical step toward ensuring 24/7 operational readiness for the armed forces.
