IAF conducts night trial on emergency landing strip in Bijbehara

Srinagar, Apr 02: The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a trial run on 3.5 km-long emergency landing strip on Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district last night, officials said on Tuesday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the IAF conducted at least nine trials on the strip during the night, which started at around 03:45 am and concluded by 04:30 am.

“During the trial, traffic was diverted through an alternative route, while areas on both sides of the strip were completely sanitised, and a three-tier security was put in place," he added.

He said the trials conducted by the IAF were aimed at ascertaining the feasibility of landing for which Chinook helicopter was used.

Chinook helicopter, operated by the Indian Air Force, is a versatile heavy lift aircraft that plays a crucial role in various military operations, including troop transport, disaster relief, and logistics support.

Construction of the airstrip began in 2020 at a cost of Rs 119 crore. The strip can be used for strategic purposes as well as during natural calamities for rescue and relief operations.