New Delhi: An Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet and helicopter today successfully landed at the 6-lane Yamuna Expressway which connects Greater Noida with Agra.
The landing was done between Mathura and Agra section of 165-km stretch. This has come just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mathura on May 25. He is scheduled to address a public rally at Farah near Mathura.
This was done as a part of security drill.
The unexpected landings led to a huge traffic jam on the Yamuna Expressway.
The aircraft landed at about 6:40 am, senior IAF officers said, adding that the force has plans to activate more such stretches on highways in the future.
The IAF has been considering the use of national highways for emergency landing by fighter aircraft.
For today's trial, all facilities like make shift Air Traffic Control, safety services, rescue vehicles, bird clearance parties and other requirements were set in place by the IAF.
"The operation was conducted in coordination with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Agra and Mathura," an IAF statement said.
The aircraft first made a practice approach on the highway coming down to 100 metres before landing on the next approach.
IAF officials said such landings can be carried out in emergencies if an active airport is not available under certain circumstances.
The expressway will be put under a strict watch during Modi's visit.
Yamuna Expressway is India's longest six-lane controlled-access expressway stretch.
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