In a related development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched its ‘land and go’ exercise on a 3.5-kilometre stretch of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh
The Ordnance Factory Chanda, located in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, has issued an immediate order cancelling all types of leave for its employees, citing “national security and operational urgency.” The directive was communicated through a circular from the Deputy General Manager, which stated, “As per the directions received from the Chairman and Managing Director, Munitions India Limited (MIL), all kinds of leave stand cancelled with immediate effect.” The circular went on to underline the importance of maintaining uninterrupted attendance, emphasising that “All employees should report for duty without fail and ensure uninterrupted attendance and contribution in line with national requirements during this critical period.”
The circular also made it clear that exemptions to this order would only be granted under exceptional circumstances, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Although no specific reasons were provided, the move comes amid a period of increased defence preparedness across India, suggesting a heightened state of alert within key defence manufacturing sectors.
In a related development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched its ‘land and go’ exercise on a 3.5-kilometre stretch of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. This exercise, which allows both day and night landings of combat aircraft, marks a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities. Unlike previous emergency landing sites on the Lucknow-Agra and Purvanchal expressways, which were limited to daytime operations, this new airstrip will support round-the-clock landings. The trial conducted on Friday saw a range of aircraft, including the Rafale, SU-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and MI-17 V5 helicopters, showcasing the strategic flexibility of the new airstrip.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi confirmed that the Piru village airstrip in the Jalalabad region also witnessed active flyovers and simulations by multiple fighter aircraft during both day and night, with exercises running between 7 PM and 10 PM. The local police were on high alert as the drills were carried out under stringent security protocols.
Once fully operational, the Ganga Expressway will become the fourth expressway in Uttar Pradesh with emergency landing capabilities, and the first to support 24-hour operations. This development is a part of India’s broader efforts to enhance its defence infrastructure, especially in light of recent tensions with Pakistan, which have escalated following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. These ongoing efforts reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening its defence readiness in response to rising security concerns.
