Jaipur, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian Army helicopters on Tuesday conducted landing and takeoff operations on a designated stretch of the Bharatmala National Highway-911 near Dantaur in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district as part of an operational exercise.
The drill was held in the desert region, around 80 km from the India-Pakistan border, and lasted approximately 30 minutes. The exercise aimed to test the helicopters’ ability to land and take off from highways and other non-conventional sites during emergencies.
Army pilots carried out controlled landing and takeoff procedures on a marked stretch of the highway using Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak helicopters. The teams took into account surface conditions, wind direction and speed, visibility, and safety requirements.
Coordination between aircrew and ground personnel was a key component of the exercise, providing practical experience in operating from unconventional landing sites in challenging desert conditions.
Highways can serve as alternative landing zones when conventional airfields or helipads are unavailable, particularly in remote areas with limited aviation infrastructure.
Surendra Barupal, a police official from Chhattargarh, said traffic on the highway was stopped in both directions while the Army conducted the exercise.
The Indian Army operates Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), armed Rudra helicopters and Chetak helicopters for a range of tasks, including troop movement, logistics, surveillance and support operations.
The exercise was aimed at enhancing operational flexibility and familiarising personnel with procedures for using road infrastructure as landing sites. It also provided an opportunity to practise helicopter operations in difficult terrain and under conditions where conventional aviation facilities may not be accessible.
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