PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone For Kaziranga Elevated Corridor To Boost Assam Connectivity

Mega Infrastructure Projects Fuel Assam’s Cultural And Regional Rise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone of Kaziranga Elevated Corridor and four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of National Highway 715 along with virtually flagging off two Amrit Bharat Express trains.

The initiative includes the construction of a 35-km-long elevated corridor through Kaziranga and upgradation of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh stretch of NH-715, with an estimated investment of around Rs 6,957 crore. It seeks to improve connectivity between Central and Upper Assam and ensure the protection of the rich biodiversity of the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the one-horned rhinoceros.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This is an unprecedented gift, and the PM had personally come to Kaliabor to present it to the people of Assam. This will give a major boost to Assam’s development while prioritising environmental conservation and wildlife protection.”

Passing through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts, the corridor is expected to bring a transformative change in connectivity across Upper Assam and is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Sarma added that the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor would reduce travel time between Upper Assam and Guwahati by at least one hour, strengthen connectivity and further reinforce the foundation of a stronger Assam.

Implemented in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court and recommendations of the Wildlife Institute of India, the project will ensure safe movement of wildlife and significantly reduce road accidents and human-animal conflict.

Commenting on the Amrit Bharat Express trains, Sarma said, “The two Amrit Bharat Express trains virtually flagged off by the Prime Minister will significantly strengthen rail connectivity between the North-East and North India."

The Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar Amrit Bharat Express will cover a distance of 1,894 km in about 42 hours, improving connectivity between Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The CM also noted that projects such as multiple bridges over the Brahmaputra, medical colleges in almost every district, new universities, the Numaligarh-Gohpur tunnel road, the Kaziranga elevated corridor, the Rs 22,000 crore Silchar-Guwahati corridor and the Guwahati Ring Road once seemed unimaginable.

”Assam has now entered a new horizon of development and would never forget the Prime Minister’s contribution in steering the state on the path of progress and taking the Assamese language, Bihu, Jhumoir, Bagurumba and the State’s cultural heritage to the world,” he said.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Union Minister for Ports, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, state ministers Atul Bora, Charan Boro, Krishnendu Paul and Keshab Mahanta and senior officials were present on the occasion.