The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor in Assam, featuring a twin-tube Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) road tunnel under the Brahmaputra River with integrated railway infrastructure in one of the tubes.
The ambitious project will connect Gohpur on NH-15 to Numaligarh on NH-715 and will span a total length of 33.7 km. A key component is a 15.79-km road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra, making it India’s first underwater road-and-rail tunnel and the second such project globally. The total capital outlay for the project stands at ₹18,662 crore and will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model.
Transforming Regional Connectivity
Currently, travel between Numaligarh and Gohpur covers approximately 240 km via the existing Kaliabhomora bridge near Silghat on NH-52, taking nearly six hours. The route passes through Numaligarh, the ecologically sensitive Kaziranga National Park, and Biswanath Town, often leading to congestion and logistical delays.
The new greenfield alignment is expected to significantly reduce travel time and distance, offering seamless and faster connectivity across the Brahmaputra. The project is poised to benefit not only Assam but also neighbouring states including Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, strengthening inter-state mobility and economic integration across the Northeast.
Multi-Modal Integration and Strategic Importance
The corridor will integrate with two major national highways — NH-15 and NH-715 — and connect with key railway infrastructure. On the Gohpur side, it will link to the Rangia–Mukongselek railway section under the Rangia Division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). On the Numaligarh side, it will connect to the Furkating–Mariani loop line section under the Tinsukia Division of NFR.
The project will enhance multi-modal connectivity by linking 11 economic nodes, three social nodes, two tourist destinations, and eight logistics hubs. It will also provide improved access to four major railway stations, two airports, and two inland waterways, thereby strengthening the region’s freight and passenger movement ecosystem.
Economic and Employment Impact
Upon completion, the project is expected to play a pivotal strategic role by improving connectivity between key economic centres and opening new trade and industrial corridors in the Northeast. It is projected to generate approximately 80 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment during construction.
By reducing logistics costs, easing congestion, and facilitating faster transportation of goods and passengers, the underwater tunnel project is anticipated to drive long-term socio-economic growth and enhance the overall competitiveness of the region.