Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, involving the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715, with an investment of over Rs 6,950 crore, at Kaliabor in Assam. The project is a key environmentally sensitive highway initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity while ensuring the protection of Kaziranga National Park and its rich biodiversity.
The 86 km-long project includes a 35 km elevated wildlife corridor through the Kaziranga landscape, designed to allow uninterrupted movement of animals while enabling smooth vehicular traffic above. It also comprises bypass sections and widening of existing highway stretches, and is expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel time and minimise human–wildlife conflict across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts.
During the programme, the Prime Minister also flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express train services—Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak and Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar)—further strengthening rail connectivity between the Northeast and northern India.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and MP from Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal, said,
“The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is a landmark project that reflects our dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s commitment to sustainable development with utmost environmental responsibility. This Rs 6,950-crore project will transform & smoothen connectivity across upper Assam, especially for Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, while safeguarding Kaziranga’s unique biodiversity through a dedicated elevated wildlife corridor. Along with the new Amrit Bharat Express services linking the Northeast with northern India, these initiatives will significantly improve mobility, enhance safety, reduce travel time and open new vistas for economic growth across Assam.”