Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a major push to Assam’s infrastructure and conservation efforts by laying the foundation stone for the Rs 6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor and virtually flagging off two Amrit Bharat Express trains from Nagaon district.
Arriving from Guwahati during the final leg of his two-day visit to the state, the Prime Minister performed the Bhoomi Poojan of the ambitious corridor project, which is designed to balance modern infrastructure development with environmental protection in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
The elevated corridor is aimed at ensuring safe movement of wildlife across the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, particularly during the monsoon season when animals often cross highways due to flooding. Officials said the project will also help reduce road accidents on National Highway-715, promote eco-tourism, and create employment opportunities for local communities.
The project is part of the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715 and includes nearly 34.45 kilometres of wildlife-friendly elevated stretches. It also features bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to ease traffic congestion and improve overall road safety in the region. During the programme, Prime Minister Modi reviewed a detailed model of the corridor, highlighting its strategic and environmental significance.
In addition to the road project, the Prime Minister virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Dibrugarh to Gomti Nagar in Lucknow and Kamakhya to Rohtak. The new train services are expected to significantly enhance long-distance rail connectivity between Assam and several states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana.
According to officials, these trains will reduce travel time, offer improved passenger amenities, and strengthen economic and social ties between the Northeast and the rest of the country.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating that the Kaziranga elevated corridor would play a crucial role in safeguarding wildlife, especially during Assam’s flood-prone months. He also noted that the new rail services would make travel more convenient for people in the region.
The foundation stone laying and train flag-off underscore the Centre’s continued focus on accelerating infrastructure growth in the Northeast while ensuring sustainability and environmental protection. Once completed, the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is expected to serve as a landmark example of wildlife-sensitive infrastructure development in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Rs 6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam and flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains. The corridor aims to protect wildlife, reduce road accidents, and boost eco-tourism, while the new train services will improve long-distance rail connectivity between Assam and multiple states. The initiatives reflect the government’s emphasis on sustainable development and regional growth in the Northeast.