Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the much-anticipated Kaziranga Elevated Corridor. The Rs 6,957-crore project is set to become one of the world’s longest wildlife-friendly roadways, designed to protect the rich biodiversity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site while revolutionizing connectivity to Upper Assam.
The ceremony took place at Kaliabor in Nagaon district, where the Prime Minister reviewed a detailed model of the 86-km project. The highlight of this initiative is a 34.5-km elevated stretch that will soar above the existing NH-715 (formerly NH-37), allowing animals to migrate freely between Kaziranga National Park and the Karbi Anglong Hills without the threat of high-speed vehicular traffic.
Addressing a massive gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the project embodies the vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development along with Heritage).”Kaziranga is not merely a national park; it is the soul of Assam. This corridor is our promise to the future—an engineering marvel that ensures humans and wildlife coexist in harmony. During floods, our rhinos and elephants will no longer have to risk their lives crossing a busy highway to find safety,” the Prime Minister stated.
The project, to be executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), includes: 34.5 km of elevated roadway covering nine critical animal corridors. Two tunnels and specific vertical clearances of 9–10 metres to accommodate large mammals like elephants.
21 km of greenfield bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to decongest local towns.
30 km of highway widening from two lanes to four.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that the corridor would slash travel time to Dibrugarh and Tinsukia while boosting ecotourism.
“This is a landmark step for wildlife protection. By lifting the traffic above the ground, we are returning the natural pathways to the animals. This will significantly reduce human-wildlife conflict and open new economic avenues for local youth through sustainable tourism,” the Chief Minister added.
The corridor features advanced environmental safeguards, including noise barriers and headlight diffusers to minimise disturbance to the animals at night. Construction is expected to be completed within 36 months, providing a permanent solution to the tragic wildlife fatalities that occur annually during Assam’s monsoon floods.
