In a major push for wildlife conservation and regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the ambitious Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in January 2026. Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that the project has gained significant momentum following the Prime Minister’s visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site last year.
The 34.45-km elevated corridor is part of a larger Rs 6,957 crore project approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Designed to span nine critical animal corridors, the project aims to end the perennial conflict between high-speed vehicular traffic and wildlife movement on National Highway 37 (now NH-715).
“We have been informed by the Chief Minister that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the elevated corridor in Kaziranga. This is a good news for the people of Assam. The PM was deeply impressed by the biodiversity and wildlife during his visit to Kaziranga last year, which helped prioritise this corridor,” Bora said.
Currently, nearly 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles traverse the highway daily. During the annual monsoon floods, animals—particularly deer and elephants—are forced to cross the road to reach the higher grounds of the Karbi Anglong hills. This migration often results in tragic roadkills. The elevated structure will allow animals to move freely and safely underneath the highway, regardless of traffic volume or weather conditions.
Beyond conservation, the project is expected to transform the local economy. It includes:
Four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section (85.67 km total).
Greenfield bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to decongest town centres.
The creation of nearly 35 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment.
The proposed project follows successful models implemented in other national parks across India. By separating human transit from animal paths, the corridor will bolster eco-tourism and ensure that Assam’s growth remains in harmony with its natural heritage.
