Kaziranga to get elevated corridor: PM Modi to launch landmark project in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on a two-day tour, during which he will lay the foundation stone of a major infrastructure project — an elevated corridor that will serve as an alternative route to the Kaziranga National Park road.

On January 18, the Prime Minister will address the people of Assam at 11:00 am at Mauchanda field in Kaliabor, where he will also inaugurate the foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed corridor. The project involves the construction of a 34.5-kilometre-long elevated corridor (flyover) connecting Rangalu in Kaliabor to Bokakhat, aimed at easing traffic congestion and ensuring wildlife safety around the Kaziranga region.

The ambitious project has received ₹6,957 crore approval from the Union Cabinet, while the Assam government has already completed land acquisition. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized the tender process, paving the way for construction to begin soon.

The elevated corridor is expected to play a crucial role in protecting wildlife, particularly during the flood season when animals cross the national highway to move towards the Karbi Anglong hills. Frequent vehicle-animal collisions on the existing highway have been a major concern, and officials believe the new corridor will significantly reduce such accidents once completed.

Apart from ecological benefits, the project is set to drastically cut travel time. At present, due to speed limits and multiple speed breakers on the Kaziranga stretch, it takes around one and a half hours to travel from Numaligarh to Jakhalabandha. With the elevated corridor in place, the same journey is expected to take just 20 minutes, leading to a substantial reduction in travel time between Jorhat and Guwahati.

Authorities have clarified that the existing Kaziranga road will remain operational and will not be closed. Vehicles will continue to use the scenic route through Kaziranga, while the elevated corridor will function strictly as an alternative passage, balancing development with conservation.

The project is being seen as a landmark initiative that combines infrastructure development, wildlife conservation, and regional connectivity in Assam.

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