Prime Minister Narendra Modi Performs Bhoomi Pujan for Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Kaliabor: A Landmark Step for Wildlife Conservation and Assam’s Development
Kaliabor, Assam – January 18, 2026: In a significant boost to infrastructure, wildlife protection, and regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today performed the Bhoomi Pujan (ground-breaking ceremony) for the ambitious Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project during his visit to Kaliabor in Nagaon district. The event, held amid massive public enthusiasm, also saw the virtual flag-off of two state-of-the-art Amrit Bharat Express trains, marking a new chapter in Assam’s development journey.
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor forms a core component of the four-laning and upgradation of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715 (NH-715), formerly NH-37. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in October 2025 at a total cost of ₹6,957 crore, the 85.67-km project includes approximately 35 km (precisely 34.45 km as per official details) of elevated wildlife-friendly corridor passing through Kaziranga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for hosting the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, along with tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and diverse avian species.
This innovative elevated structure will allow uninterrupted and safe movement of wildlife, especially during the monsoon floods when animals migrate from the park to the higher grounds of Karbi Anglong Hills. Over the years, vehicle collisions on the existing two-lane highway have claimed numerous lives of endangered animals, with at least 82 large mammals lost between 2020-2024. The project addresses this by elevating the road over nine critical animal corridors, significantly reducing human-wildlife conflict, enhancing road safety, and preventing accidents.
Additional features include 21 km of greenfield bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to decongest urban areas, and 30 km of at-grade widening to four lanes. The upgraded corridor will seamlessly integrate with NH-127, NH-129, and State Highway-35, improving connectivity between Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, Numaligarh, and Upper Assam regions like Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. It will also link key economic hubs, tourism sites, railway stations (Nagaon, Jakhalabandha, Vishwanath Chariali), and airports (Tezpur, Lilabari, Jorhat), boosting eco-tourism, trade, and employment. Officials estimate the project will generate over 15 lakh direct and 19 lakh indirect person-days of employment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arriving via helicopter at the temporary helipad in Mauchanda Field, addressed a massive public rally attended by thousands from Upper and Lower Assam. Enthusiastic crowds created a festive atmosphere, with people eager to witness the leader closely. The Prime Minister highlighted the project’s dual benefits: safeguarding Assam’s rich biodiversity while accelerating infrastructure growth.
In his pre-event post on X, PM Modi expressed, “Looking forward to being in Kaliabor, Assam today for the Bhoomi Poojan of key development works, including the 35 km elevated corridor across Kaziranga. This will go a long way in safeguarding animals, particularly in the monsoon season.”
During the programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off two modern Amrit Bharat Express trains, designed with advanced technology for enhanced comfort, speed, and reliability:
- Kamakhya (Guwahati)–Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express
- Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express
These trains will strengthen rail connectivity between the North-East and other parts of India, offering affordable, faster, and more comfortable travel options for passengers.
The visit comes as Assam gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, with the BJP-led government emphasizing development, cultural pride, and ecological balance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Svarma described the elevated corridor as a “landmark step” toward wildlife protection and seamless connectivity.
This initiative reflects the Modi government’s commitment to eco-sensitive infrastructure in sensitive zones like Kaziranga, balancing progress with conservation. As the project progresses, it promises to transform Assam into a more connected, prosperous, and wildlife-safe state, unlocking new opportunities in tourism, industry, and regional integration.
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