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PM Modi to Lay Foundation for Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, Boosting Assam Connectivity

The Union Cabinet has approved a flagship elevated corridor project through Kaziranga National Park in Assam, estimated to cost over Rs 6,000 crore. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated the corridor will protect wildlife by reducing road mortality while improving travel times and economic prospects in Upper Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on January 17-18 to inaugurate new train services, including a Vande Bharat sleeper train, and lay the foundation stone for the corridor. The project is seen as a landmark balance between ecological conservation and infrastructure development.

Key Points: Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Approved, PM Modi to Lay Stone

  • Cabinet approves Rs 6000cr corridor
  • Aims to cut wildlife road deaths
  • PM Modi to lay stone Jan 18
  • Also launching Vande Bharat sleeper train
  • Boosts tourism and regional connectivity
2 min read

Union cabinet approves Kaziranga elevated corridor, PM Modi to lay foundation stone

Union Cabinet approves Rs 6,000 crore Kaziranga elevated corridor to protect wildlife and improve Assam connectivity. PM Modi to lay foundation stone.

"The elevated corridor will significantly reduce wildlife mortality... and ensure safe passage for animals - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Jan 9

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced that the Union Cabinet has approved the state government's flagship project to construct an elevated corridor through Kaziranga National Park, a move aimed at protecting wildlife while improving connectivity in Upper Assam.

Addressing the reporters here, Sarma said the elevated corridor between Bokakhat and Kaziranga will be built at an estimated cost of over Rs 6,000 crore.

He described the project as a landmark intervention that balances infrastructure development with ecological conservation. "The elevated corridor will significantly reduce wildlife mortality caused by vehicular movement and ensure safe passage for animals across the national park," Sarma said.

The Chief Minister added that the project would also shorten travel time between Guwahati and Jorhat, improving economic and tourism prospects in the region. Once completed, the corridor is expected to generate long-term revenue for the state, including around 9 per cent GST and additional income linked to forest-related activities.

Sarma also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on January 17. During the visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the first Vande Bharat sleeper train service between Kolkata and Guwahati, marking a major boost to rail connectivity in the Northeast.

In addition, new trains connecting Dibrugarh to Lucknow and Guwahati to Rohtak via Delhi will be flagged off, further integrating Assam with key regions of the country.

The Chief Minister said that during his visit, the Prime Minister will also witness the traditional Bodo dance Bagurumba, highlighting Assam's rich cultural heritage on a national platform.

On January 18, PM Modi will travel to Kaziranga to lay the foundation stone of the elevated corridor project. Sarma said the Prime Minister's presence underlines the Centre's commitment to Assam's development and to environmentally sensitive infrastructure.

The elevated corridor through Kaziranga has long been one of the Assam government's flagship initiatives, envisioned to resolve the long-standing conflict between conservation and connectivity.

With Cabinet approval now in place, the project is expected to move swiftly into the implementation phase, officials said, calling it a major step towards sustainable development in the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Rs 6,000 crore is a huge amount. While the intent to save wildlife is good, I hope the construction is done with extreme care. Kaziranga is a UNESCO site and we cannot afford any damage during the building phase. The environmental impact assessment must be made public.
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Rohit P
Finally! The travel time from Guwahati to Upper Assam will be cut down so much. This will boost tourism and local businesses. The new train connections are also a game-changer. Good to see infrastructure finally reaching the Northeast in a big way.
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Michael C
As someone who has visited Kaziranga, the number of animals killed on that road is heartbreaking. If this corridor can prevent that, it's worth every rupee. A model other countries with wildlife parks should look at.
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Sneha F
Love that PM Modi will witness the Bodo Bagurumba dance. It's so important to showcase our diverse cultural heritage on the national stage. Assam has so much to offer beyond tea and wildlife! 🙏
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Vikram M
Hope the project doesn't get stuck in delays and cost overruns. We've seen many 'flagship' projects announced with great fanfare but slow execution. The proof will be in the timely completion without ecological harm.

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