Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project Launched as PM Modi Pushes Eco-Friendly Connectivity

Key Takeaways:

PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the ₹6,950 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project in Assam.
The project includes a 35-km elevated wildlife corridor through Kaziranga National Park.
It aims to balance infrastructure growth with conservation and boost Northeast connectivity.

Golagha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project in Assam’s Kaliabor, marking the launch of a major infrastructure initiative designed to improve regional connectivity while safeguarding fragile wildlife habitats. Valued at over ₹6,950 crore, the project is being positioned as a model for development that coexists with environmental conservation.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister described Kaziranga National Park as the ‘soul of Assam’ and a priceless symbol of India’s biodiversity, recognised globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elevated Wildlife Corridor Through Kaziranga

The 86-km project involves four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of National Highway-715 and includes a 35-km-long elevated corridor passing through Kaziranga. The elevated design will allow free movement of animals such as rhinos, elephants and tigers beneath the roadway.

Officials said the corridor will reduce human-wildlife conflict, improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. The project also features 21 km of bypasses and 30 km of highway widening across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts.

Conservation and Development Can Coexist: PM

PM Modi emphasised that development and conservation are not opposing goals, stating that India is demonstrating how economic growth can move forward alongside environmental protection. He said Kaziranga exemplifies how sensitive infrastructure planning can preserve ecosystems while meeting modern connectivity needs.

Recalling an earlier visit to the park, the Prime Minister said his time in Kaziranga, including an elephant safari, remained one of his most memorable experiences.

Assam’s Growing Role in National Development

Highlighting Assam’s development trajectory, the Prime Minister referred to recent infrastructure milestones, including the expansion of Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport and the foundation stone laying of the Namrup Ammonia Urea Complex. He said these initiatives reflect the government’s vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” development with heritage.

He also underlined Kaliabor’s historical significance as a gateway to Upper Assam and linked the region’s identity to the legacy of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, symbolising courage and unity.

Tourism, Livelihoods and Anti-Poaching Success

PM Modi noted that tourism in Kaziranga has increased steadily, generating livelihoods through homestays, guide services, transport, handicrafts and local enterprises. He highlighted major gains in conservation, stating that while rhino poaching was widespread a decade ago, no incidents were reported in 2025 due to stronger security, technology-driven surveillance and community participation.

He specifically cited the contribution of women forest guards under the ‘Van Durga’ initiative in strengthening protection efforts.

Northeast Connectivity Gets a Boost

The Prime Minister said the Northeast is now central to India’s development roadmap, pointing to major investments in road, rail, air and inland waterways. He noted that Assam’s annual rail budget allocation has increased nearly fivefold, enabling new lines, electrification and improved passenger facilities.

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During the event, PM Modi flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains—Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak and Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar)—and announced a Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connecting Guwahati with Kolkata.

Leaders Present at Ceremony

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, along with senior officials and dignitaries, attended the ceremony.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said India’s recent electoral outcomes reflect public support for governance that prioritises development, heritage and environmental responsibility, asserting that the country is setting a global example of sustainable growth.