Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lays Foundation Stone of Rs. 6,950 Crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, Emphasises Harmony Between Development and Nature. 

Kaliabor, Assam:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, a major infrastructure initiative worth over Rs. 6,950 crore, at Kaliabor in Assam. The project involves four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715 and is designed to improve connectivity while safeguarding the fragile ecosystem of Kaziranga National Park.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister described Kaziranga as more than just a national park, calling it the “soul of Assam” and a priceless jewel of India’s biodiversity, recognised globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He said protecting Kaziranga is not only an environmental responsibility but also a commitment to future generations.

Highlighting the project’s importance, he said the 86-km corridor includes a 35-km elevated wildlife stretch, allowing animals such as rhinos, elephants and tigers to move freely beneath the highway while vehicles pass overhead. This, he noted, will reduce human-wildlife conflict, improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. The corridor will also enhance connectivity between Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Prime Minister stressed that India is proving to the world that development and environmental conservation can progress together. He pointed out that tourism in Kaziranga has steadily increased, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth through homestays, guiding services, transport, handicrafts and small businesses.

Speaking on the development of the North East, he said the region is no longer distant from the nation’s development journey but is now closer to the heart of the country and Delhi itself. He highlighted significant investments in roads, railways, airports and waterways, noting that rail budget allocation for Assam has increased fivefold over the past decade.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains and announced a Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connecting Guwahati to Kolkata, further strengthening regional connectivity.

Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.