Guwahati, Oct 1: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the Union Cabinet’s approval of a ₹6,957-crore project to widen the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715 into a four-lane highway with a 34.5-km elevated corridor across the Kaziranga stretch, calling it a “historic day for Assam.”
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the project that combines faster connectivity with strong wildlife protection measures.
“A historic day for Assam and a giant leap for India’s sustainable development. The 34.5 km elevated corridor will ensure free and uninterrupted passage for wildlife between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong Hills. It is a promise to protect our natural heritage while building a brighter future for our people,” Sonowal said.
He emphasised the project’s dual significance: safeguarding Kaziranga National Park while catalysing economic growth. “This is not just a highway – it is a road of aspirations, connecting emotions, ecology and economy. It will cut down travel time, boost eco-tourism, ease pilgrim travel, and open new trade and industrial opportunities,” he added.
The existing Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of NH-715, part of the old NH-37, is currently a two-lane highway that passes through Jakhalabandha (Nagaon) and Bokakhat (Golaghat) and along Kaziranga’s boundary. Seasonal floods often force animals, including rhinos and elephants, to cross the highway toward Karbi Anglong Hills, leading to frequent wildlife casualties.
The new project addresses these concerns through a 34.5 km elevated corridor for wildlife passage, 30.22 km road upgradation and 21 km of greenfield bypasses to decongest Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat
The highway will also integrate with NH-127, NH-129 and SH-35, while connecting with three airports—Tezpur, Lilabari and Jorhat—and three railway stations. Officials said the project is expected to generate over 34 lakh person-days of employment and significantly improve logistics, trade, and mobility across Assam.
“This is a realisation of Modi’s vision where economy and ecology go hand in hand. Assam’s growth will never come at the cost of our environment, but in harmony with it,” Sonowal remarked, adding that the corridor will be remembered as a transformative moment for future generations.
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