Guwahati, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the construction of India’s inaugural twin-tube underwater rail-cum-road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, with a total estimated expenditure of Rs. 18,662 crore in Assam. In response to this momentous decision, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma characterized the Union Cabinet’s approval as a “historic milestone” not only for the state but for the entire Northeast region.

Taking to X, the Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet for endorsing the ambitious 33.7-km four-lane corridor from Gohpur to Numaligarh, which encompasses a 15.79-km tunnel underneath the Brahmaputra River, at an anticipated cost of Rs 18,662 crore.

Labeling it a long-held dream first proposed in 2021, Sarma asserted that this initiative would revolutionize connectivity and spur economic growth in Assam.

Upon completion, the corridor will drastically shorten the travel distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur from nearly 240 km to a mere 34 km. The current travel time of approximately six hours will be slashed by nearly 95 percent, bringing it down to just 20 minutes.

The Chief Minister indicated that this project will greatly enhance freight movement, boost logistics efficacy, and reduce transportation expenses, thereby providing a significant lift to trade, industry, and investment throughout the region.

He referred to the tunnel as a “strategic lifeline”, stating it would unlock fresh avenues for trade, tourism, and industrial growth, while also solidifying connectivity between northern and southern Assam.

Sarma emphasized that the project is vital for reinforcing the integration of the Northeast with the broader national framework.

This tunnel will represent a substantial advancement in Assam’s rail and road infrastructure, becoming the state’s fourth railway crossing over the Brahmaputra—with three existing bridges—and will further facilitate the movement of passengers and goods across the river.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for his invaluable support and guidance in propelling this project forward.

Sarma articulated that the sanctioning of this underwater tunnel underscores the Centre’s robust commitment to infrastructure-driven development in the Northeast, aligning with the overarching vision of expedited growth and enhanced connectivity.

“This project will give more ‘gati’ to Assam’s development journey,”

the Chief Minister remarked, calling it a transformative initiative for the state’s future.