Did the Centre Approve the Expansion of the Kalibor-Numaligarh NH Section in Assam to Four Lanes for Rs 6,957 Crore?
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Synopsis
The recent approval for the Kalibor-Numaligarh NH section's expansion underlines the government's commitment to infrastructure development while prioritizing wildlife conservation. This project promises economic growth, improved connectivity, and safety for both wildlife and commuters.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion to four lanes to enhance capacity and safety.
- Incorporation of wildlife-friendly measures near Kaziranga National Park.
- Project expected to generate over 34 lakh jobs.
- Improved connectivity between Guwahati, Kaziranga, and Numaligarh.
- Integration with major highways and railways.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned the expansion to a four-lane configuration and enhancement of the current carriageway of the Kalibor-Numaligarh segment of NH-715 in Assam on Wednesday. This initiative includes the execution of wildlife-friendly strategies proposed for the stretch adjacent to Kaziranga National Park (KNP).
The project, set to be developed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Mode, spans a total length of 85.675 km with an investment of Rs 6,957 crore, as per a Cabinet announcement.
This development is expected to generate around 15.42 lakh person-days of direct employment and 19.19 lakh person-days of indirect employment, paving the way for new growth, development, and prosperity in the adjacent areas.
The existing Kalibor-Numaligarh stretch of NH-715 (formerly NH-37) currently operates as a two-lane road, which traverses densely populated regions in Jakhlabandha (Nagaon) and Bokakhat (Golaghat) towns.
A significant portion of this highway either crosses through or runs alongside the southern boundary of Kaziranga National Park, characterized by a constrained right of way (ROW) of 16 to 32 metres, further complicated by poor geometric design.
During the monsoon season, flooding within the park prompts wildlife to migrate towards the elevated Karbi-Anglong Hills, necessitating their crossing of the existing highway. The incessant traffic flow results in frequent accidents and fatalities among wildlife.
To mitigate these issues, the project will introduce an elevated corridor approximately 34.5 km long, facilitating unobstructed wildlife movement from Kaziranga National Park to Karbi-Anglong Hills, while also enhancing 30.22 km of the existing roadway and constructing 21 km of greenfield bypasses around Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat.
This initiative aims to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and improve direct connectivity between Guwahati (the state capital), Kaziranga National Park (a crucial tourism hub), and Numaligarh (an industrial center).
The project alignment merges with two major National Highways (NH-127, NH-129) and a State Highway (SH-35), ensuring seamless connectivity to vital economic, social, and logistics hubs throughout Assam.
Moreover, the upgraded corridor will boost multi-modal integration by linking three railway stations (Nagaon, Jakhalabandha, Vishwanath Charli) and three airports (Tezpur, Liabari, Jorhat), thus expediting the transportation of goods and passengers across the region.
Upon completion, the Kalibor-Numaligarh section is poised to become a cornerstone for regional economic expansion, enhancing connectivity between key tourism, industrial, and economic hubs, promoting tourism to Kaziranga National Park, and unlocking new prospects for trade and industrial growth.
Point of View
I view this project as a balanced approach to infrastructure development and wildlife conservation. It reflects the government's dedication to enhancing regional connectivity while being mindful of the ecological challenges. The approval of this project marks a pivotal moment for Assam's growth trajectory.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the Kalibor-Numaligarh NH expansion project?
The total cost of the project is Rs 6,957 crore, as approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
How long is the Kalibor-Numaligarh section?
The total length of the Kalibor-Numaligarh section is 85.675 km.
What measures are being taken for wildlife?
The project includes the construction of an elevated corridor to ensure safe passage for wildlife between Kaziranga National Park and Karbi-Anglong Hills.
What impact will the project have on employment?
The project is expected to generate approximately 15.42 lakh person-days of direct employment and 19.19 lakh person-days of indirect employment.
When was the project approved?
The project was approved on October 1 by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
