Will PM Modi Lay the Foundation Stone of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in January?
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Guwahati, Dec 24 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the ambitious Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in January 2026, representing a pivotal step in Assam’s initiative to harmonize wildlife conservation with contemporary infrastructure development.
On Wednesday, State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora confirmed this development, highlighting that the project gained traction after the Prime Minister's visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site last year.
The 34.45-km-long elevated corridor is part of a ₹6,957 crore initiative approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
This corridor will traverse over nine vital animal corridors along National Highway-37, now known as NH-715, which meanders through the ecologically delicate Kaziranga landscape.
Minister Bora quoted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, stating that the Prime Minister was notably impressed by Kaziranga’s rich biodiversity during his visit, which contributed to the prioritization of the project.
“We have received confirmation that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the elevated corridor. This is promising news for the people of Assam as it aims to protect wildlife while enhancing connectivity,” Bora expressed.
Currently, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles traverse the highway daily. During the annual monsoon floods, wild animals, particularly elephants and deer, must cross this busy highway to reach higher ground in the Karbi Anglong hills, often resulting in tragic road accidents.
The elevated corridor will facilitate safe and unobstructed movement for animals beneath the highway, regardless of traffic or weather conditions, thereby significantly minimizing human-animal conflicts.
In addition to conservation efforts, this project is anticipated to significantly spur regional growth. It includes the four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh stretch, spanning 85.67 km, along with the construction of greenfield bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to alleviate congestion in town centers.
Officials have indicated that the project is expected to generate nearly 35 lakh person-days of both direct and indirect employment.
Drawing from successful wildlife-friendly infrastructure models utilized in other national parks, the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor aims to enhance eco-tourism while ensuring that Assam’s development aligns with its fragile natural ecosystem.