PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone For Rs 6,957 Cr Kaziranga Corridor, Flags Off Two Amrit Bharat Trains

Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, marking a major push to improve connectivity while protecting wildlife in Assam. 

PM Modi also virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, underlining the Centre’s focus on transport and tourism in the Northeast.

What is the Kaziranga elevated corridor project?

The proposed elevated corridor will run along a sensitive stretch near Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its one-horned rhinoceros. Officials said the structure is designed to allow animals to move freely beneath the road, reducing accidents and easing traffic congestion on National Highway routes that cut across wildlife zones.

The corridor aims to balance development needs with conservation concerns, a long-standing issue in the region, especially during peak tourist seasons and annual floods.

A new dawn where infrastructure and conservation go hand in hand!

Adarniya Shri @narendramodi Ji performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, boosting connectivity, protecting wildlife and giving fresh momentum to Assam’s growth story. pic.twitter.com/xjf4TDiVMq

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 18, 2026

Why is the project important for wildlife and locals?

The corridor is aimed at ensuring safe wildlife movement across the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and reducing road accidents on National Highway-715.

Kaziranga has witnessed frequent incidents of vehicles hitting animals, particularly at night. The elevated road is expected to reduce such risks significantly. Local residents are also expected to benefit from smoother travel, shorter commute times, and safer roads.

State officials said the project would also help maintain traffic flow during floods, when ground-level roads often become unusable.

An official said that it forms part of the four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715, and includes around 34.45 km of elevated wildlife-friendly corridors, along with bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat.

What did PM Modi say during the launch?

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said development in Assam is now being planned with equal emphasis on ecology and economy. He highlighted the need to protect natural heritage while ensuring that people in the region have access to modern infrastructure.

PM Modi also praised Assam’s role in India’s tourism and conservation efforts, calling Kaziranga a symbol of India’s commitment to preserving biodiversity.

Prime Minister also reviewed a model of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor.

Speaking at the launch of development works in Kaliabor aimed at improving Assam’s connectivity and protecting the region’s biodiversity.
https://t.co/lZcydC0SLn

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 18, 2026

Which trains were flagged off?

During the visit, the Prime Minister virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) and Kamakhya-Rohtak. These new services will improve long-distance rail connectivity from Assam to key religious and economic centres, including routes linking Dibrugarh and Kamakhya.

Railway officials said the trains are aimed at providing affordable, comfortable travel options for passengers, especially from the Northeast.

More good news for Assam!

Strengthening connectivity and mobility, Adarniya Shri @narendramodi Ji today virtually flagged off two new Amrit Bharat trains on the Kamakhya–Rohtak and Dibrugarh–Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) routes.

Gratitude to our Hon’ble Prime Minister for this… pic.twitter.com/hbGp6CYtYR

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 18, 2026

How does this fit into Assam’s bigger development plan?

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the corridor and new train services are part of a broader effort to position Assam as a major gateway to the Northeast. Improved roads and rail links are expected to boost tourism, trade, and employment in the state.

With the Kaziranga corridor now moving from planning to execution, the project is being seen as a test case for infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas across the country.