Kaziranga Elevated Corridor: A Game-Changer for Assam's Future
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the Bhoomi Pujan for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project on Sunday, January 18. This massive infrastructure initiative carries a price tag of over Rs 6,950 crore. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval on October 1, 2025.
The project involves four-laning the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715. It will be developed using the Engineering, Procurement and Construction mode. The total length stretches to 85.675 kilometers.
Project Route and Local Impact
The corridor will pass through three key districts: Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat. This path promises significant improvements in connectivity to Upper Assam areas like Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
As part of the plan, bypasses will be constructed at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. These bypasses aim to decongest the towns, improve urban mobility, and enhance the quality of life for local residents.
Why This Project is Crucial for Assam
Upon completion, the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is expected to play a vital role in the region's economic growth. It will strengthen connectivity, boost tourism to Kaziranga National Park, and open new avenues for trade and industrial development. The project will also generate valuable employment opportunities for local youth.
The elevated wildlife corridor serves a dual purpose. It will ensure uninterrupted movement of animals while reducing human-wildlife conflict. Furthermore, the project will enhance road safety, reduce travel time and accident rates, and support growing passenger and freight traffic.
Addressing Current Challenges
The existing Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715 is currently a two-lane road. It passes through densely built-up areas of Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. A major portion of this highway runs either through Kaziranga National Park or along its southern boundary.
This area has a restricted right of way, ranging from 16 to 32 meters. The situation is further aggravated by substantially poor geometrics. During monsoon seasons, flooding inside the park forces wildlife to move toward the elevated Karbi-Anglong Hills, crossing the existing highway.
Heavy round-the-clock traffic on this highway results in frequent accidents and deaths of wild animals. The new project directly addresses these critical issues.
Project Components and Design
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project will involve constructing approximately 34.5 kilometers of elevated corridor. This structure will facilitate free and uninterrupted wildlife movement between Kaziranga National Park and the Karbi Anglong Hills.
The project also includes upgrading 30.22 kilometers of the existing road. Additionally, it will construct 21 kilometers of greenfield bypasses around Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. These measures will decongest the existing corridor, improve safety, and enhance direct connectivity between Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, and Numaligarh.
Broader Connectivity and Integration
Once completed, the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor will integrate two major National Highways and one State Highway. This alignment will provide seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics hubs across Assam.
The upgraded corridor will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with three railway stations and three airports. This improved network will facilitate faster movement of goods and passengers across the entire region, marking a significant leap forward for Assam's infrastructure development.
