Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam on Sunday, 18 January 2026. The project aims to protect wildlife in Kaziranga National Park while enhancing connectivity. Modi also flagged off two Amrit Bharat Trains during the event in Kaliabor.
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor holds significance for South Asia’s biodiversity hotspots. It addresses human-wildlife conflicts in Northeast India, a region shared with neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh, where similar conservation efforts influence cross-border ecology and tourism.
PM Modi Assam Visit Highlights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Assam for the final day of his two-day tour. In Kaliabor, Nagaon district, he performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor at around 10:00 AM. The ceremony marked the start of construction for this major infrastructure initiative.
The project involves 34.45 km of elevated wildlife-friendly corridors as part of the four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of National Highway-715. It includes bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. Designed to allow safe passage for animals like one-horned rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer, the corridor complies with Supreme Court directives and Wildlife Institute of India recommendations.
Modi inspected a model of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor during the event. In a post on X, he stated: “Looking forward to being in Kaliabor, Assam today for the Bhoomi Poojan of key development works, including the 35 km elevated corridor across Kaziranga. This will go a long way in safeguarding animals, particularly in the monsoon season.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded on X: “The elevated corridor is a landmark step towards protecting wildlife while strengthening connectivity.” The initiative stems from a Cabinet decision in October 2025 to upgrade NH-715 with wildlife measures.
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor will reduce road accidents on NH-715, which crosses the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Floods during monsoons often force animals to cross the highway, leading to fatalities.
Government data from Assam’s budget speech in 2022 highlighted plans for a 35 km elevated corridor to ensure safe animal crossings from Kaziranga to Karbi Anglong. A 2023 budget update noted the project was in its final sanctioning stage, with wildlife clearances underway.
The PM Modi Assam visit also focused on rail infrastructure. Modi virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Trains from Kaliabor.
Amrit Bharat Trains Flagged Off
The two Amrit Bharat Trains are the Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) Express and the Kamakhya-Rohtak Express. These services connect Assam with West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana.
Amrit Bharat Trains feature modern amenities like non-AC sleeper coaches with improved berths, CCTV cameras, and bio-toilets. They reduce travel time compared to existing routes. The Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar train covers 2,500 km in about 50 hours, while Kamakhya-Rohtak spans 2,200 km.
In his X post, Modi added: “During the programme, Amrit Bharat trains will be flagged off, which will improve connectivity for the people of Assam.” This aligns with the government’s push for affordable long-distance travel.
Railway Ministry data shows Amrit Bharat Trains aim to serve unreserved passengers with fares starting at INR 35 per 100 km. The launches enhance Northeast India’s integration with northern states, boosting trade and migration.
Assam Tourism Projects Gain Momentum
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor ties into broader Assam Tourism Projects. By minimising wildlife disruptions, it promotes ecotourism in Kaziranga, attracting visitors to its grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
A press release from Assam’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations in 2022 mentioned President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurating an exhibition on the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, emphasising conservation.
Assam Tourism Projects include infrastructure upgrades to position Kaziranga as a global destination. The corridor will generate local jobs in construction and tourism sectors, with estimates of 5,000 direct employment opportunities during building.
In a 2025 press release, Assam’s Chief Minister approved the corridor’s alignment and directed fast-tracking. This supports sustainable development in the region.
The PM Modi Assam tour underscores central government’s commitment to Northeast infrastructure. Previous initiatives like the 2022 budget allocation for the corridor show consistent progress.
Background on Kaziranga Conservation
Kaziranga National Park spans 430 sq km and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. It faces threats from poaching and floods. The elevated corridor addresses these by elevating the highway above flood levels.
A 2021 Supreme Court order banned new constructions in wildlife corridors without approvals. The project secured necessary clearances, as per official documents.
Assam Tourism Projects have seen investments rise 20% annually since 2020, per state finance reports. The corridor complements this growth.
What’s Next for the Project
Construction on the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is set to begin within months, with completion targeted for 2029. Monitoring by wildlife experts will ensure minimal environmental impact.
The Amrit Bharat Trains will operate weekly, with potential expansions based on demand.
This development positions Assam as a leader in balancing growth and conservation, with the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor at its core.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 18th, 2026
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