Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the construction of a 35-km elevated corridor across Kaziranga, a landmark infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity while ensuring the protection of wildlife in the Kaziranga landscape.
The project, officially part of the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715, is estimated to cost over Rs 6,950 cr and is expected to significantly ease traffic movement through one of Assam’s most ecologically sensitive zones.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the people of Assam, noting the overwhelming presence of citizens who came to bless him, “Today, a large number of people have come here. I am deeply thankful,” he said, calling the occasion special not just from a development standpoint but also from an emotional and cultural perspective.
Recalling his previous visit to Kaziranga, PM Modi said the memories of his trip came alive the moment he returned to the region. He shared that two years ago, his time spent in Kaziranga National Park was among the most memorable experiences of his life. The Prime Minister highlighted that he had the opportunity to spend the night inside the park and, early the next morning, took an elephant safari that allowed him to witness the beauty of Kaziranga up close.
“This land is not only rich in nature, but also filled with the strength of Assam’s spirit,” he remarked, linking the region’s biodiversity with the resilience and pride of its people.
The Prime Minister also connected his visit to Assam with the State’s cultural calendar. He recalled attending the Jhumoir Mahotsav last year and said he felt fortunate to return during Magh Bihu, a festival that celebrates harvest, tradition and community spirit. PM Modi pointed out that just a month earlier he had visited Assam for major development works, including the inauguration of the new terminal building of the expanded Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, and the foundation stone laying of the Ammonia Urea Complex in Namrup.
“These moments strengthen our Government’s mantra of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’,” he said, highlighting the balance between development and heritage as a central theme of the Centre’s work in the State.
The Prime Minister emphasised the historical importance of Kaliabor, describing it as a region that has shaped Assam’s past and will influence its future. He noted that Kaliabor is not only the gateway to the globally renowned Kaziranga National Park, but also a major hub connecting Upper Assam.
He recalled that it was from Kaliabor that the great Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan strategised to drive out Mughal invaders. Under Lachit’s leadership, he said, the people of Assam displayed courage, unity and determination to defeat the Mughal army.
“This was not just a military victory,” the Prime Minister said, “it was a declaration of Assam’s pride and self-confidence.”
He added that Kaliabor has held strategic importance since the Ahom era, and expressed satisfaction that under the current Government, the region is steadily transforming into a vital centre of modern connectivity and economic development.
The Prime Minister spoke at length about Kaziranga’s global identity and Assam’s deep connection with nature. He recalled the words of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who captured Kaziranga’s beauty with immense affection and poetic depth.
“Kaziranga is not merely a National Park—it is the soul of Assam and a priceless jewel in India’s biodiversity heritage. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Kaziranga holds national significance not only for tourism and ecology but also for India’s global image in wildlife conservation. Protecting Kaziranga and its wildlife is not just about the environment. It is also our responsibility towards Assam’s future and the coming generations.”
Explaining the purpose behind the massive elevated corridor project, PM Modi highlighted the challenges faced during Assam’s recurring floods. Kaziranga’s ecosystem, he noted, is affected every year when rising water levels push wildlife to seek higher ground. During such times, animals often attempt to cross the National Highway, leading to dangerous situations where they get trapped, injured, or even killed. The effort of our Government is that traffic remains smooth, and at the same time the forest remains safe.”
Under this vision, a 90-km corridor from Kaliabor to Numaligarh is being developed at a cost of nearly Rs 7,000 crore, with a 35-km elevated wildlife corridor as the most crucial feature. The Prime Minister mentioned that vehicles will pass above, while wildlife movement below will remain uninterrupted ensuring safety for both animals and commuters.
“The corridor has been designed keeping in mind the traditional movement routes of key species such as the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants and tigers,” he added.
Going beyond conservation, the Prime Minister informed the project would also improve connectivity between Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh which will open new opportunities for people in trade, tourism and employment. Along with new rail services, the corridor will strengthen Assam’s position as a connectivity powerhouse in the North East.
Congratulating the people of the State, he said, “These are important projects not only for Assam, but for the whole nation.”
The Prime Minister praised Assam’s people and the State Government for achieving a major milestone in wildlife protection. He recalled that there was a time when rhino poaching was a serious concern, with dozens of one-horned rhinos killed in 2013 and 2014.
“Our Government decided this could not continue,” he said, adding that security arrangements were strengthened, modern resources were provided to forest teams, surveillance was enhanced, and women’s participation was increased through ‘Van Durga’.
As a result, PM Modi highlighted, not a single incident of rhino poaching was reported in 2025, crediting the achievement to political will and the collective efforts of the people of Assam.
PM Modi underlined that for a long time people believed nature and progress could not go together. But today, he said, India is showing the world that both the economy and ecology can advance hand in hand.
He stated that forest and tree cover has increased over the past decade, and highlighted the mass participation in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, under which over 260 crore trees have been planted.
The Prime Minister further added that India has emerged as Asia’s largest Ramsar network and ranks third globally in terms of number of Ramsar sites. He said Assam, too, is demonstrating how development can coexist with heritage preservation and environmental responsibility.
Highlighting the development journey of the region, he remarked that the greatest pain of the North East has always been distance—both of hearts and of places. He said for decades people felt development was happening elsewhere and the region was being left behind, which affected not just the economy but also trust.
He asserted that the Union and State Governments have changed this sentiment by prioritising roads, railways, airways and waterways for the North East, ensuring simultaneous progress.
The Prime Minister later announced the launch of three new train services from Kaliabor, calling it a major step in Assam’s rail connectivity. He said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will connect Guwahati to Kolkata, making long journeys comfortable, while two Amrit Bharat Express trains will cover important stations across Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, benefiting lakhs of passengers.
“These trains will connect traders to new markets, help students access education, and make travel easier across the country,” he said, adding that the North East is no longer distant from development—“it is close to the heart and close to Delhi.”
While concluding, the Prime Minister stated, “With the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project now launched, the State is entering a new chapter where development infrastructure will rise without disturbing the forests below, and progress will move forward with the pride of heritage and the promise of protection.”
Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal & Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries in the programme.
