On January 18, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially kicked off the construction of the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam and also launched two Amrit Bharat Express trains. This 34.5-km elevated corridor, which runs along NH-715, is designed to ensure safe wildlife passage beneath the road during floods. It aims to tackle the ongoing issue of animal fatalities caused by heavy traffic near Kaziranga National Park. This project strikes a balance between conservation and development, as it reduces roadkill while enhancing connectivity. Additionally, it promises to boost tourism, trade, and job opportunities throughout eastern Assam, while also strengthening the long-distance rail and road infrastructure.
Key Project Details
- Project Scale: The total length of the project is 86 km, which includes a 35 km elevated section specifically designed to pass through the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
- Wildlife Protection: The elevated design allows for the uninterrupted movement of animals underneath the highway, connecting the national park to the Karbi Anglong hills, which is critical during the monsoon flood season.
- Highway Expansion: The project is part of the four-laning of the National Highway-715 (Kaliabor–Numaligarh section), upgrading the existing two-lane road.
- Urban Decongestion: It includes bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to reduce traffic congestion in nearby towns.
