Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the Union Cabinet has given the green light to the state government’s significant initiative to build an elevated corridor through Kaziranga National Park. This project, estimated at over Rs 6,000 crore, aims to safeguard wildlife while enhancing connectivity in Upper Assam.
Sarma emphasized that the elevated corridor, spanning from Bokakhat to Kaziranga, represents a crucial step in balancing infrastructure growth with ecological preservation. By curbing wildlife casualties due to traffic and facilitating safe animal crossings, the corridor is poised to play a pivotal role in conservation efforts.
The Chief Minister highlighted that besides benefiting wildlife, the corridor will also reduce travel time between Guwahati and Jorhat, thereby boosting economic and tourism prospects in the region. Anticipated to yield long-term revenue for the state, the project is projected to contribute approximately 9% in GST and additional income from forest-related activities.
Additionally, Sarma announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Assam on January 17, during which he will inaugurate the inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper train service connecting Kolkata and Guwahati. This move is set to revolutionize rail connectivity in the Northeast, with new train services linking Dibrugarh to Lucknow and Guwahati to Rohtak via Delhi to be flagged off, further integrating Assam with key national regions.
During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to witness the traditional Bodo dance Bagurumba, showcasing Assam’s vibrant cultural heritage on a national platform. The following day, on January 18, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the elevated corridor project in Kaziranga, emphasizing the government’s commitment to Assam’s progress and environmentally conscious infrastructure development.
The elevated corridor initiative in Kaziranga has long been a flagship project for the Assam government, aiming to reconcile the longstanding conflict between conservation and connectivity. With the Cabinet’s approval secured, officials anticipate a swift transition to the implementation phase, marking a significant stride towards sustainable development in the state.
