The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the construction of India’s initial twin-tube underwater rail-cum-road tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam, with a total capital cost of Rs.18,662 crore. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed this decision as a significant achievement for the state and the entire Northeast region. The project includes a 33.7-km four-lane corridor from Gohpur to Numaligarh, featuring a 15.79-km tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, estimated at Rs. 18,662 crore.
This endeavor, which has been a long-standing aspiration since 2021, is anticipated to revolutionize connectivity and boost economic progress in Assam. Upon its completion, the corridor will slash the distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur from approximately 240 km to just 34 km, drastically reducing travel time from six hours to about 20 minutes. The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative will significantly enhance freight movement, streamline logistics operations, and lower transportation expenses, thereby fostering trade, industry, and investment in the region.
Describing the tunnel as a “strategic lifeline,” Sarma highlighted its potential to unlock fresh prospects for trade, tourism, and industrial advancement, while fortifying connectivity between northern and southern Assam. He underscored the pivotal role of this project in fostering closer integration of the Northeast with the rest of the nation. Furthermore, this tunnel will mark a pivotal milestone in Assam’s rail and road infrastructure, becoming the state’s fourth railway crossing over the Brahmaputra and the first tunnel, which will further facilitate passenger and cargo movement across the river.
Acknowledging Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s support and guidance, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for advancing the project. Sarma emphasized that the approval of this underwater tunnel underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to infrastructure-driven development in the Northeast, aligning with the broader vision of accelerated growth and enhanced connectivity. He hailed this project as a transformative development for Assam, poised to propel the state towards a promising future.
