Foundation Stone for Kaziranga Elevated Corridor to be Laid by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in January 2026. This project aims to enhance infrastructure while ensuring wildlife conservation in Assam. The corridor will span 34.45 kilometers and is part of a larger initiative valued at Rs 6,957 crores. It will allow safe animal movement beneath the highway, reducing human-animal conflicts. However, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on endangered species and the environment. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities and improve regional connectivity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 15:44 IST

Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project Announcement

Guwahati, Dec 24: In a significant development for Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in January 2026. This initiative aims to harmonize wildlife conservation efforts with the advancement of infrastructure.

State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora announced this news on Wednesday, highlighting that the project gained traction following the Prime Minister's visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site last year.

According to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Modi was notably impressed by the biodiversity of Kaziranga during his previous visit, which played a crucial role in prioritizing this project.

“We have received confirmation that the Prime Minister will initiate the construction of the elevated corridor. This is excellent news for Assam, as it will enhance connectivity while safeguarding wildlife,” Bora stated.

The proposed corridor will span 34.45 kilometers and is part of a larger project valued at Rs 6,957 crores, which has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

This corridor will traverse nine vital animal corridors along National Highway-37, now designated as NH-715, which cuts through the ecologically sensitive region of Kaziranga.

Currently, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles travel this highway daily. During the monsoon season, wild animals, especially elephants and deer, are compelled to cross this busy road to reach higher ground in the Karbi Anglong hills, often leading to tragic road accidents.

The elevated corridor is designed to facilitate safe and unrestricted movement for animals beneath the highway, regardless of traffic or weather conditions, thereby significantly mitigating human-animal conflicts.

In addition to conservation efforts, the project is anticipated to significantly enhance regional development. It includes plans for the four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh stretch, covering 85.67 kilometers, along with the construction of greenfield bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to alleviate congestion in urban areas.

Officials estimate that this initiative will create nearly 35 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

However, concerns have been raised by wildlife activists. In November, one activist wrote to the Director-General of UNESCO, claiming that the project contravenes the World Heritage Convention and poses serious threats to endangered species within the park.

In a letter to UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Prasanta Kumar Saikia, a resident of Gomothagaon (Kuwaritol) in Nagaon, expressed that the construction of the corridor would irreparably harm Kaziranga’s integrity and outstanding universal value (OUV).

He contended that the extended construction period, characterized by loud machinery, heavy traffic, vibrations, and increased human activity, would severely disrupt animal movements through traditional corridors and negatively impact the breeding patterns of various endangered species reliant on these habitats.