Revolutionary Underwater Tunnel Project to Transform Northeast Connectivity

Innovative Tunnel Project Set to Enhance Travel Efficiency

GUWAHATI, June 12: A groundbreaking underwater tunnel connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh is expected to cut travel distance by 85% and travel time by 95%. The estimated cost for this ambitious project is approximately Rs 18,662 crore.

According to official sources, this will be a twin-tube underwater tunnel, stretching around 33.7 km in total.

The Union Cabinet has already given its approval for the initiative, and the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently in the works. Reports indicate that one of the two tubes will accommodate railway infrastructure.

Currently, the road distance between Gohpur and Numaligarh is about 240 km, requiring around six hours to traverse. However, once the tunnel is operational, this distance will shrink to just 34 km, reducing travel time to a mere 20 minutes.

This project will mark India's first rail-cum-road tunnel and the second of its kind globally. It promises to deliver substantial advantages not only to Assam but also to other northeastern states, significantly improving freight movement and lowering logistics expenses. Furthermore, the tunnel will enhance connectivity in the Northeast and address strategic needs while protecting environmental and navigational interests, sources noted.