India’s Union Cabinet has greenlit a major highway upgrade in Assam, pumping Rs 6,957 crore into widening NH-715 from Kaliabor to Numaligarh. The project spotlights a 34-km elevated corridor over Kaziranga National Park, designed to let wildlife roam safely while speeding up travel for people.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal called it a “historic day for Assam” and a big win for sustainable development. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, saying the leader has a special place in his heart for Assam and its iconic Kaziranga National Park.
The 85.7-km stretch will expand to four lanes under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. That ambitious elevated corridor—stretching 34.5 km—aims to cut down deadly animal-vehicle collisions, giving critters like rhinos and elephants a clear path between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong Hills. Sonowal described it as “a promise to protect our natural heritage while building a brighter future.”
Beyond saving lives in the wild, this Assam highway project promises real economic boosts. It will slash travel times, ramp up eco-tourism, and make pilgrimages and visits smoother. The minister highlighted how 21 km of new greenfield bypasses will ease congestion in towns like Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat, opening doors for trade, industries, and jobs.
Expect a surge in employment too: the initiative should create 15.42 lakh person-days of direct jobs and 19.19 lakh person-days of indirect ones, fueling growth across the state.
On the ground, workers will build that 34.5-km elevated section, upgrade 30.22 km of the existing road, and add those 21 km bypasses. All this will decongest the route, boost road safety, and link up key spots in Assam.
The project ties into bigger networks, connecting with National Highways NH-127 and NH-129, plus State Highway SH-35. It also reaches three railway stations—Nagaon, Jakhalabandha, and Vishwanath Chariali—and three airports: Tezpur, Lilabari, and Jorhat. Better links mean smoother logistics, trade, and everyday mobility for folks in the region.
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