How will Modi’s ₹6,957-crore Kaziranga Corridor transform wildlife safety and travel

Nagaon (Assam): In a major push to combine infrastructure development with wildlife conservation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor and virtually flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains in Assam.

The elevated corridor, passing through the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve region, is designed to ensure safe movement of animals, especially during the monsoon season, while also reducing accidents along National Highway-715. Officials said the project will also boost eco-tourism, create local jobs, and improve regional connectivity.

Spanning nearly 35 km, the wildlife-friendly stretch is part of the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh highway section and includes bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. Modi also reviewed a model of the project during the event.

New Amrit Bharat trains to connect Assam with North India

The Prime Minister also flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains: Dibrugarh–Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) and Kamakhya–Rohtak, improving long-distance rail connectivity between Assam and states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana.

Officials said the new trains will reduce travel time and offer improved passenger amenities, strengthening Assam’s links with major urban centres.

Earlier, Modi said the Kaziranga corridor would play a crucial role in protecting wildlife while advancing development.

“Looking forward to being in Kaliabor, Assam today for the Bhoomi Poojan of key development works, including the 35 km elevated corridor across Kaziranga. This will go a long way in safeguarding animals, particularly in the monsoon season,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.