GUWAHATI, Jan 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Assam for a two-day visit from Saturday during which he will launch significant projects, including the foundation-stone laying for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (four-laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715).
The 86-km long Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project is claimed to be an environmentally-conscious National Highway project, featuring 35 kilometres of elevated wildlife corridor that will pass through Kaziranga National Park, 21 kilometres of a bypass section and 30-kilometres widening of the existing highway section of NH-715 from two to four lanes.
The project, to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 6,950 crore, aims to improve regional connectivity while ensuring protection of the park’s rich biodiversity and wildlife heritage.
According to an official statement, the Prime Minister will on Sunday perform bhoomi pujan for the project which will pass through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts and will significantly improve connectivity to Upper Assam, particularly Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
The elevated wildlife corridor will ensure uninterrupted movement of animals, reduce human-wildlife conflict. It will also enhance road safety, reduce travel time and accident rates, and support growing passenger and freight traffic.
As part of the project, bypasses will be developed at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat that will help to decongest towns, improve urban mobility and enhance the quality of life for local residents.
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
In a significant step towards strengthening Assam’s railway connectivity, the Prime Minister will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, operating between Guwahati and Kolkata, along with two new Amrit Bharat trains connecting Lucknow and Rohtak, dedicating them to the nation.
The Amrit Bharat trains – Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express – is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between the Northeast and northern India, enabling safer and more convenient travel for the people.
In addition, Modi will lay the foundation stone for a new railway line connecting Kokrajhar in Assam with Gelephu in Bhutan, further enhancing India–Bhutan connectivity.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will on Saturday evening participate in “Bagurumba Dwhou 2026”, a historic cultural event celebrating the rich heritage of the Bodo community, at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati.
On the occasion, more than 10,000 artistes from the Bodo community will perform Bagurumba, a Bodo folk dance, in a single, synchronised presentation.
