The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the widening and improvement of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715 in Assam, including wildlife-friendly measures for the stretch passing through Kaziranga National Park. The 85.7 km project will be developed in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode at a cost of Rs 69.6 billion.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal called the approval a historic day for Assam, noting that the project reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of harmonising development with environmental protection. A key feature is the 34.5 km elevated corridor across Kaziranga, ensuring uninterrupted and safe movement of wildlife between the park and Karbi Anglong Hills.
The project will also include 30.2 km of road upgrades and 21 km of greenfield bypasses to decongest Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. It aims to drastically cut travel time, boost eco-tourism, ease pilgrim and visitor travel, and open new trade and industry opportunities.
Sonowal emphasised that the highway will symbolise growth in harmony with nature, strengthening Assam’s economy while safeguarding its natural heritage. The project is expected to create 15.4 million person-days of direct employment and 19.2 million person-days of indirect employment.
The improved corridor will link with NH-127, NH-129 and SH-35, while connecting three railway stations (Nagaon, Jakhalabandha, Vishwanath Chariali) and three airports (Tezpur, Lilabari, Jorhat), boosting logistics, trade and mobility across the region.?
