Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi performed Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-Laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over ₹6,950 Crore in Kaliabor, Assam today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi expressed gratitude to the people, noting that such a large number had come to bless him and said he was deeply thankful. He remarked that on visiting Kaziranga again, memories of his previous trip came alive, recalling that two years ago, the moments spent in Kaziranga were among the most special experiences of his life. PM Modi highlighted that he had the opportunity to spend the night at Kaziranga National Park and the next morning, during an elephant safari, he experienced the beauty of the region up close.

Recalling that last year he had attended the Jhumoir Mahotsav and this time he had the opportunity to visit Assam during Magh Bihu, Shri Modi highlighted that just a month ago he came for development projects, inaugurating the new terminal building of the expanded Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati and laying the foundation stone of the Ammonia Urea Complex in Namrup. Such occasions have further strengthened their government’s mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi,” said PM.

PM underlined the historical importance of Kaliabor in Assam’s past, present and future, noting that it is the gateway to Kaziranga National Park and a hub of connectivity for Upper Assam. He recalled that it was from Kaliabor that the great warrior Lachit Borphukan strategised to drive out Mughal invaders, and under his leadership the people of Assam, with courage, unity and determination, defeated the Mughal army. Shri Modi emphasised that this was not merely a military victory but a declaration of Assam’s pride and self-confidence. He pointed out that since the Ahom rule, Kaliabor has held strategic importance, and expressed happiness that under their government the region is now becoming a vital centre of connectivity and development.

PM recalled the words of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who described Kaziranga’s beauty with deep affection, noting that his lines reflected both love for Kaziranga and the Assamese people’s bond with nature. He emphasised that Kaziranga is not just a National Park but the soul of Assam and a priceless jewel of India’s biodiversity, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. He underlined that protecting Kaziranga and its wildlife is not only about safeguarding the environment but also a responsibility towards Assam’s future and coming generations. Shri Modi announced the launch of new projects from Assam’s soil, congratulating the people for initiatives that will have a wide impact.

Highlighting that Kaziranga is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, the PM explained the challenges faced during floods when wildlife seeks higher ground and must cross the National Highway, often getting trapped. He stated that the government’s effort is to ensure smooth traffic while keeping the forest safe. He informed that under this vision, a 90-kms corridor from Kaliabor to Numaligarh is being developed at a cost of about ₹7,000 crore, including a 35-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor. Vehicles will pass above while wildlife movement below will remain unhindered, with the design prepared keeping in mind traditional movement routes of rhinos, elephants and tigers. PM Modi remarked that the corridor will also improve connectivity between Upper Assam & Arunachal Pradesh, & along with new rail services, will open fresh opportunities for the people. He congratulated the people of Assam and the nation for these important projects.

Praising the people and government of Assam for another achievement, Shri Modi recalled that there was a time when rhino poaching was a major concern, with dozens of one-horned rhinos killed in 2013 and 2014. He said their government decided this could not continue and strengthened security arrangements, provided modern resources to the forest department, enhanced surveillance, and increased women’s participation through ‘Van Durga.’ As a result, he highlighted, in 2025 not a single incident of rhino poaching was reported, made possible by the government’s political will and the efforts of the people of Assam.

PM observed that for long it was believed that nature and progress were opposed to each other, but today India is showing the world that both economy and ecology can advance together. He noted that in the past decade, forest and tree cover has increased, with people enthusiastically participating in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign under which more than 260 crore trees have been planted. Since 2014, the number of tiger and elephant reserves has grown, and protected and community areas have expanded. Shri Modi remarked that cheetahs, once extinct in India, have now been brought back and have become a new attraction. He added that India is continuously working on wetland conservation and has become Asia’s largest Ramsar network, ranking third globally in terms of the number of Ramsar sites. PM stated that Assam too is showing the world how development can go hand in hand with heritage preservation and protection of nature.

Shri Modi remarked that the greatest pain of the North East has always been distance—distance of hearts and distance of places. He said that for decades, people of the region felt that development was happening elsewhere and they were being left behind, which affected not only the economy but also trust. He highlighted that their party, through the Governments at Union and State, have changed this sentiment by prioritising the development of the North East. He noted that work began simultaneously to connect Assam through roadways, railways, airways and waterways.

Emphasising that expanding rail connectivity benefits both social and economic levels, making it crucial for the North East, Shri Modi criticised the opposition for neglecting this, pointing out that when they were in power at the Centre, Assam received only about ₹2,000 crore in the rail budget, whereas under his government this has been increased to nearly ₹10,000 crore annually—five times more. Shri Modi stated that this enhanced investment has led to large-scale infrastructure development, with new rail lines, doubling and electrification boosting railway capacity and passenger facilities. Prime Minister announced the launch of three new train services from Kaliabor, marking a significant expansion in Assam’s rail connectivity. He said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will connect Guwahati to Kolkata, making long-distance travel more comfortable, while two Amrit Bharat Express trains will cover important stations across Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, directly benefiting lakhs of passengers. Shri Modi underlined that these trains will connect Assam’s traders to new markets, provide students easier access to educational opportunities, and simplify travel across different parts of the country. He remarked that such connectivity expansion builds confidence that the North East is no longer on the margins of development, no longer distant, but close to the heart and close to Delhi.

The Prime Minister also addressed a major challenge facing Assam—the need to protect its identity and culture. He praised their government in Assam for effectively tackling infiltration, freeing forests, historic cultural sites and people’s lands from illegal encroachments, which is being widely appreciated. PM Modi contrasted this with opposition, stating that for decades they handed Assam’s soil to infiltrators merely for votes and government formation. He said that during the opposition rule, infiltration kept increasing, and these infiltrators, with no concern for Assam’s history, culture or faith, carried out widespread encroachments. He added that infiltration led to encroachment in animal corridors, promoted illegal poaching, and increased smuggling and other crimes.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and MP of Dibrugarh LSC, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is a landmark project that reflects our dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s commitment to sustainable development with utmost environmental responsibility. This ₹6,950-crore project will transform & smoothen connectivity across upper Assam, especially for Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, while safeguarding Kaziranga’s unique biodiversity through a dedicated elevated wildlife corridor. Along with the new Amrit Bharat Express services linking the Northeast with northern India, these initiatives will significantly improve mobility, enhance safety, reduce travel time and open new vistas for economic growth across Assam.”

Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister performed Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-Laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over ₹6,950 Crore. The 86 km long Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project is an environmentally conscious National Highway project. It will feature 35 km of Elevated Wildlife Corridor that will pass through Kaziranga National Park, 21 km Bypass section and 30 km widening of the existing highway section of NH-715 from two to four lanes. The project aims to improve regional connectivity while ensuring protection of the park’s rich biodiversity.

The project 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.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also flagged off 2 New Amrit Bharat Express trains - Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express. These new train services will strengthen rail connectivity between the Northeast and Northern India, enabling safer and more convenient travel for the people

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