Union port, ship transport and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal appreciated the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which approved the current highway of Kaliabore-Numaligarh section of National Highway-715 with Wildlife-Frontle Measures on the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) segment in Assam.
The Union Minister said that the Union Cabinet will ensure safe route and fast travel for wildlife with the decision to widen the current highway of Kaliyabor-Numaligarh section of National Highway-715 in Assam at a cost of Rs 6,957 crore and approval the development of an elevated corridor. Along with this, eco-tourism will be promoted and employment opportunities will be created in the state.
The project will be implemented in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, which will have a total length of 85.675 km and capital cost will be Rs 6,957 crore. It also includes a 34 -km long ambitious elevated corridor in Kaziranga, which will facilitate traffic and also save the lives of animals that are victims of accidents.
Union Minister Sonowal said, ‘It is a historic day for Assam and is a big jump for India’s Sustainable Development. This project reflects the attitude of our visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose heart beats for the people of Assam and the pride of our state for the Kaziranga National Park.
He further said, ‘This huge elevated corridor long will ensure an independent, safe and uninterrupted route for wildlife between Kaziranga and Karbi Angalong hills. This is a promise to protect our natural heritage by creating a bright future of our people. Highlighting the economic importance of the project, the Union Minister said that the new corridor will improve connectivity.
Union Minister Sonowal said, ‘Along with the safety of Kaziranga, it will significantly reduce the time of highway, promote eco-tourism, make the journey easier for pilgrims and visitors and open new opportunities for business and industries. The 21 km long Greenfield bypass will reduce congestion in Jakhlabandha and Bokakhat, which will make the journey smooth and safe. This is a road that will add emotions, aspirations and prosperity.
Apart from this, this project is expected to create direct employment per day and indirect employment per day, which will contribute to the economic progress of Assam.
The project aims to create a 34.5 km long elevated corridor, upgrade the current road 30.22 km and make a 21 -km long Greenfield bypass. This will reduce congestion on the highway, increase road safety and establish uninterrupted contacts to the major centers of Assam.
The route will connect two major national highways (NH-127, NH-129) and one state highway (SH-35), as well as three railway stations (Nagaon, Jakhalbandha, Vishwanath Chariali) and three airports (Tejpur, Lilabari, Jorhat). This contact will promote logistics, trade and mobility across Assam.