changeadminPrime Minister Narendra Modi performed Bhoomi Pujan (a ritual performed before the construction of a site) for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over ₹6,950 Crore, in Kaliabor, Assam, yesterday.
In October 2025, the environmentally conscious National Highway project was approved by the government, which will feature a 35 km Elevated Wildlife Corridor passing through Kaziranga National Park, a 21 km Bypass section, and a 30 km widening of the existing NH-715 highway from two to four lanes.
The elevated wildlife corridor will ensure the uninterrupted movement of animals and reduce human-wildlife conflict. The project aims to improve regional connectivity while protecting the park’s rich biodiversity.
Furthermore, the 86 km-long Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project will pass through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat districts, significantly improving connectivity to Upper Assam, particularly Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
It will also enhance road safety, reduce travel time and accident rates, and support the growth of passenger and freight traffic. As part of the project, Bypasses will be developed at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to help decongest towns, improve urban mobility, and enhance the quality of life for local residents.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr Modi remarked that on his return to Kaziranga, memories of his previous trip came alive, recalling that two years ago, the moments spent there 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, to experience the region’s beauty up close during an elephant safari.
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 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 the coming generations.
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 this Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, 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 with traditional movement routes of rhinos, elephants and tigers in mind. 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.
Praising the people and government of Assam for another achievement, Mr 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 that in 2025, no rhino poaching incidents were reported, made possible by the government’s political will and the people of Assam’s efforts.
PM observed that for a long time, it was believed that nature and progress were opposed to each other, but today India is showing the world that both the economy and ecology can advance together.
He noted that in the past decade, forest and tree cover have 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 been reintroduced and are now 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 the protection of nature.
The Prime Minister also addressed a major challenge facing Assam—the need to protect its identity and culture. He praised the Assam government for effectively tackling infiltration, freeing forests, historic cultural sites, and people’s lands from illegal encroachments, which is being widely appreciated. He added that infiltration led to encroachment in animal corridors, promoted illegal poaching, and increased smuggling and other crimes.
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