PM Modi gifts Assam ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Corridor, flags off two Amrit Bharat trains

Nagaon/Kaliabor (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project, to be built at a cost of Rs 6,957 crore, in Assam's Nagaon district. He also digitally flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains. Arriving in Kaliabor from Guwahati on the final leg of his two-day visit to Assam, PM Modi formally participated in the project's groundbreaking ceremony.

Wildlife protection and eco-tourism will get a boost

According to officials, this ambitious corridor is crucial for ensuring the safe movement of wildlife near the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Its primary objective is to reduce road accidents on National Highway 715 and promote eco-tourism in the region. It is also hoped that the project will create new local employment opportunities.

This project is part of the widening of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715. It includes an elevated, wildlife-friendly corridor of approximately 34.45 kilometers. Bypasses will also be constructed at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. During the event, PM Modi closely inspected a model of the corridor.

Travel to UP-Bihar and Delhi will be smooth

The two Amrit Bharat Express trains (Dibrugarh-Gomti Nagar and Kamakhya-Rohtak) flagged off by the Prime Minister will provide new connectivity to the Northeast. Senior officials say these trains will directly connect Assam with states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. This will not only save time on long-distance travel but also provide modern amenities to passengers.

Animal safety will be ensured during monsoon

Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed his excitement on the social media platform X. He wrote in his post that he was excited to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the 35-kilometer-long elevated corridor and other developments in Kaziranga, Assam. The Prime Minister emphasized that this project would significantly contribute to the protection of Kaziranga's animals, especially during the monsoon season.