The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a project for the construction of a 4-Lane Access-Controlled Greenfield connectivity from Gohpur on NH-15 to Numaligarh on NH-715, which includes a 15.79 km road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The total capital cost is estimated at Rs. 18,662 crore under Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC). Currently, travel between Numaligarh and Gohpur spans 240 km via the Kaliabhambhora road bridge, taking around 6 hours through various regions including Kaziranga National Park and Biswanath Town. This new project aims to create a direct and efficient route, featuring the first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel in India and the second globally.
The alignment of the project connects with two major National Highways (NH-15 and NH-715) and two railway lines, enhancing seamless connectivity to important economic and logistical hubs across Assam. It supports the integration of multiple modes of transportation by linking 11 economic, 3 social, 2 tourist, and 8 logistical nodes, along with access to 4 major railway stations, 2 airports, and 2 inland waterways. This infrastructure is expected to significantly boost freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and foster socio-economic growth in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other Northeastern states.
Upon completion, the project will not only stimulate regional economic development and strategic connectivity but also generate approximately 80 lakh person-days of employment, paving the way for new opportunities and prosperity in the region.
