Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project

Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-Laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over Rs 7000 Crore in Kaliabor, Assam.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, 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 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. 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, 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 strategized to drive out Mughal invaders, and under his leadership the people of Assam, with courage, unity and determination, defeated the Mughal army. Modi emphasized 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.

He emphasized 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. 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 Rs 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.

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 on these important projects.

Praising the people and government of Assam for another achievement, 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.

Modi remarked that the greatest pain of the Northeast 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 prioritizing the development of the North East. He noted that work began simultaneously to connect Assam through roadways, railways, airways and waterways.

Emphasizing that expanding rail connectivity benefits both social and economic levels, making it crucial for the North East, Modi criticized the opposition for neglecting this, pointing out that when they were in power at the Centre, Assam received only about Rs 2,000 crore in the rail budget, whereas under his government this has been increased to nearly Rs 10,000 crore annually—five times more. 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. 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.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is a landmark project that reflects our dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s commitment to sustainable development with utmost environmental responsibility. This Rs 7000-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.”