Project Includes 15.79 km Brahmaputra Tunnel
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a new corridor. It will be a 4-lane access-controlled greenfield road linking Gohpur on NH-15 to Numaligarh on NH-715.
The project includes a 15.79 km road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River. Moreover, it will be developed on an EPC basis at a total cost of Rs 18,662 crore, according to PIB.
Current Route Challenges
At present, the journey between Numaligarh on NH-715 and Gohpur on NH-15 covers 240 km. This route passes via the Kaliabhambhora road bridge near Silghat on NH-52. This route takes about six hours and passes through Numaligarh, Kaziranga National Park, and Biswanath Town.
To overcome these challenges, the new project is designed as a 4-lane access-controlled corridor. It will feature India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel, which is only the second such tunnel in the world.
Strategic Alignment and Regional Benefits
The project will connect with NH-15 and NH-715, along with two railway lines. Specifically, these are the Rangia-Mukongselek section under Rangia Division on the Gohpur side and the Furkating-Mariani loop under Tinsukia Division on the Numaligarh side.
It will provide seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics hubs. This will enhance freight efficiency, cut logistics costs, and support socio-economic growth in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and nearby states.
Multi-Modal Integration
The corridor will link 11 economic nodes, three social nodes, two tourist nodes, and eight logistics nodes. It will also connect four major railway stations, two airports, and two inland waterways. This connectivity will enable faster movement of goods and passengers across the region.
Employment and Development Impact
Upon completion, the project is expected to generate approximately 80 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment. It will strengthen strategic and economic connectivity and facilitate trade and industrial growth. Additionally, the project will open new avenues for development and prosperity in the surrounding regions.