The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled two significant infrastructure projects in Assam, collectively valued at ₹7,000 crore. These initiatives aim to bolster regional connectivity and support the economic development of Northeast India.
1. Kaliabor–Numaligarh Highway Widening with Kaziranga Elevated Road
The first project involves the widening and improvement of the existing National Highway (NH) stretch from Kaliabor to Numaligarh, encompassing the construction of an elevated road through the Kaziranga National Park (KNP). Spanning approximately 86 kilometers, this project is estimated at ₹5,500 crore and will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). A notable feature is the 35 km elevated corridor passing through KNP, which will include nine designated animal corridors to ensure wildlife movement. The project has received approval for the use of forest land from the National Board for Wildlife.
2. Guwahati Ring Road Project
The second initiative is the development of a 121 km-long ring road around Guwahati, designed to alleviate urban congestion and enhance connectivity across the region. The project comprises three segments: a 56 km four-lane access-controlled Northern Guwahati Bypass, the widening of an existing 8 km bypass on NH 27 from four to six lanes, and the improvement of a 58 km stretch on NH 27. Additionally, a 3 km bridge over the Brahmaputra River will be constructed. The total project cost is approximately ₹7,000 crore, with ₹1,270 crore contributed by the Assam government, covering 50% of land acquisition costs, exemptions on aggregate royalties, and the state’s share of GST .
Strategic Importance
These projects are pivotal in enhancing the transportation infrastructure of Assam, facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers, and fostering economic growth in the northeastern region. The Kaliabor–Numaligarh highway improvement will provide better access to the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the Guwahati Ring Road will serve as a crucial bypass for long-distance traffic, reducing congestion in the city and connecting major towns across the region.
The implementation of these projects underscores NHAI’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure in underserved areas, contributing to the overall development and integration of Northeast India into the national economic framework.
