PM Modi lays foundation for Rs 6,957-crore Kaziranga elevated corridor, flags off Amrit Bharat trains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor and virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains in Assam’s Nagaon district.

Modi, who arrived from Guwahati in the final leg of his two-day visit to Assam, performed the ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ for the Kaziranga project.

The elevated corridor is aimed at ensuring safe wildlife movement across the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, reducing road accidents on National Highway-715, and boosting ecotourism, while generating local employment opportunities, an official said.

The project forms part of the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715. It includes around 34.45 kilometres of elevated wildlife-friendly corridors, along with bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat, the official said.

The Prime Minister also reviewed a model of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor during the programme.

Modi also virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains — Dibrugarh–Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) and Kamakhya–Rohtak.

According to an official, the trains will significantly enhance long-distance rail connectivity between Assam and several states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana, reduce travel time, and provide modern passenger amenities.

Earlier, in a post on X, the Prime Minister said he was looking forward to being in Kaliabor for the ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ of key development projects.

“Looking forward to being in Kaliabor, Assam today for the Bhoomi Poojan of key development works, including the 35 km elevated corridor across Kaziranga. This will go a long way in safeguarding animals, particularly in the monsoon season,” Modi said.

During the programme, Amrit Bharat trains will also be flagged off, which will improve connectivity for the people of Assam, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)