Sun Jan 18 05:20:06 UTC 2026: ### Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project to Begin, Aiming to Safeguard Wildlife and Boost Ecotourism

The Story:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation for the ₹6,957-crore Kaziranga elevated corridor project on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Kaliabor, Assam. The project aims to ensure safe wildlife movement within Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while simultaneously boosting ecotourism. The project will also address safety concerns by reducing accidents on National Highway-37.

Key Points:

  • The project cost is ₹6,957 crore.
  • It includes four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-37 (New NH-715) and approximately 34.45 km of elevated corridor.
  • Bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat are included.
  • The project design complies with Supreme Court directions and Wildlife Institute of India recommendations.
  • Implementation will be handled by NHIDCL under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • Construction is expected to be completed in 36 months.
  • The elevated corridor aims to facilitate animal crossing from the national park to the Karbi Anglong Hills, especially during the flood season.
  • The Prime Minister highlighted the project’s importance in safeguarding animals during the monsoon season.

Critical Analysis:

The project follows previous news announcements regarding the planning stages of the corridor, including the allocation of funds (₹6,950-crore), and the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit to Assam. This demonstrates a consistent progression from planning to execution, highlighting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development with environmental considerations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kaziranga elevated corridor project is a significant investment in Assam’s infrastructure and wildlife conservation.
  • The project attempts to balance economic development (improved connectivity) with environmental protection (wildlife safety).
  • The involvement of multiple stakeholders (Supreme Court, Wildlife Institute of India, NHIDCL, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) indicates a comprehensive approach to project planning and implementation.
  • The project’s emphasis on flood season migration suggests a targeted effort to mitigate specific ecological challenges.

Impact Analysis:

The Kaziranga elevated corridor project has the potential for long-term positive impacts on both the environment and the local economy. By providing safe passage for wildlife, it can contribute to the preservation of Kaziranga’s biodiversity. The improved connectivity and ecotourism opportunities can generate economic benefits for local communities, potentially promoting sustainable development in the region. The reduction of accidents on National Highway-37 will have positive social and economic consequences as well. The project could serve as a model for similar infrastructure developments in other ecologically sensitive areas.

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