Prime Minister Modi Launches Kaziranga Elevated Corridor and New Train Services in Assam
Foundation Stone Laid for Kaziranga Project
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, a significant infrastructure project valued at ₹6,957 crores. This event took place during his two-day visit to Assam, specifically in Nagaon district, after arriving from Guwahati. The Prime Minister conducted a traditional ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ ceremony, marking the commencement of this vital initiative.
Objectives of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is designed with multiple objectives in mind. Primarily, it aims to facilitate safe movement for wildlife across the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. This area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and the corridor will help minimize road accidents on National Highway-715 due to wildlife crossings, which have been a significant concern.
Additionally, the corridor seeks to enhance ecotourism in the region. By improving infrastructure, it will attract more visitors to Kaziranga, thereby creating new local job opportunities. Officials expressed hope that this initiative will serve not only the wildlife but also the communities surrounding the park.
Structure and Scope of the Project
The infrastructure project is part of the broader plan to expand the Kaliabor to Numaligarh section of NH-715. It comprises approximately 34.45 kilometers of elevated wildlife-friendly corridors, along with bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat. This design aims to balance the need for road connectivity with the requirements of the local wildlife, ensuring that essential habitats remain undisturbed.
During the event, Modi took time to review a model of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, giving insights into the intricate plans that would ensure both ecological considerations and infrastructure development go hand in hand.
Launching New Train Services
In addition to the corridor project, Prime Minister Modi virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains. The newly introduced services include a train running from Dibrugarh to Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) and another connecting Kamakhya to Rohtak. These train services are part of a broader push to enhance transportation across Assam, making it more accessible and efficient for travelers.
The Amrit Bharat trains aim to provide not only comfort but also improved connectivity between different regions, thus promoting both commerce and tourism. This dual focus on infrastructure and travel accessibility highlights the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth in Assam.
Conclusion
The launch of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor alongside the new train services illustrates a concerted effort to improve both the ecological and economic landscape of Assam. By prioritizing wildlife safety and enhancing transport links, the government aims to create a sustainable model for development that respects the environment while also promoting local prosperity.
