Guwahati, Jan 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform the Bhoomi Pujan for the ambitious Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project on January 18 at Kaliabor in Assam’s Nagaon district, marking a major push towards environmentally sustainable infrastructure and improved connectivity in the Northeast. During the same programme, the Prime Minister will also flag off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains, further strengthening rail links between the region and northern India.
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, with an estimated investment exceeding ₹6,950 crore, involves the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of National Highway-715 over a total length of 86 km. A defining feature of the project is the 35-km elevated wildlife corridor through Kaziranga National Park, designed to allow free movement of animals and significantly reduce incidents of human-wildlife conflict along the busy highway. The initiative reflects a balance between infrastructure development and ecological conservation in one of India’s most sensitive biodiversity zones.
In addition to the elevated corridor, the project includes a 21-km bypass and the widening of 30 km of the existing two-lane highway into four lanes. Passing through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts, the upgraded corridor is expected to greatly enhance road connectivity to Upper Assam, including key commercial and industrial hubs such as Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Dedicated bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat are aimed at easing traffic congestion in urban areas, improving road safety and enhancing overall quality of life for residents.
As part of the same event, Prime Minister Modi will flag off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and the Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express. These new train services are expected to provide faster, safer and more comfortable long-distance travel options, reinforcing rail connectivity between the Northeast and northern parts of the country.
The Prime Minister’s programme on January 18 follows his participation a day earlier in the grand cultural event ‘Bagurumba Dwhou 2026’ at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. The event witnessed a historic, synchronised performance of the traditional Bagurumba dance by over 10,000 artists from the Bodo community, representing 81 Assembly constituencies across 23 districts of Assam. The large-scale presentation highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Bodos on a national platform.
Bagurumba, a folk dance deeply rooted in nature, symbolises harmony between human life and the natural world. Traditionally performed by young Bodo women with male musicians, the dance draws inspiration from butterflies, birds, leaves and flowers and is closely associated with festivals such as Bwisagu, the Bodo New Year, and Domasi. Together, the cultural celebration and the infrastructure announcements underline the Centre’s focus on both heritage and development in Assam.
