NHAI Lists Two Assam Infrastructure Projects Totaling ₹7,000 Crore
Assam is set to receive a significant infrastructure boost with two pivotal projects, collectively valued at ₹7,000 crore, making it to the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) tentative list for the financial year 2025-26. These projects, spanning a combined length of 98 kilometres, underscore a strategic investment in the region’s connectivity and economic development. Crucially, these initiatives also integrate environmental considerations, particularly in the vicinity of Kaziranga National Park, aligning with broader goals for sustainable urban and regional development.
The two ambitious projects are part of a larger national portfolio by NHAI, encompassing 124 projects across the country with a total length of 6,376 kilometres and an estimated capital cost of ₹3,45,466 crore. Assam’s inclusion in this high-priority list signals a concerted effort to enhance the state’s logistical capabilities and improve the daily lives of its citizens. The projects are designed to not only facilitate smoother traffic flow but also to contribute to a more interconnected and economically vibrant Northeast.
The first major undertaking involves the proposed widening and improvement of the existing National Highway (NH) stretch from Kaliabor to Numaligarh, notably including an elevated road component through the ecologically sensitive Kaziranga National Park (KNP). This 86-kilometre project, estimated at ₹5,500 crore, will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), a public-private partnership model designed to balance risk and attract private investment. Approximately 35 kilometres of this stretch will be elevated, specifically designed to protect nine identified animal corridors within KNP, demonstrating a progressive approach to infrastructure development that respects biodiversity and promotes eco-friendly practices.
The second significant project focuses on urban connectivity within Guwahati, proposing a six-lane elevated corridor from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport at Borjhar to Jalukbari via Azara. This 12-kilometre corridor on NH 17 (old NH 37) carries an estimated capital cost of ₹1,500 crore and will also be constructed in Hybrid Annuity Mode. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had previously prioritised this elevated road to alleviate traffic congestion and improve access to the airport, a critical gateway for business and tourism in the region. The preparation of its Detailed Project Report (DPR) is already underway by appointed consultants.
These two projects represent the sole inclusions from the entire Northeast region in NHAI’s current list, highlighting their strategic importance for Assam’s future. By investing in modern, environmentally conscious infrastructure, these initiatives aim to foster economic growth, reduce travel times, and enhance the overall quality of life. The commitment to safeguarding wildlife corridors in Kaziranga and decongesting urban arteries in Guwahati reflects a comprehensive vision for a sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable future for the state, ensuring that development progresses hand-in-hand with ecological preservation and social well-being.
