Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project – A major highway development project near Kaziranga National Park has attracted strong interest from infrastructure developers across India. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received 18 bids for the 85.6-km Kaliabor–Numaligarh highway project, which passes through the ecologically sensitive Kaziranga landscape in Assam.
The ambitious project, estimated to cost ₹6,956 crore, is part of the upgrade of NH-715 and aims to improve transportation connectivity while protecting wildlife habitats around Kaziranga.
Major Infrastructure Project Near Kaziranga
The Kaliabor–Numaligarh highway project is designed to expand an important road corridor connecting several regions in Assam. Once completed, the highway stretch will be upgraded from two lanes to four lanes, allowing smoother traffic flow and improved regional connectivity.
The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, and the foundation ceremony (bhumi pujan) was performed by Narendra Modi in January 2026.
Authorities expect the project to be awarded during the current financial year after reviewing the bids submitted by developers.
Kaziranga Elevated Corridor: Key Feature of the Project
One of the most significant components of the highway upgrade is the 34.5-km Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, which will pass through the landscape surrounding Kaziranga National Park.
The elevated corridor has been specially designed to allow safe and uninterrupted wildlife movement between the national park and the nearby Karbi Anglong Hills.
The corridor will be constructed in three sections:
- 18.3 km section
- 11.2 km section
- 5 km section
By lifting the highway above ground level, the structure will allow animals to cross beneath the road safely, reducing the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Protecting Wildlife in the Kaziranga Landscape
Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s most important protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is globally known for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and supports a rich ecosystem that includes the Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.
Because the national park lies close to major highways, wildlife often moves between the park and nearby forests such as the Karbi Anglong hills. The elevated corridor design helps maintain these natural migration routes while reducing disturbance caused by vehicles.
Additional Infrastructure in the Highway Project
Apart from the elevated corridor, the NH-715 upgrade project includes several other infrastructure developments to improve road safety and connectivity.
Key features include:
- Two greenfield bypasses totaling 21 km at Jakhlabandha in Nagaon District and Bokakhat in Golaghat District
- One major bridge
- 20 minor bridges
- Seven flyovers
- 84 culverts
- One railway overbridge
The project will also include:
- Five vehicular underpasses
- 12 light vehicular underpasses
- Around 16 km of service roads
These features are designed to improve traffic flow and make the highway safer for both vehicles and wildlife.
Environmental Planning and Approvals
Given the ecological sensitivity of the Kaziranga region, the highway design was prepared in consultation with several wildlife authorities.
These include:
- Wildlife Institute of India
- National Tiger Conservation Authority
- Assam Forest Department
The project has also received approval from the National Board for Wildlife, ensuring that environmental safeguards are incorporated into the construction plan.
Boost for Tourism and Regional Development
Once completed, the upgraded corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity between major towns and tourism hubs in Assam.
Better road infrastructure will make it easier for visitors to reach for Kaziranga National Park Safari from cities such as Guwahati and other parts of Northeast India.
Improved connectivity is also expected to support:
- Tourism growth in the Kaziranga region
- Local businesses and hospitality sectors
- Trade and industrial activity across Assam
Conclusion
The ₹6,956-crore Kaliabor–Numaligarh highway project represents a major infrastructure investment in Assam. With 18 developers already submitting bids, the project has attracted significant interest from the construction sector.
By combining modern highway development with an innovative Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, the project aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
If implemented successfully, it could become a model example of how transport infrastructure and wildlife conservation can coexist in sensitive ecological landscapes like Kaziranga National Park.
FAQ
It is a 34.5-km elevated highway corridor planned along NH-715 near Kaziranga National Park to allow wildlife to move safely between the park and nearby forests.
The project is estimated to cost ₹6,956 crore and aims to upgrade the 85.6-km highway stretch to four lanes.
The raised highway design allows animals from Kaziranga National Park to cross safely underneath the road, reducing wildlife-vehicle accidents.
The project is being managed by the National Highways Authority of India.
The upgraded road will improve travel access to Kaziranga National Park and other tourism destinations in Assam, making travel faster and safer for visitors.
