Assam’s NH-715 Upgrade: ₹6,957 Crore Green Highway Project with 34.5 km Elevated Wildlife Corridor Approved by Union Cabinet
In a major boost to Assam’s road infrastructure and wildlife conservation, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ₹6,957 crore upgradation of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of National Highway 715 (NH-715). The project spans 85.675 km across Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat districts, converting the existing two-lane road into a four-lane eco-sensitive highway under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase II.
Green Highway for Assam: Infrastructure Meets Ecology
The project, announced on October 1, 2025, by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), tackles chronic connectivity bottlenecks while preserving the ecosystem around Kaziranga National Park (KNP) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to India’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros.
A highlight is the 34.5 km elevated corridor near Kaziranga, which will allow safe wildlife movement between the park and the Karbi Anglong Hills, especially during the annual monsoon floods. This is supported by noise barriers, solar fencing, underpasses, and eco-engineered designs developed with inputs from IIT Roorkee.
Connectivity and Economic Benefits
The upgraded NH-715 will feature:
- 30.22 km of at-grade widening
- 21 km of new greenfield bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat
- Integration with NH-127, NH-129, and State Highway 35
This alignment will reduce travel time between Guwahati and Jorhat by up to 45 minutes, improving logistics efficiency for Assam’s ₹5,000 crore annual tea trade, tourism, and oil refinery access in Numaligarh.
Tourist destinations such as Kaziranga National Park, Kakochang Waterfalls, and the Maha Mrityunjay Temple will become more accessible, giving a strong push to eco-tourism and rural livelihoods.
Employment and Local Development
The project, executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, is fully funded by the Central Government and expected to be completed by 2028.
It will create around 15.42 lakh direct person-days and 19.19 lakh indirect employment opportunities, benefiting 500 villages and 2 lakh farmers along the route.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the decision as a “historic leap for sustainable development that safeguards biodiversity while boosting Assam’s economy.”
Environmental Safeguards and Endorsements
Environmental agencies such as the Kaziranga National Park Authority and WWF-India have endorsed the plan under the Green Highways Policy, emphasizing strict monitoring to prevent habitat fragmentation.
Recent NHAI tenders ensure no toll plazas in forest zones, complying with conservation rules.
A Model for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The NH-715 upgradation symbolizes India’s commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure. By merging economic growth with ecological balance, the project positions Northeast India as a model for eco-sensitive development under the national ₹1 lakh crore highway expansion pipeline.
As bidding advances, the Kaliabor–Numaligarh green corridor stands as a landmark initiative — one that blends modern connectivity, flood resilience, and wildlife safety for a greener, faster, and safer Assam.
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