- By Aditya Jha
- Sat, 14 Feb 2026 03:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major boost to the infrastructure of Assam, the Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a greenfield corridor from Gohpur (NH-15) to Numaligarh (NH-715). The centre informed that the project also includes a 15-km road-cum-rail underwater tunnel under the Brahmaputra. While providing details, the authorities stated that the total estimated cost for the ambitious project is Rs 18,662 crore. The project is set to boost the regional connectivity across the northeast by cutting the travel time and reducing traffic congestion.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the project will also provide a boost to tourism and industry. "This tunnel will be a strategic lifeline for Assam and the entire Northeast, unlocking new avenues for trade, tourism and industrial growth. It will also be Assam's fourth railway crossing across the mighty Brahmaputra, with 3 being bridges and this one being a tunnel, to ease passenger and logistics movement," Sarma stated in his post.
The centre stated that the 33-km-long project will be implemented on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. It further stated that the project is expected to be India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel, adding that it will strengthen the connectivity in the region.
Greenfield Corridor Details
- The project will boost the regional connectivity
- It will strengthen links between key economic centres of the Northeast
- The project is expected to generate 80 direct and indirect employment
- It will lead to development in the nearby regions
- The corridor will connect major economic zones and industrial areas
- It will reduce the distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur from 240 km to 34 km
- The project will enhance freight efficiency and reduce logistics cost
- Will cut travel time by 95 per cent from 6 hours to just 20 minutes