Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,950-crore four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715, gifting a major infrastructure project to the people of Assam.
The project includes a 35-kilometre elevated corridor across Kaziranga National Park, aimed at ensuring safer wildlife movement while significantly improving road connectivity in the region. The elevated stretch is designed to reduce human-animal conflict and provide uninterrupted passage for animals, particularly during floods, while also cutting travel time and distance for commuters.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted that the corridor reflects the government’s approach of balancing development with environmental conservation. He said modern infrastructure can coexist with nature if planned with sensitivity and scientific inputs.
PM Modi also praised the people of Assam and the state government for their sustained efforts in wildlife protection, especially the conservation of one-horned rhinos. He noted that not a single case of rhino poaching was reported in the state in 2025, calling it a significant achievement and a model for the rest of the country.
The NH-715 upgrade and elevated corridor are expected to boost regional connectivity, tourism, and economic activity, while reinforcing Kaziranga’s status as a globally admired example of successful wildlife conservation.
-OdishaAge
