Guwahati : Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity while ensuring the protection of wildlife along the Kaziranga landscape (PM Modi Assam Visit 2026:). This marked the Prime Minister’s second visit to Assam within a month, underlining the Centre’s development focus on the state ahead of the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
The Prime Minister arrived in Guwahati on Saturday on a two-day visit. During his previous visit in December, he had participated in Pariksha Pe Charcha and performed the bhumi pujan for the Namrup fertiliser plant, among other engagements.
Record-Setting Cultural Event
On Saturday, Modi attended a large-scale cultural programme titled Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 at Sarusajai Stadium, where over 10,000 Bodo artistes from 23 districts performed the traditional Bagurumba dance in a synchronised display. The event was organised in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record.
Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project
On Sunday, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor at Mouchanda Pathar in Kaliabor and addressed a public rally attended by more than 1.5 lakh people. The 34.5-km elevated corridor forms a key part of the 86-km Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of National Highway-715.
The project aims to prevent wildlife deaths caused by vehicular movement along the stretch bordering Kaziranga National Park and to provide safe animal passage, particularly during the monsoon season when wildlife migrates toward the Karbi Anglong hills.
The Union Cabinet has approved ₹6,957 crore for the project. According to Himanta Biswa Sarma, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already finalised the tender process, and construction work is expected to begin soon. The project also includes greenfield bypasses at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat to ease congestion in nearby towns.
New Train Services Flagged Off
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains to enhance long-distance rail connectivity:
Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express
Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express
Dignitaries Present
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, along with several Assam cabinet ministers, attended the programme. On his arrival in Kaliabor, the Prime Minister was accorded a warm welcome by Assam Minister Keshab Mahanta, Nagaon District Commissioner Devashish Sharma, and Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka.