National Highway 715 in Assam is going to be expanded and improved. This highway passes close to the famous Kaziranga National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project is important for both people and animals. For people, it will give faster and smoother travel. For animals, it will provide safe passages so they are protected from road accidents.


Project Approval And Cost

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, under the Prime Minister, has approved this highway expansion. The total cost of the project is Rs 69.6 billion. The project covers 85.7 kilometers and will be built in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) mode. This method helps in completing the project on time and with good quality. It is one of the biggest investments in highways in Assam, showing the government’s focus on both development and environmental protection.


Why This Project Is Needed

The highway runs very close to Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, deer, and many other animals. Every year, when floods happen, animals cross this highway to move towards the Karbi Anglong Hills. Many animals die in accidents with vehicles during this time. Increasing traffic also creates more risk for both travelers and wildlife. If nothing is done, both human safety and wildlife will continue to be in danger.


Main Features Of The Project

The project has been designed to solve these problems. The important features are:


  • A 34.5 km elevated corridor will be built. This will allow animals to move under the road safely.


  • 30.2 km of the existing road will be upgraded to modern standards.


  • 21 km of new greenfield bypasses will be created to reduce traffic in sensitive areas.


These steps will make the highway safer and faster while also protecting the environment of Kaziranga National Park.


Benefits For Wildlife

The elevated corridor is the most important part of this project for animals. During floods, elephants, deer, rhinos, and other animals will be able to cross under the road without danger from vehicles. This will reduce the number of animal deaths on the highway. The project will help in the long-term conservation of wildlife in Kaziranga National Park. It will make sure that development and wildlife protection go together.


Benefits For People And Tourism

The project will also help people in many ways. Travel time between Guwahati, Kaziranga, and Numaligarh will become shorter and safer. Tourists will have better access, and Kaziranga safari booking will become more popular because of improved connectivity.


The project will also connect to other important highways such as NH-127, NH-129, and SH-35. It will be linked with three railway stations, which are Nagaon, Jakhalabandha, and Vishwanath Chariali, and three airports, which are Tezpur, Lilabari, and Jorhat. This will create smooth travel between roads, railways, and airways.


Kaziranga safari bookings will increase because people will be able to reach this park more easily. The project will also improve access to two socio-economic hubs and eight cultural and religious sites, helping trade, culture, and travel across Assam.


Economic And Job Benefits

This project will also bring jobs and income to the people of Assam. It will create about 15.4 million direct person-days of employment in construction and related services. In addition, it will create 19.2 million indirect person-days of jobs in areas like transport, tourism, hospitality, and logistics. These opportunities will help the local economy grow faster. Trade, tourism, and industry in Assam will all benefit from this expansion.