Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi performed Bhoomi Poojan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-Laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over ₹6,950 Crore in Kaliabor, Assam today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi expressed gratitude to the people, noting that such a large number had come to bless him and said he was deeply thankful. He remarked that on visiting Kaziranga again, memories of his previous trip came alive, recalling that two years ago, the moments spent in Kaziranga were among the most special experiences of his life. PM Modi highlighted that he had the opportunity to spend the night at Kaziranga National Park and the next morning, during an elephant safari, he experienced the beauty of the region up close.
Emphasising that visiting Assam always brings him immense joy, Shri Modi described it as the land of the brave and of sons and daughters who showcase their talent in every field. He pointed out that just yesterday he attended the Bagurumba Dwhou festival in Guwahati, where daughters of the Bodo community set a new record with their performance. PM Modi highlighted the extraordinary presentation of Bagurumba, with the energy of more than 10,000 artists, the rhythm of kham and the melody of sifung, which mesmerized everyone. He remarked that the experience of Bagurumba touched the eyes and reached the heart. The Prime Minister praised the artists of Assam for their remarkable effort, preparation, and coordination, calling it truly wonderful. He extended his congratulations once again to all the artists who participated in the Bagurumba Dwhou festival. He thanked all the social media influencers and TV media for promoting the event to reach out to the nation and world.
Recalling that last year he had attended the Jhumoir Mahotsav and this time he had the opportunity to visit Assam during Magh Bihu, Shri Modi highlighted that just a month ago he came for development projects, inaugurating the new terminal building of the expanded Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati and laying the foundation stone of the Ammonia Urea Complex in Namrup. He remarked that such occasions have further strengthened their government’s mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi.”
The Prime Minister underlined the historical importance of Kaliabor in Assam’s past, present and future, noting that it is the gateway to Kaziranga National Park and a hub of connectivity for Upper Assam. He recalled that it was from Kaliabor that the great warrior Lachit Borphukan strategized to drive out Mughal invaders, and under his leadership the people of Assam, with courage, unity and determination, defeated the Mughal army. Shri Modi emphasized that this was not merely a military victory but a declaration of Assam’s pride and self-confidence. He pointed out that since the Ahom rule, Kaliabor has held strategic importance, and expressed happiness that under their government the region is now becoming a vital center of connectivity and development.
PM Modi stated that today their party has become the first choice of people across the country, with trust in the party growing steadily over the past one and a half years. He highlighted that in the recent Bihar elections, even after 20 years, the people gave them record votes and seats. He added that just two days ago, results of mayoral and councillor elections in major cities of Maharashtra showed Mumbai, one of the largest municipal corporations in the world, giving their party a record mandate for the first time. He noted that people in most cities of Maharashtra have given them the opportunity to serve.
The Prime Minister further remarked that earlier, the people of Kerala gave their party a significant support, with the party winning a mayoral post for the first time in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. He underlined that recent election results across the country clearly show that voters want good governance and development, with focus on both progress and heritage, and therefore they are choosing them.
Shri Modi asserted that these elections also send another message—that the country is consistently rejecting the negative politics of the opposition party. He pointed out that in Mumbai, the city where the opposition party was born, it has now been reduced to the fourth or fifth position and In Maharashtra, where they ruled for decades, it has completely shrunk. PM Modi said the opposition has lost the trust of the nation because it has no agenda for development, and such a party can never serve the interests of Assam or Kaziranga.
Prime Minister recalled the words of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who described Kaziranga’s beauty with deep affection, noting that his lines reflected both love for Kaziranga and the Assamese people’s bond with nature. He emphasized that Kaziranga is not just a National Park but the soul of Assam and a priceless jewel of India’s biodiversity, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. He underlined that protecting Kaziranga and its wildlife is not only about safeguarding the environment but also a responsibility towards Assam’s future and coming generations. Shri Modi announced the launch of new projects from Assam’s soil, congratulating the people for initiatives that will have a wide impact.
Highlighting that Kaziranga is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, the Prime Minister explained the challenges faced during floods when wildlife seeks higher ground and must cross the National Highway, often getting trapped. He stated that the government’s effort is to ensure smooth traffic while keeping the forest safe. He informed that under this vision, a 90-kilometre corridor from Kaliabor to Numaligarh is being developed at a cost of about ₹7,000 crore, including a 35-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor. Vehicles will pass above while wildlife movement below will remain unhindered, with the design prepared keeping in mind traditional movement routes of rhinos, elephants and tigers. Shri Modi remarked that the corridor will also improve connectivity between Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and along with new rail services, will open fresh opportunities for the people. He congratulated the people of Assam and the nation for these important projects.
Noting that when nature is protected, opportunities also arise, Prime Minister pointed out that Kaziranga has seen a steady rise in tourism in recent years. Through homestays, guide services, transport, handicrafts and small businesses, local youth have found new sources of income.
Praising the people and government of Assam for another achievement, Shri Modi recalled that there was a time when rhino poaching was a major concern, with dozens of one-horned rhinos killed in 2013 and 2014. He said their government decided this could not continue and strengthened security arrangements, provided modern resources to the forest department, enhanced surveillance, and increased women’s participation through ‘Van Durga.’ As a result, he highlighted, in 2025 not a single incident of rhino poaching was reported, made possible by the government’s political will and the efforts of the people of Assam.
The Prime Minister observed that for long it was believed that nature and progress were opposed to each other, but today India is showing the world that both economy and ecology can advance together. He noted that in the past decade, forest and tree cover has increased, with people enthusiastically participating in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign under which more than 260 crore trees have been planted. Since 2014, the number of tiger and elephant reserves has grown, and protected and community areas have expanded. Shri Modi remarked that cheetahs, once extinct in India, have now been brought back and have become a new attraction. He added that India is continuously working on wetland conservation and has become Asia’s largest Ramsar network, ranking third globally in terms of the number of Ramsar sites. Prime Minister stated that Assam too is showing the world how development can go hand in hand with heritage preservation and protection of nature.
Shri Modi remarked that the greatest pain of the North East has always been distance—distance of hearts and distance of places. He said that for decades, people of the region felt that development was happening elsewhere and they were being left behind, which affected not only the economy but also trust. He highlighted that their party, through the Governments at Union and State, have changed this sentiment by prioritizing the development of the North East. He noted that work began simultaneously to connect Assam through roadways, railways, airways and waterways.
Emphasizing that expanding rail connectivity benefits both social and economic levels, making it crucial for the North East, Shri Modi criticized the opposition for neglecting this, pointing out that when they were in power at the Centre, Assam received only about ₹2,000 crore in the rail budget, whereas under his government this has been increased to nearly ₹10,000 crore annually—five times more. Shri Modi stated that this enhanced investment has led to large-scale infrastructure development, with new rail lines, doubling and electrification boosting railway capacity and passenger facilities. Prime Minister announced the launch of three new train services from Kaliabor, marking a significant expansion in Assam’s rail connectivity. He said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will connect Guwahati to Kolkata, making long-distance travel more comfortable, while two Amrit Bharat Express trains will cover important stations across Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, directly benefiting lakhs of passengers. Shri Modi underlined that these trains will connect Assam’s traders to new markets, provide students easier access to educational opportunities, and simplify travel across different parts of the country. He remarked that such connectivity expansion builds confidence that the North East is no longer on the margins of development, no longer distant, but close to the heart and close to Delhi.
The Prime Minister also addressed a major challenge facing Assam—the need to protect its identity and culture. He praised their government in Assam for effectively tackling infiltration, freeing forests, historic cultural sites and people’s lands from illegal encroachments, which is being widely appreciated. PM Modi contrasted this with opposition, stating that for decades they handed Assam’s soil to infiltrators merely for votes and government formation. He said that during the opposition rule, infiltration kept increasing, and these infiltrators, with no concern for Assam’s history, culture or faith, carried out widespread encroachments. He added that infiltration led to encroachment in animal corridors, promoted illegal poaching, and increased smuggling and other crimes.
Prime Minister Modi warned that infiltrators are disturbing the demographic balance, attacking culture, snatching jobs from the poor and youth, and fraudulently occupying land in tribal areas, posing a grave threat to both Assam and the nation’s security. He cautioned people to remain vigilant against the opposition, stating that its only policy is to protect infiltrators and gain power. Shri Modi remarked that the opposition and its allies are following this approach across the country, citing how in Bihar they organized marches and rallies to shield infiltrators, but the people of Bihar completely rejected them. He expressed confidence that the people of Assam too will deliver a strong response to opposition.
Shri Modi highlighted that Assam’s development is opening new doors for the progress of the entire North East and is giving direction to the Act East Policy. He emphasized that when Assam advances, the North East advances, and with the government’s efforts and the trust of the people, the region will reach new heights. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister once again congratulated everyone on the projects inaugurated today.
Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Prime Minister performed Bhoomi Poojan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-Laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over ₹6,950 Crore.
The 86 km long Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project is an environmentally conscious National Highway project. It will feature 35 km of Elevated Wildlife Corridor that will pass through Kaziranga National Park, 21 km Bypass section and 30 km widening of the existing highway section of NH-715 from two to four lanes. The project aims to improve regional connectivity while ensuring protection of the park’s rich biodiversity.
The project will pass through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts and will significantly improve connectivity to Upper Assam, particularly Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The elevated wildlife corridor will ensure uninterrupted movement of animals, reduce human-wildlife conflict. It will also enhance road safety, reduce travel time and accident rates, and support growing passenger and freight traffic. As part of the project, Bypasses will be developed at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat that will help to decongest towns, improve urban mobility and enhance the quality of life for local residents.
During the programme, Prime Minister also flagged off 2 New Amrit Bharat Express trains - Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express. These new train services will strengthen rail connectivity between the Northeast and Northern India, enabling safer and more convenient travel for the people.
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काज़ीरंगा केवल एक National Park नहीं है, ये असम की आत्मा है।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2026
ये भारत की biodiversity का एक अनमोल रत्न है।
यूनेस्को ने इसे World Heritage Site का दर्जा दिया है: PM @narendramodi
लंबे समय तक, एक सोच ये बनी रही कि प्रकृति और प्रगति एक दूसरे के विपरीत हैं... कहा जाता था कि ये दोनों साथ नहीं चल सकते।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2026
लेकिन आज भारत दुनिया को दिखा रहा है कि ये दोनों साथ-साथ आगे बढ़ सकते हैं: PM @narendramodi
नॉर्थ ईस्ट अब विकास के हाशिए पर नहीं है।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2026
नॉर्थ ईस्ट अब दूर नहीं रहा... नॉर्थ ईस्ट अब दिल के भी पास है... दिल्ली के भी पास है: PM @narendramodi
