Narendra Modi welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval of the 4-lane access-controlled Guwahati–Tezpur Corridor on National Highway-15 (NH-15), calling it an important step on the way towards connectivity and economic growth in Assam and the entire northeast.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister also mentioned the importance of the ambitious highway project, saying it would reduce travel time, improve road safety and alleviate congestion through the construction of bypasses at several key points of the country.
A big leap in connectivity and growth in Assam! The Cabinet has approved a 4-lane access-controlled Guwahati-Tezpur Corridor of NH-15. The project will reduce travel time, improve road safety and ease congestion by way of large bypasses at different places. It will also include an Emergency Landing Facility at Tezpur, bridges, flyovers, underpasses and service roads. Connectivity in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will be further strengthened via the corridor.
The Guwahati–Tezpur Corridor will be one of the most important road infrastructure projects in Northeast India. An access-controlled highway with no congestion, the Guwahati-Tezpur Corridor will allow safe and fast transportation with no delay for passenger and commercial vehicles (see section 10.4).
One of the most important aspects of this project is the construction of bypasses around busy urban areas so that long-distance traffic can bypass city centres. It will also reduce travel time and improve road safety for both commuters and residents.
The project will also include the construction of several bridges, flyovers, underpasses, and service roads to improve traffic flow and provide safer access for local communities along the route.
One of the most strategic aspects of the corridor is the proposed Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Tezpur. This facility would allow highways to be used as runways for aircraft during national emergencies or defence operations. The northeast is at the crossroads between international boundaries, and therefore an ELF would provide an added security feature to the project.
Furthermore, we expect that the corridor will not only boost trade in Assam, but it will also be beneficial to agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and small businesses in general, as better road connectivity will allow them to access markets and services faster.
The new highway will further enhance connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and make travel more convenient for the people of Assam and businesses in Arunachal Pradesh as well as defence personnel. Better transport infrastructure will help to further develop and strengthen regional integration in the northeastern states.
The Cabinet’s endorsement reflects the Centre’s continued focus on modern infrastructure development in the northeast. Highway, railway, airport, and digital infrastructure development have been the strategy of the government over the last few years to help promote economic growth and infrastructure in the region.
The Guwahati-Tezpur Corridor will also create employment opportunities both during the construction and operational phases of the process. Local contractors, workers, and businesses would benefit from the large-scale infrastructure investment in the area as well.
With Cabinet approval for the project, the implementation phase will next be the land acquisition, detailed project planning, and construction timeline. Once completed, the corridor will be a major transportation connection that will enable mobility, boost economic development, and strengthen strategic connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
