Cabinet approves India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel in Assam

India clears first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel in Assam. The ₹18,662 cr Brahmaputra project will cut travel time and create 80 lakh jobs

The Union Cabinet has cleared a landmark infrastructure project worth ₹18,662 crore to construct India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The project will form part of a four-lane, access-controlled greenfield corridor connecting Gohpur on NH-15 with Numaligarh on NH-715.

Currently, travel between Numaligarh and Gohpur spans 240 km and takes nearly six hours, passing through Kaziranga National Park and Biswanath Town. The new corridor, which includes a 15.79 km tunnel under the Brahmaputra, is expected to drastically cut travel time and improve regional connectivity. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed that the project will be executed under the engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) model.

This will be the first such tunnel in India and only the second worldwide. Officials highlight that the project will benefit Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other northeastern states by enhancing freight efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and driving socio-economic growth.

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The corridor is designed to integrate multiple modes of transport, linking 11 economic nodes, three social nodes, two tourist hubs, and eight logistics centers. It will also connect with four major railway stations, two airports, and two inland waterways, enabling faster movement of goods and passengers across the region.

Beyond economic benefits, the project carries strategic importance by strengthening connectivity between major centers and opening new avenues for trade and industrial development. It is expected to generate approximately 80 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment, creating opportunities for local communities.

Upon completion, the underwater tunnel will stand as a milestone in India’s infrastructure development, symbolizing both technological advancement and a major boost for the Northeast’s growth trajectory.

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