The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received 18 bids from highway developers for the construction of the Kaliabor to Numaligarh section of National Highway-715 in Assam, signalling strong industry interest in the strategically significant highway project.
The project involves the development of an over 85 Km highway stretch passing through the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.
It is expected to be awarded within the current financial year at an estimated capital cost of ₹6,956 crore.
A key feature of the project is the construction of a 34.5 Km Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, designed to ensure uninterrupted movement of wildlife while allowing smoother vehicular traffic along the route.
The elevated corridor will be built in three sections measuring 18.3 Km, 11.2 Km and 5 Km respectively, enabling safe wildlife passage between Kaziranga National Park and the Karbi Anglong hills.
The project includes upgrading the 85.6 Km Kaliabor-Numaligarh stretch of NH-715 from two lanes to four lanes, along with extensive supporting infrastructure.
These works include two greenfield bypasses with a combined length of 21 Km at Jakhlabandha and Bokakhat, one major bridge, 20 minor bridges, seven flyovers, 84 culverts and one railway overbridge.
Additional facilities such as five vehicular underpasses, 12 light vehicular underpasses, 21 bus shelters and 16 Km of service roads are also planned under the project.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, to align the project as per wildlife requirements, NHAI has consulted the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Assam’s Forest Department and has received approvals from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
The elevated corridor design has been planned to minimise disturbance to natural habitats while improving road safety and travel efficiency along this important route.
Once completed, the upgraded NH-715 section is expected to strengthen connectivity between key tourism, industrial and economic centres in Assam, according to the ministry.
The project is also expected to enhance tourism to Kaziranga National Park and support regional trade and industrial development in the state.
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