New Delhi: India is all set to build a four-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor. This project will feature an underwater road and rail tunnel, and is supposed to be built with a cost of Rs 18,662 crore. This rail and road project is coming up under the Brahmaputra river in Assam, said a report in NDTV. The road and railway will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh.
First underwater road-and- rail tunnel of India
The project was approved by a Cabinet Committee. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved this 4-lane-road and rail project on Saturday. This is to be developed on an engineering-procurement-construction model, said the Ministry of Road Transport.
This is India’s first underwater road and rail tunnel and only the second one in the world. This project is mainly beneficial for northeastern states of India, especially Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The corridor will help better freight movement and reduce logistic costs. This will also help in socio-economic growth of the region.
As of now the distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur is 240 kilometre. The National Highway connecting the 2, goes through Kaliabhambhora near Silghat on NH-52. Travel time between the 2 destinations as of now is 6 hours. The road passes through Numaligarh, Kaziranga National Park, and Biswanath town.
Project would improve connectivity in northeast
The new underwater road and rail tunnel would provide seamless connectivity in the region. It will also help in the economic development of Assam. This new road and rail project would help improve tourist flow in the northeast, as it would enhance connectivity, connect 4 major railway stations, 2 airports and 2 inland waterways.
When completed, the project will help connect the region to major economic centres and thus open new avenues for trade and industrial development.