Cabinet Approves Four-Laning of Kalibor–Numaligarh Highway Section in Assam with Wildlife-Friendly Measures

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for the widening and upgradation of the Kalibor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715 in Assam. The 85.675 km stretch will be developed into a four-lane highway under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, with an estimated investment of ₹6,957 crore.

The project will not only enhance regional connectivity and reduce travel time but will also incorporate comprehensive wildlife-friendly measures, particularly across the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) segment. This initiative aims to ensure safer movement for animals and reduce the risk of accidents during seasonal migration.

Currently, the Kalibor–Numaligarh section, formerly part of NH-37, functions as a two-lane road that passes through densely populated areas such as Jakhlabandha in Nagaon district and Bokakhat in Golaghat district. A significant stretch runs through or along the southern edge of Kaziranga National Park, where restricted road width and poor geometry have long posed safety and environmental challenges.

During the monsoon season, floods within the park force wildlife to move toward the higher Karbi-Anglong Hills, often crossing the highway and leading to frequent accidents. The upgraded four-lane design, with its eco-sensitive features, is expected to improve road safety for both commuters and wildlife, ensuring a balance between infrastructure growth and ecological protection in the region.