Strategic 15.79 km tunnel connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh set to slash travel time and boost economic growth in the region
In a landmark decision set to redefine infrastructure in Northeast India, the Central Government has given the green light for the country’s first-ever underwater road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ₹18,662 crore project on Friday.
This ambitious engineering feat, which will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, involves constructing a 15.79 km long tunnel. It aims to connect Gohpur on National Highway 15 with Numaligarh on the 715 number section, establishing a critical four-lane greenfield link.
Transforming Regional Connectivity
The project addresses a long-standing logistical bottleneck. Currently, traveling between Gohpur and Numaligarh requires a grueling 240-kilometer detour via the Kaliabhomora bridge near Tezpur, often taking up to six hours. The new tunnel will drastically cut this travel time, offering a direct route that bypasses the congestion and environmental sensitivity of the Kaziranga region.
By linking the Northeast Frontier Railway’s Rangia-Murkongselek section on the Gohpur side with the Furkating-Mariani loop line on the Numaligarh side, the tunnel will seamlessly integrate road and rail networks. This dual-mode connectivity is poised to create a modern multi-modal transport system, linking 11 economic hubs, eight logistics centers, and key social and tourism destinations.
Strategic and Economic Impact
Beyond passenger convenience, the project holds immense strategic value for national security. It is expected to facilitate the rapid deployment of troops and emergency equipment to border areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Economically, the tunnel is projected to be a game-changer. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways highlighted that reduced logistics costs will spur investment in local industries, including agriculture and tourism. The construction phase alone is expected to generate significant employment for skilled and unskilled workers, with estimates suggesting direct and indirect job creation for approximately 80 lakh people.
The project also promises improved integration with wider transport networks, ensuring better access to four major railway stations, two airports, and two inland waterways. As India’s first and the world’s second underwater road-cum-rail tunnel, this initiative marks the beginning of a revolutionary chapter in the communication and development landscape of Northeast India.