India’s First Underwater Tunnel Project Approved, 6 Hours Journey to Take 20 Minutes Now
The Union Cabinet has officially given the green light to India’s first underwater road-rail tunnel project. This massive infrastructure will be built beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam, connecting Gohpur on the north bank to Numaligarh on the south bank. Once completed, this project will drastically reduce the travel distance between these two points from 240 km to just 34 km. This means a journey that currently takes six hours will be completed in approximately 20 minutes.
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Project Cost and Timeline Details
The project received official approval on February 15, 2026, with a total estimated cost of ₹18,662 crore. The construction period is set for five years from the date the contract is awarded. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Defence are funding this strategic initiative together. The tunnel will sit between 32 to 57 metres below the riverbed and use advanced boring technology.
| Location | Gohpur (NH-15) to Numaligarh (NH-715) |
| Total Length | 33.7 km (15.79 km underwater) |
| Project Cost | ₹18,662 crore |
| Travel Time | Reduced to 20 minutes |
| Status | Approved by Union Cabinet |
Safety Measures and Strategic Use
Many people have asked if life jackets are required for this underwater route, and the answer is no. The tunnel is a sealed, waterproof concrete structure that ensures no water enters the transit area. For safety, it features a twin-tube design with emergency cross-passages every 500 metres. While it is a road-rail tunnel, the railway track is designated as a strategic asset for military or emergency use, while regular traffic will use the four-lane road corridor.