The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved a historic infrastructure project for the North-East region. India is set to build its first underwater twin-tube tunnel under the Brahmaputra River between Gohpur and Numaligarh. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the details, confirming that this project will change the way people travel in Assam and strengthen border connectivity.
What are the Key Features of the Underwater Tunnel?
This massive project comes with a total estimated cost of ₹18,662 crore. It features a unique twin-tube structure where one tube will carry a 4-lane road for vehicles, and the other will support railway tracks. The total length of the project is nearly 34 km, with a significant 15.8 km section running underwater. Engineers will build the tunnel approximately 32 meters below the river bed using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines.
How Will it Benefit Commuters and Logistics?
Currently, the journey between Gohpur and Numaligarh takes about 6 hours as vehicles have to travel 240 km to cross the river. Once this tunnel is ready, the distance will drop to just 34 km, allowing travelers to cover the stretch in only 20 minutes. This direct link connects National Highway 15 and National Highway 715, bypassing the Kaziranga National Park and reducing logistics costs for goods transport.
Project Timeline and Employment
The government estimates that the construction will take 5 years to complete. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will execute the work under the EPC model. Apart from improving travel, the project is expected to generate 80 lakh person-days of employment, boosting the local economy significantly.
| Project Detail | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | ₹18,662.02 Crore |
| Route | Gohpur to Numaligarh (Assam) |
| Total Length | 33.7 km |
| Underwater Section | 15.8 km |
| Time Saving | Reduced from 6 hours to 20 minutes |
| Design | Twin-tube (Road + Rail) |
| Completion Time | 5 Years |