Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (4-Laning of Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over ₹6,950 Crore in Kaliabor, Assam today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the people, noting that such a large number had come to bless him and said he was deeply thankful. He remarked that on visiting Kaziranga again, memories of his previous trip came alive, recalling that two years ago, the moments spent in Kaziranga were among the most special experiences of his life. PM Modi highlighted that he had the opportunity to spend the night at Kaziranga National Park and the next morning, during an elephant safari, he experienced the beauty of the region up close.
Emphasising that visiting Assam always brings him immense joy, PM Modi described it as the land of the brave and of sons and daughters who showcase their talent in every field. He pointed out that just on January 17, he attended the Bagurumba Dwhou festival in Guwahati, where daughters of the Bodo community set a new record with their performance. PM Modi highlighted the extraordinary presentation of Bagurumba, with the energy of more than 10,000 artists, the rhythm of kham and the melody of sifung, which mesmerized everyone. He remarked that the experience of Bagurumba touched the eyes and reached the heart.
The Prime Minister praised the artists of Assam for their remarkable effort, preparation and coordination, calling it truly wonderful. He extended his congratulations once again to all the artists who participated in the Bagurumba Dwhou festival. He thanked all the social media influencers and TV media for promoting the event to reach out to the nation and world. Recalling that last year he had attended the Jhumoir Mahotsav and this time he had the opportunity to visit Assam during Magh Bihu, PM Modi highlighted that just a month ago he came for development projects, inaugurating the new terminal building of the expanded Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati and laying the foundation stone of the Ammonia Urea Complex in Namrup. He remarked that such occasions have further strengthened their government’s mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”.
The Prime Minister underlined the historical importance of Kaliabor in Assam’s past, present and future, noting that it is the gateway to Kaziranga National Park and a hub of connectivity for Upper Assam. He recalled that it was from Kaliabor that the great warrior Lachit Borphukan strategized to drive out Mughal invaders and under his leadership the people of Assam, with courage, unity and determination, defeated the Mughal army. PM Modi emphasized that this was not merely a military victory but a declaration of Assam’s pride and self-confidence. He pointed out that since the Ahom rule, Kaliabor has held strategic importance and expressed happiness that under their government the region is now becoming a vital center of connectivity and development.
Prime Minister recalled the words of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who described Kaziranga’s beauty with deep affection, noting that his lines reflected both love for Kaziranga and the Assamese people’s bond with nature. He emphasized that Kaziranga is not just a National Park but the soul of Assam and a priceless jewel of India’s biodiversity, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. He underlined that protecting Kaziranga and its wildlife is not only about safeguarding the environment but also a responsibility towards Assam’s future and coming generations. Shri Modi announced the launch of new projects from Assam’s soil, congratulating the people for initiatives that will have a wide impact.
Highlighting that Kaziranga is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, the Prime Minister explained the challenges faced during floods when wildlife seeks higher ground and must cross the National Highway, often getting trapped. He stated that the government’s effort is to ensure smooth traffic while keeping the forest safe. He informed that under this vision, a 90-kilometre corridor from Kaliabor to Numaligarh is being developed at a cost of about ₹7,000 crore, including a 35-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor. Vehicles will pass above while wildlife movement below will remain unhindered, with the design prepared keeping in mind traditional movement routes of rhinos, elephants and tigers. PM Modi remarked that the corridor will also improve connectivity between Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and along with new rail services, will open fresh opportunities for the people. He congratulated the people of Assam and the nation for these important projects.
Noting that when nature is protected, opportunities also arise, Prime Minister pointed out that Kaziranga has seen a steady rise in tourism in recent years. Through homestays, guide services, transport, handicrafts and small businesses, local youth have found new sources of income. Praising the people and government of Assam for another achievement, PM Modi recalled that there was a time when rhino poaching was a major concern, with dozens of one-horned rhinos killed in 2013 and 2014. He said their government decided this could not continue and strengthened security arrangements, provided modern resources to the forest department, enhanced surveillance and increased women’s participation through ‘Van Durga.’ As a result, he highlighted, in 2025 not a single incident of rhino poaching was reported, made possible by the government’s political will and the efforts of the people of Assam.
The Prime Minister observed that for long it was believed that nature and progress were opposed to each other, but today India is showing the world that both economy and ecology can advance together. He noted that in the past decade, forest and tree cover has increased, with people enthusiastically participating in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign under which more than 260 crore trees have been planted. Since 2014, the number of tiger and elephant reserves has grown, and protected and community areas have expanded. Shri Modi remarked that cheetahs, once extinct in India, have now been brought back and have become a new attraction.
He added that India is continuously working on wetland conservation and has become Asia’s largest Ramsar network, ranking third globally in terms of the number of Ramsar sites. The Prime Minister stated that Assam too is showing the world how development can go hand in hand with heritage preservation and protection of nature. Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers, Sarbananda Sonowal, Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.
