Feb 15: The Centre has approved the construction of India’s first underwater twin tube road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The ambitious infrastructure project received clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and is expected to significantly transform connectivity in the Northeast.
The 33.7-kilometre-long four-lane access-controlled Greenfield connectivity corridor will include a 15.79-kilometre twin tube tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra. The project will be developed at a cost of ₹18,662 crore under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.
Strategic Connectivity Boost
The tunnel will connect Gohpur on NH-15 with Numaligarh on NH-715 in Assam. Once completed, it will reduce the distance between the two locations from the current 240 kilometres to just 34 kilometres. Travel time is expected to come down drastically from nearly six hours to just 20 minutes.
The project is set to benefit Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and other Northeastern states by enhancing regional connectivity. Improved transport infrastructure will increase freight efficiency, lower logistics costs and stimulate socio-economic growth in the region.
It will become the second underwater road-cum-rail tunnel in the world, marking a significant engineering milestone for India.
PM Modi Hails Transformative Impact
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the approval in a social media post, highlighting the project’s transformative potential. He said the tunnel will enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs and accelerate growth across Assam and the entire Northeast.
Upon completion, the project is expected to strengthen strategic mobility, improve access between major economic centres and open new avenues for trade and industrial development. It is also projected to generate approximately 80 lakh person-days of direct and indirect employment, contributing to job creation and regional prosperity.
Railway Expansion Projects Approved
In addition to the tunnel project, the Cabinet also approved three multitracking railway projects covering 12 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The approved rail projects include:
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Kasara–Manmad railway line, third and fourth lines
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Delhi–Ambala railway line third and fourth lines
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Ballari–Hosapete railway line third and fourth lines
According to the government, these multi-tracking projects will enhance rail infrastructure capacity, reduce congestion, lower logistics costs and improve overall efficiency in freight and passenger movement.
The projects are expected to improve connectivity to around 3,902 villages, benefiting a population of approximately 97 lakh people. The Prime Minister stated that the railway expansions will further strengthen rail infrastructure and create employment opportunities for youth.
Transforming Infrastructure Landscape
The approvals underscore the Centre’s continued focus on infrastructure-led development as a driver of economic growth. With strategic road, rail and tunnel connectivity projects, the government aims to integrate remote regions more effectively into the national growth framework while strengthening logistics and trade corridors.
