In a monumental development, Assam is poised to embrace its first underwater railroad tunnel, connecting the regions of Numaligarh and Gohpur, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced. With an estimated cost of Rs 6,000 crore, the groundbreaking project aims to enhance transportation infrastructure and foster closer ties between the north and south regions of the Brahmaputra River. The highly-anticipated tender for the project is scheduled to commence on July 4, and construction is expected to begin during the current Chief Minister’s tenure.
Unveiling the ambitious plan during a public gathering, Chief Minister Sarma expressed his vision of constructing a technologically advanced tunnel under the mighty Brahmaputra, accommodating both rail and motor vehicles. The proposal has garnered approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the central government fully endorsing the endeavor.
The underwater railroad tunnel project will comprise two separate tunnels, with one dedicated to train travel and the other catering to motor vehicles. Spanning approximately 35 kilometers, the tunnel will seamlessly connect Numaligarh and Gohpur, dramatically reducing the current 220-kilometer distance between the areas. Once completed, the journey, which currently takes 5-6 hours, will be transformed into a mere 40-minute commute. Furthermore, this groundbreaking development will forge a closer bond between the north and south regions of Brahmaputra and facilitate smoother access to Arunachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared that the tender process for the underwater railroad tunnel project will commence on July 4, facilitating the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). With the hope of smooth progress, construction is projected to begin before the end of his tenure. Should all go according to plan, Assam will achieve a significant milestone with its first-ever underwater railroad tunnel, revolutionizing connectivity and setting a remarkable precedent for future infrastructural advancements.
