Guwahati, Feb 26: The Northeast is set for a historic infrastructure transformation as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced a massive ₹80,000 crore investment in road, railway, and riverine projects.
Speaking via video message on Day 2 of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, Gadkari highlighted the government’s vision to make Assam and the Northeast a connectivity powerhouse.
With ₹60,000 crore worth of projects already in progress, the fresh announcements will bring the total investment to a staggering ₹1.4 lakh crore, promising to slash travel time, boost economic growth, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity.
Gadkari said the Guwahati-Barapani-Silchar Expressway (₹25,000 cr), a four-lane expressway is set to cut travel time between Brahmaputra and Barak Valley from 10 hours to just 4-5 hours.
Gadkari also said the Numaligarh-Gohpur Underwater Tunnel (₹15,000 cr), a state-of-the-art five-km, four-lane tunnel reducing travel from six hours to just 25 minutes, with budget allocation expected before July 2025.
Gadkari also announced Kaziranga Elevated Corridor (₹6,000 cr), a 35-km wildlife-friendly corridor, designed with soundproofing zones for rhinos, tigers, and elephants to prevent roadkill and protect biodiversity.
Gadkari further announced Morigaon-Dalgaon Road (₹3,500 cr), a 40-km project that will slash travel time by 50 minutes and ease movement between the two regions.
The Union minister announced Guwahati Railway Station-Kamakhya Temple Connectivity, a game-changer for pilgrims, cutting travel time from 45 minutes to just 5 minutes, reducing congestion and pollution.
Gadkari reaffirmed the Northeast’s pivotal role in India’s infrastructure boom, stating, “Currently, ₹60,000 crore worth of projects are underway in Assam. With the new ₹80,000 crore investment, the region will witness unprecedented connectivity and economic growth.”
He further projected that by the end of Modi 3.0’s 15-year tenure, total infrastructure investments in the Northeast will touch ₹3 lakh crore. He also said the Bilasipara-Guwahati Corridor (₹8,300 cr, 225 km) will be completed by October 2027.
Silchar-Aizawl Corridor (₹3,000 cr, 49 km), a major four-lane bridge over the Barak River, will be ready by October 2026. Gadkari said the Silchar-Jiribam Highway (₹2,200 Cr, 33 km), a four-lane highway with a 770-metre-long tunnel, is set for completion in December 2028.
The Union minister stated that Guwahati Ring Road (₹5,800 cr, 55 km), a greenfield expressway, is expected to be ready by December 2027.
He further announced Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Connectivity (₹3,300 cr), a two-lane project, will be completed by December 2026, alongside a four-lane expansion in Kandulijan (₹1,800 cr).
Doboka-Lahorijan Expansion (₹4,500 Cr, 118 km), a vital four-lane highway connecting Assam and Nagaland, will be completed by November 2026, he said.
In addition to this, the Dibrugarh-Ledo Bypass (₹1,700 cr) is targeted for October 2026 completion.
Srirampur-Dhubri Expansion (₹1,600 cr), a four-lane highway, set to open by December 2026, he said
In a groundbreaking initiative, Gadkari also unveiled plans to use bamboo for sustainable aviation fuel production, turning farmers into ‘Indian Data’ (fuel providers).
“This will not only boost the rural economy but also position the Northeast as a leader in green energy,” he added.
