Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor later this month, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati’s Koinadhara during the traditional New Year press interaction Natun Dinor Alap, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister, Assam, described the project as a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development journey. He added that several other landmark projects would be dedicated in the coming months, further accelerating Assam’s growth.

“Adarniya Shri Narendra Modi Ji will lay the foundation stone of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in January. Several landmark projects will also be dedicated in the coming months taking Assam’s infrastructure to new heights,” Sarma said.

The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is a 34.45-km project approved by the Centre at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With an estimated investment of Rs 69.57 billion, the corridor is aimed at improving connectivity while addressing critical conservation challenges in the Kaziranga landscape.

Designed to ensure the safe movement of wildlife across Kaziranga National Park, the project is also expected to significantly reduce accidents along National Highway 37. In addition, it is likely to provide a boost to eco-tourism and generate employment opportunities for local communities.

During the interaction, Sarma also announced that Assam will become the first state in the country to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission. “Assam will become the first state in the country to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission, marking a significant step towards employee welfare and progressive governance,” he said, adding that further details would be shared in due course.

The Chief Minister further noted that Assam’s heritage is gaining national recognition, citing Prime Minister Modi’s tributes to Lachit Barphukan alongside iconic national figures. Emphasising unity, Sarma called on people from all communities to stand together to protect the state’s interests.

News source: The Sentinel