India plans country’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnels in Assam
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

India plans country’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnels in Assam

The road and railway ministries and the Border Road Organisation (BRO) have come on board for construction of the country’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnels across the mighty Brahmaputra in Assam. The underwater tunnel project is expected to be an engineering marvel and will also strategically reduce travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Currently, there are five bridges across the Brahmaputra.

As per the plan, there will be three parallel tunnels – one for road, another for rail and the third one for emergency use. The tunnels will be of 9.8 km each. This will be the first project where integrated tunnel construction will be undertaken. These tunnels will be inter-connected with cross passage for evacuation in case of any emergency.

The strategic multi-modal transportation system aims to integrate the rail and highway network through the Jamugurihat-Silghat axis towards North Assam, Tawang and the rest of Arunachal Pradesh. This can be used for both civilian and strategic purposes.
According to the estimate, the government would spend around Rs 7,000 crore for these tunnels.

The tunnel will take off from about 9 km upstream of the existing Kaliabomara (Tezpur) road bridge and will connect Jakhlabandha railway station on the south bank and at Dhaliabil railway station on the north bank of Brahmaputra.

As per reports, the BRO submitted that these railcum-road tunnels are required from the strategic point of view at a recent meeting. It also suggested that the project may be funded by the defence ministry.

The road and railway ministries and the Border Road Organisation (BRO) have come on board for construction of the country’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnels across the mighty Brahmaputra in Assam. The underwater tunnel project is expected to be an engineering marvel and will also strategically reduce travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Currently, there are five bridges across the Brahmaputra.As per the plan, there will be three parallel tunnels – one for road, another for rail and the third one for emergency use. The tunnels will be of 9.8 km each. This will be the first project where integrated tunnel construction will be undertaken. These tunnels will be inter-connected with cross passage for evacuation in case of any emergency.The strategic multi-modal transportation system aims to integrate the rail and highway network through the Jamugurihat-Silghat axis towards North Assam, Tawang and the rest of Arunachal Pradesh. This can be used for both civilian and strategic purposes.According to the estimate, the government would spend around Rs 7,000 crore for these tunnels.The tunnel will take off from about 9 km upstream of the existing Kaliabomara (Tezpur) road bridge and will connect Jakhlabandha railway station on the south bank and at Dhaliabil railway station on the north bank of Brahmaputra.As per reports, the BRO submitted that these railcum-road tunnels are required from the strategic point of view at a recent meeting. It also suggested that the project may be funded by the defence ministry.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bharat Forge Buys AAM India For Rs 7.46 Billion

Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has completed the purchase of AAM India Manufacturing Private Limited in an all cash deal valued at Rs 7.46 billion. First announced on 17 October 2024, the takeover received Competition Commission of India clearance on 22 April 2025 and closed after final regulatory approvals.AAM India brings a cash reserve of Rs 1.89 billion, which BFL plans to deploy for growth initiatives and technology upgrades. The final equity consideration may be adjusted for net working capital as at 30 June 2025.The acquisition adds a long standing supplier of powe..

Next Story
Technology

QNu Labs Launches QConnect and QVerse for Quantum-Safe Security

QNu Labs, India’s pioneering quantum cybersecurity company, has announced the launch of two breakthrough platforms – QConnect and QVerse – developed to safeguard enterprises and defence agencies from next-generation cyber threats posed by quantum computing. Fully designed, built, and commercialised in India, these platforms mark a significant stride towards aligning with the National Quantum Mission and advancing global cybersecurity standards. As quantum computing advances, existing encryption systems are at risk of becoming obsolete, making sensitive data vulnerable to irreversibl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Adani Green Surpasses 15,000 MW in Renewable Capacity

Adani Green Energy (AGEL) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 15,000 megawatts (MW) of operational capacity, specifically reaching 15,539.9 MW. This accomplishment marks the fastest and largest capacity addition in India to date. The operational portfolio includes ~11,005.5 MW of solar, ~1,977.8 MW of wind, and ~2,556.6 MW of wind-solar hybrid capacity. AGEL is the first and only renewable energy company in India to attain this landmark achievement, primarily through greenfield projects. Speaking on the milestone, Ashish Khanna, CEO, AGEL, said: “Surpassing the 15,000 MW ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?