New 4-Lane Highway Approved Between Guwahati and Tezpur

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has officially approved a major road project to build a 135.87-kilometer, 4-lane highway in Assam. This new corridor will connect Baihata Chariali in Guwahati to Tezpur along NH-15, with an estimated cost of ₹8,970.20 crore. The project will be built using the Build-Operate-Transfer toll model to improve connectivity across the Northeast region.

Travel Time and Traffic Management

This high-speed project aims to cut travel time between Guwahati and Tezpur by nearly half while doubling the average speed for vehicles. The construction will help move heavy traffic away from the existing NH-27 East-West Corridor. To keep towns clear of long-distance freight, the project includes five major bypasses covering 58.7 kilometers that will divert traffic away from Baihata Chariali, Sipajhar, Kharupetia, Dekiajuli, and Tezpur.

Strategic Infrastructure and Safety Features

Safety and defense needs are integrated into the design of this highway. A key feature is a 4.9-kilometer Emergency Landing Facility located on the Tezpur Bypass, which is being developed alongside the Indian Air Force. The road design also includes 15 major bridges, 30 minor bridges, 19 flyovers, and 46 underpasses. Furthermore, the plan includes 210 kilometers of dedicated local service roads to support nearby communities and a specific underpass designed to ensure the safe movement of elephants.

Economic and Regional Impact

This highway is designed to support the PM Gati-Shakti economic nodes and connect the districts of Darrang and Udalguri. The improved route will provide better access to important logistics and tourist destinations, including Orang National Park and Kaziranga. Additionally, the highway will serve as a vital link for traffic moving toward Arunachal Pradesh, strengthening the regional transport network for both residents and freight movement.