New Highway Project Approved to Connect Guwahati and Tezpur
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved the construction of a new 135.87-kilometer highway connecting Guwahati to Tezpur in Assam. This major infrastructure project will cost ₹8,970.20 crore and will be built as a 4-lane access-controlled road under the Build-Operate-Transfer toll model. The new highway will significantly improve road connectivity across the Northeast region.
Faster Travel and Strategic Features
The primary goal of this project is to increase travel speeds and cut down travel time between Guwahati and Tezpur by nearly half. By creating a faster route, the project aims to reduce heavy traffic congestion on the existing NH-27 East-West Corridor. A notable addition to the plan is a 4.9-kilometer Emergency Landing Facility on the Tezpur Bypass. This landing strip is being developed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to strengthen regional defense capabilities.
Bypasses and Infrastructure Details
To keep long-distance trucks and heavy vehicles away from busy town centers, the project includes five major bypasses covering 58.7 kilometers. These bypasses will help traffic avoid areas like Baihata Chariali, Sipajhar, Kharupetia, Dekiajuli, and Tezpur. The construction plan features 15 major bridges, 30 minor bridges, 19 flyovers, and 46 underpasses. Additionally, the project includes 210 kilometers of dedicated service roads for local travel.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The project includes a dedicated elephant underpass along the Tezpur Bypass to ensure safe movement for wildlife. Economically, the highway is expected to link important economic nodes and connect the aspirational districts of Darrang and Udalguri. The improved route will also provide easier access to major tourist destinations such as Kaziranga National Park and Orang National Park. This development will also create better road links into Arunachal Pradesh to support regional tourism and trade.