New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 31,000 crore, including the construction of India’s first road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
The ambitious project involves a twin-tube common tunnel with approach roads designed for the movement of both vehicles and trains. Estimated to cost Rs 18,662 crore, the tunnel will be fully funded by the government.
Announcing the Cabinet decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative impact of the project on regional connectivity and national security.
Major Boost to Connectivity
The tunnel will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh in Assam, significantly reducing travel time between the two locations. Currently, the journey takes approximately six hours; upon completion, it is expected to be cut to just 20 minutes.
In addition to time savings, the project will reduce the travel distance from around 240 kilometres to approximately 34 kilometres, marking a major improvement in transportation efficiency.
Officials stated that the four-lane tunnel will enhance high-speed connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh, providing a critical infrastructure link for the northeastern region.
Strategic Significance
Beyond civilian mobility, the tunnel carries substantial strategic importance. Vaishnaw noted that the project would provide “strategic resilience,” particularly for defence operations, ensuring reliable connectivity even during adverse conditions.
Such infrastructure is seen as vital for strengthening logistical capabilities in border areas.
Engineering and Safety Features
Officials revealed that the tunnel will be constructed at a depth of approximately 32 metres below the Brahmaputra’s lowest bed level.
The twin tubes will be interconnected at intervals of 500 metres, a design feature intended to enhance safety, ventilation, and emergency response capabilities.
One of the tubes will include provisions for a single rail track. During train operations, vehicular movement through that tube will be temporarily restricted to ensure operational safety.
Rare Global Infrastructure Model
Authorities described the tunnel as only the second such road-cum-rail tunnel in the world, underscoring the engineering complexity and global significance of the undertaking.
The project is expected to play a pivotal role in improving transportation networks, boosting economic activity, and reinforcing strategic infrastructure in the Northeast.
