The Centre has approved India’s first underwater twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam. This is a historic infrastructure project that aims to improve connectivity in the Northeast region of the country. The tunnel will be part of a 33.7-kilometre-long, four-lane Greenfield access-controlled corridor. Out of this total length, 15.79 kilometres will be a twin-tube tunnel built beneath the river. The project has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and will be developed at a cost of ₹18,662 crore under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.
This project is considered a major milestone for India because it will be the first time a road and railway tunnel will be constructed together under a large river. The twin-tube design means there will be two separate tunnels, which will help manage traffic more efficiently and ensure safety. The tunnel will be built using advanced technology and modern safety systems to handle high water pressure and ensure smooth operations.
Cabinet Approves First Underwater Twin-Tube Tunnel in Assam
The new corridor will connect Gohpur on National Highway 15 (NH-15) to Numaligarh on National Highway 715 (NH-715) in Assam. At present, the distance between these two places is about 240 kilometres. After the completion of the project, the distance will reduce to just 34 kilometres. This will bring a huge relief to travelers and transporters who currently spend long hours on the road. The travel time between the two points will reduce from nearly six hours to only 20 minutes.
This drastic reduction in distance and travel time will improve daily commuting, trade, and transportation of goods. It will also strengthen the movement of essential supplies and services. Faster connectivity will encourage more business activities and open up new economic opportunities in the region. Farmers, small businesses, and local industries will benefit from easier access to markets.
The project will not only benefit Assam but also provide major advantages to neighboring states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other North-Eastern states. Improved connectivity will help integrate these states more closely with the rest of the country. It will also boost tourism by making travel safer, faster, and more convenient. Tourists will find it easier to visit the scenic and culturally rich destinations of the Northeast.
How the Brahmaputra Underwater Twin-Tube Tunnel Will Strengthen Northeast India
Another important aspect of the project is its strategic value. The Northeast region shares international borders, and better infrastructure will improve overall accessibility and development. The underwater twin-tube tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity, which is especially important during floods or heavy rains when normal routes may get affected.
The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. In this model, the contractor is responsible for designing, procuring materials, and constructing the project within a fixed timeline and cost. This helps ensure accountability and timely completion.
Overall, the underwater twin-tube tunnel cum-road under the Brahmaputra River is a transformational project. It represents a big step toward modern infrastructure development in India. Once completed, it will save time, reduce travel costs, improve safety, and promote economic growth in the Northeast region. The project reflects the government’s focus on strengthening infrastructure and bringing remote areas closer to mainstream development.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. What is special about this tunnel project?
A.It is India’s first underwater twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel built under a major river, the Brahmaputra.
Q. How long is the total project corridor?
A.The total corridor is 33.7 kilometres long, including a 15.79-kilometre twin tube tunnel under the river.
Q. How much will the project cost?
A.The project will be built at an estimated cost of ₹18,662 crore.
Q. How will the tunnel improve travel?
A.It will reduce the distance between Gohpur and Numaligarh from 240 kilometres to 34 kilometres and cut travel time from six hours to just 20 minutes.
Q. Which states will benefit from this project?
A.Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other North-Eastern states will benefit from better connectivity and development.
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