Green light to first road-cum-rail tunnel under Brahmaputra river, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved India's first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
• The 34-km four-lane project, including a 15.8-km twin tube tunnel, will connect Gohpur on NH-15 and Numaligarh on NH-715.
• The project, developed in EPC mode, is estimated to cost Rs 18,662 crore.
• The tunnel will reduce the distance between Gohpur and Numaligarh from 240 km to 34 km, cutting travel time from 6 hours to 20 minutes.

Detailed Insights:

• The project aims to improve connectivity between Numaligarh and Gohpur, currently a 240 km route via the Kaliabhomra-hora road bridge.
• The tunnel will bypass the existing route through Kaziranga National Park and Biswanath town, addressing logistical and environmental challenges.
• The project aligns with the Act East Policy, positioning the Northeast as a strategic gateway.
• The project integrates with the Rangia-Muko-ngselek Railway Section and the Furkating-Mariani loop line section, enhancing multi-modal connectivity.
• The CCEA also approved three highway projects worth Rs 11,079 crore and three railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs 18,509 crore.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC): A project delivery method where a single contractor is responsible for design, procurement, and construction.
• Act East Policy: An initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region.
• Multi-tracking: Adding more railway tracks to an existing line to increase capacity and reduce congestion.