Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a new project in Assam to help both wildlife and people. On January 18, 2026, he laid the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Wildlife Corridor. The project costs about ₹6,957 crore. This is a very important step toward protecting animals and helping the people of Assam at the same time.
### What is the Kaziranga Elevated Wildlife Corridor?
The corridor is a special path built above the ground to allow animals to move safely from one place to another. It is called an “elevated” corridor because it is built on a raised structure, kind of like a bridge. This helps animals like rhinos, elephants, and deer to travel without the risk of getting hurt by vehicles or humans. The corridor runs through busy areas where lots of roads and vehicles are present.
### How will it work?
- Vehicles will be able to pass over the corridor safely. Instead of animals crossing busy roads and risking accidents, the animals can move underneath the elevated path.
- This makes it safer for the animals and reduces the chances of accidents between animals and vehicles.
- The corridor will also make travel easier for people by improving road connections in the region.
### Benefits for transportation
The project will help improve the road links between Upper Assam and other parts of the state. For example:
- It will help reduce the time it takes for people to travel between cities like Jorhat, Golaghat, and Guwahati.
- Better roads mean easier and faster transportation, which can help local businesses and everyday travel.
### Why is this project so important?
In recent years, Assam has become known for its efforts to protect wildlife, especially the famous one-horned rhinos. Thanks to better protection measures, Assam recorded zero rhino poaching cases in 2025. This is a big achievement for the conservation of wildlife in the region.
The corridor included in the project will help keep this progress going. It allows animals to move freely without needing to cross dangerous roads. This is especially important in protected areas like Kaziranga National Park, which is home to many rhinos and other wildlife.
### Impact on wildlife and the environment
The main goal of the project is to balance development and wildlife protection. Building safe pathways for animals means fewer dangers for them while they search for food, water, or mates. It also helps protect their natural habitats from destruction caused by roads and buildings.
### Benefits for the local community
- The corridor can support tourism. People come from all over the world to see Kaziranga’s wildlife, especially the rhinos.
- Better infrastructure can help local businesses grow and create new jobs.
- The project also shows how India is working to protect its natural environment while developing its infrastructure.
### The role of the government
Prime Minister Modi has said that this project is very important for conservation. He highlighted how infrastructure can be environmentally friendly and help protect endangered species.
Assam’s Chief Minister spoke about the significance of this project. He mentioned that it is a historic step that shows the state’s new approach to wildlife protection. By building this corridor, Assam is demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding nature and supporting local communities.
### Important facts and figures
- The groundbreaking took place on January 18, 2026.
- The total cost of the project is about ₹6,957 crore.
- In 2025, Assam had recorded zero rhino poaching cases, showing the success of earlier protection efforts.
### Conclusion
This project is a big step forward for Assam and India. By connecting development with conservation, it aims to protect the country’s rich biodiversity while improving transportation and local economy. The Kaziranga Elevated Wildlife Corridor reflects a clear message: progress does not have to come at the expense of nature. Instead, smart planning can help ensure a safer environment for both animals and humans, now and in the future.
