Assam's ₹6,000 Cr. Underwater Tunnel DPR Done

The detailed project report (DPR) for Assam’s landmark underwater tunnel, set to connect Numaligarh and Gohpur at an estimated cost of ₹6,000 crore, has been completed. This greenfield infrastructure project aims to construct India’s first-ever road tunnel beneath a major river — the Brahmaputra — and is expected to be submitted soon for approval by the Union Cabinet.

The tunnel holds critical strategic importance due to its proximity to Arunachal Pradesh, a border-sensitive region adjoining China. Construction is anticipated to take approximately five years once initiated.

A senior Assam government official told The Economic Times, “The DPR is ready and will soon be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval.” Given the scale and strategic relevance, final clearance is expected from the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by the Prime Minister.

The project has secured approval from the National Board for Wildlife’s Standing Committee, though further scientific studies on soil stability, groundwater flow, sediment dynamics, and seismic impact have been requested.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will implement the project. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) prepared the DPR, which was technically appraised by NHIDCL’s Project Appraisal and Technical Scrutiny Committee (PATSC).

Spanning approximately 33.7 kilometers, including the tunnel and connecting roads, the corridor will feature the tunnel crown positioned about 32 meters below the Brahmaputra’s lowest bed level, a region known for its considerable depth.

Officials emphasized the tunnel’s strategic and defense significance, aimed at improving connectivity in this sensitive border area.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked, “Inspired by the Atal Tunnel, I envisioned a tunnel under the Brahmaputra where vehicles and trains could pass. What once seemed a dream is now becoming feasible between Numaligarh and Gohpur. This project will bring the two banks of the Brahmaputra closer than ever.”

If approved, the project will mark a major milestone in Assam’s infrastructure development and defense preparedness, setting a precedent for future underwater tunnels in India.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.