General Knowledge of Assam - Complete Guide
Where Is The Under-river Road-rail Tunnel In The Brahmaputra River And What Are Its Key Details?
India's first under-river road-rail tunnel is being constructed beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam, connecting Gohpur (on the North Bank) with Numaligarh (on the South Bank). This ambitious project, to be executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is set to become a landmark in India’s infrastructure and defence preparedness.
Project Details of Road-rail tunnel in the Brahmaputra River:
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Location: Gohpur to Numaligarh, under the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
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Length: Twin-tube tunnel, each about 9.8 km, with a total project length of 15.6 km (including approach roads).
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Design: Twin-tube, four-lane tunnel with dual-purpose road and rail connectivity.
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Cost: Estimated at ₹14,900 crore, funded 80% by the Road Transport Ministry and 20% by the Defence Ministry.
Benefits and Significance of Road-rail tunnel in the Brahmaputra River:
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Improved Connectivity: Provides seamless, all-weather transport between the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra, easing congestion and reducing travel costs.
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Strategic Importance: Enhances defence logistics by enabling faster and more secure troop and military vehicle movement towards the China border, especially to remote regions like Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
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Regional Development: Boosts growth in the Northeastern states by improving civilian mobility, trade, and access to infrastructure.
Project Status of Road-rail tunnel in the Brahmaputra River:
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Approval: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared and approved.
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Funding: An inter-ministerial panel has recommended clearance for funding.
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Construction: Work is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
The Brahmaputra under-river tunnel is expected to become a game-changer for connectivity, defence, and development in Northeast India, making it one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country’s history.