Cabinet approves construction of 4 Lane Highway from Baihata Chariali - 6th August 2026 - Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 6th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary On August 6, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the development of a 135.871 km, 4-lane access-controlled highway corridor between Guwahati and Tezpur on NH-15 in Assam. The project will be executed on a Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll Mode with a total capital investment of Rs. 8,970.20 crore. The initiative aims to halve travel time, double average speeds, and provide seamless connectivity to key economic and social nodes across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Points / Main Content
Project Specifications and Financing
- Total Length: 135.871 km of 4-lane access-controlled highway.
- Route: From Baihata Chariali (near Guwahati) to Tezpur, excluding the 15.11 km Mangaldoi Bypass.
- Investment: Approved capital cost of Rs. 8,970.20 crore under the NH(O) category.
- Development Mode: Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll Mode.
Infrastructure and Engineering Features
- Emergency Facilities: A 4.9 km Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) will be constructed at the Tezpur Bypass in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- Bypasses: Five major bypasses totaling 58.7 km will be built to decongest Baihata Chariali, Sipajhar, Kharupetia, Dekiajuli, and Tezpur.
- Structural Components: The project includes 15 major bridges, 30 minor bridges, 19 flyovers, 46 underpasses, and 210 km of service roads.
- Environmental/Wildlife Provision: A dedicated Elephant Under Pass will be constructed at the Tezpur Bypass.
Strategic Connectivity and Benefits
- Performance Metrics: Projected 100% increase in travel speeds, 50% reduction in travel time, and improved fuel efficiency.
- Economic Nodes: Enhanced connectivity to eight PM Gati-Shakti Industrial Parks and seven logistic nodes (including three railway stations, two airports, and two waterway terminals).
- Social and Tourism Links: Improved access to two Aspirational districts (Darrang and Udalguri) and major tourist sites including Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, and Maa Kamakhya Temple.
Impact Analysis
General Public and Commuters Impact Commuters will experience significantly safer travel with 50% less travel time and reduced vehicle operating costs due to the access-controlled design and decongestion of populated areas. Action Required N/A (Beneficiaries of the improved infrastructure).
Logistics and Industrial Sectors Impact Businesses will benefit from faster, seamless movement of goods between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, specifically linking major industrial parks and logistic terminals. Action Required Logistics providers should plan to integrate this corridor into their supply chains to leverage the enhanced connectivity to railway stations, airports, and waterway terminals.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Impact The IAF gains a strategic asset with the inclusion of a 4.9 km Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the Tezpur Bypass. Action Required Continue coordination with road authorities to ensure the ELF meets technical and operational requirements.
Regional Tourism Industry Impact Major tourist destinations will become more accessible to domestic and international visitors, potentially increasing footfall. Action Required Tourism operators and local authorities should prepare for increased traffic to sites like Kaziranga and Orang National Parks.