Cabinet Poised to Greenlight Major Infrastructure Push Worth Over Rs 40,000 Crore
The Union Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Friday afternoon for what officials indicate will be a significant meeting, with the approval of more than half a dozen major infrastructure projects collectively valued at over Rs 40,000 crore on the agenda. This substantial investment underscores the government's continued focus on enhancing the nation's transport networks, particularly in the road and railway sectors.
Flagship Brahmaputra Tunnel Project Takes Center Stage
Among the most prominent projects awaiting Cabinet clearance is a monumental road-cum-rail tunnel through the Brahmaputra river in Assam, estimated to cost nearly Rs 19,000 crore. This ambitious undertaking is poised to become one of the largest government-funded initiatives in the highway sector. The project involves constructing a 15.8 km twin-tube tunnel connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh, with one tube designated for a single rail track. A unique design feature ensures no vehicular traffic will be permitted in this tube during train operations, prioritizing safety and efficiency.
Transformative Impact on Northeast Connectivity
Once completed, the Brahmaputra tunnel is projected to dramatically reduce travel time between Gohpur and Numaligarh from the current six-and-a-half hours to a mere 30 minutes. This improvement will be achieved by slashing the distance from 240 km to just 34 km. Officials emphasize that this enhanced connectivity will significantly benefit Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and other northeastern states, fostering regional development and integration.
Broader Infrastructure Agenda and Strategic Projects
The Cabinet's agenda extends beyond the Brahmaputra tunnel, encompassing a range of strategic infrastructure initiatives. Reports indicate that the road and railway ministries have identified multiple links for similar road-cum-rail tunnels, including underwater passages through the Brahmaputra and a proposed 22-km tunnel traversing the Chicken Neck corridor in the northeast. The Northeast Frontier Railway has already shared details with the road transport ministry regarding a new line for the Dumdangi-Rangapani-Bagdogra section, which includes this extensive tunnel alignment.
Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized the alignment for the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway project, further highlighting the comprehensive scope of the infrastructure push. The approval process follows a recent green signal from an inter-ministerial panel, chaired by the expenditure secretary, which endorsed the Brahmaputra tunnel construction, paving the way for Cabinet consideration.
As the highest decision-making body prepares for its final meeting at South Block, the focus remains squarely on accelerating infrastructure development, with these projects representing a critical step toward improving national connectivity and supporting economic growth in key regions like Assam and the broader northeast.
