Kaziranga Assam is a priceless jewel of India's soul and biodiversity: Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Kaziranga National Park is the soul of Assam and a precious gem of biodiversity, and it is an invaluable heritage declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Mr. Modi expressed these views on Sunday while attending the Bhumi Pujan ceremony of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project in Kaliabor, Assam. This project, worth approximately Rs 6,950 crore, is considered a unique example of environmental protection and infrastructure development. The Prime Minister said that for a long time, it was believed that nature and development are opposing each other, but today India is showing the world that environmental protection and development can go hand in hand. He further said that when nature is protected, new opportunities are also created.
The Prime Minister stated in his address that the 86 km long national highway project includes a 35 km elevated wild life corridor that will pass through Kaziranga National Park. In addition, the project includes a 21 km bypass and widening of a 30 km road from two lanes to four lanes.
The construction of this corridor will allow vehicles to pass from above (bridge), while the movement of wild animals below will continue uninterrupted. This will reduce the conflict between humans and wildlife and road accidents. The project will pass through the districts of Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and Golaghat and will strengthen connectivity between upper Assam, particularly Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The construction of bypasses in Jorabat and Bokakhat will also reduce traffic pressure in urban areas.
Prime Minister Modi said that in recent years, there has been a continuous increase in tourism in Kaziranga. This has provided new employment opportunities for local youth through homestays, guide services, transport, handicrafts, and small businesses. He said that environmental protection not only preserves nature but also strengthens the local economy.
Mr. Modi said that there was a time when the poaching of rhinos was a major problem in Assam, but due to the government's strict policy, modern technology, better surveillance, and initiatives like 'One Durga', not a single incident of rhino poaching has been reported in 2025. He termed it a collective success of the Assam government and local people.
The Prime Minister said that he has got the opportunity to visit Kaziranga again today, and naturally, the memories of his previous visit have been refreshed. He said that the moments spent in Kaziranga two years ago are among the most special experiences of his life. During that time, he got the opportunity to spend a night in Kaziranga National Park and experience the natural beauty of the area up close during an elephant safari the next day. The Prime Minister said that coming to Assam always gives him a sense of happiness.
Mr. Modi, while referring to the government's efforts towards environmental protection, said that in the last decade, the area of forests and trees in the country has increased. He mentioned the 'Ek Paudha Maa Ke Naam' campaign, under which more than 260 crore trees have been planted so far.
Mr. Modi said that today, the BJP has become the first choice of people across the country, and in the last one and a half years, the trust of the people in the party has increased continuously. He referred to the recent elections in Bihar, where the people have given the BJP a record number of votes and seats even after 20 years. Additionally, in the mayor and councilor elections in major cities of Maharashtra, the BJP has received a record mandate for the first time.
Mr. Modi attacked the Congress, saying that for the sake of power and a few votes, the Congress had handed over the land of Assam to infiltrators for decades. He alleged that during the Congress rule, infiltration continued to increase in the state, for which Assam had to pay the price.
During this, Prime Minister Modi flagged off two new Vande Bharat Express trains - Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Rohtak and Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar). At the same time, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Guwahati and Kolkata was also announced. The Prime Minister said that better rail and road connectivity will create new opportunities for trade, education, and employment.
The Prime Minister said that North-East India has been away from the mainstream of development for a long time, but now this region has come closer to the heart of the country and Delhi. He stated that the rail budget for Assam has been increased five times compared to the past, resulting in rapid development of infrastructure.
The program was attended by several dignitaries, including Assam Governor Lakshman Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Assam for the project, saying that it will lay a strong foundation for development and protection for future generations.