The construction of the proposed 4-lane underwater tunnel across the River Brahmaputra, connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh, is expected to begin by the end of 2025. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has progressed significantly and is now in its advanced stages, with detailed engineering investigations underway. Once the DPR is finalised, the project will move forward, pending approvals from the relevant central ministries and the selection of a contractor through a tendering process.
NHIDCL Executive Director Pankaj Singh, speaking to GPlus, stated, “The work on the tunnel is likely to begin by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026,” adding that the DPR preparation is in its advanced stages. He explained that once the DPR is completed, approval will be sought from all ministries concerned. After receiving approval, a tender will be issued for the selection of a contractor, and construction will commence thereafter.
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NHIDCL has awarded the consultancy work to M/s Yuksel Proje Anonim Sirketi and Louis Berger, who are responsible for preparing the DPR and overseeing pre-construction activities.
The budget allocated for the preparation of the DPR is ₹13.67 crore.
Currently, traffic travelling between the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra uses the Koliabhomora Bridge, located approximately 100 kilometre from the proposed tunnel. The top of the tunnel’s crown is designed to be about 32 meters below the lowest bed level of the Brahmaputra. Once completed, the project will alleviate the existing traffic congestion on NH-37, which is situated south of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. It will also enhance national security by facilitating the transportation of defence personnel through the tunnel to Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China. Additionally, it will ensure the efficient transfer of bulk goods.
The project, which will require an estimated ₹6,000 crore, will include both road and rail communication through separate tunnels.