India’s First Underwater Road‑Rail Tunnel under Brahmaputra Approved by CCEA

Current Context: On 14 Feb 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved India’s first underwater road‑cum‑rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam.

• The project is part of a 33.7 km Greenfield Corridor, featuring a 15.79 km twin‑tube tunnel.
• It will connect Gohpur (NH‑15: National Highway‑15) with Numaligarh (NH‑715: National Highway‑715).
• Travel distance will reduce from 240 km to 34 km, cutting travel time from 6 hours to 20 minutes.
• The estimated cost is ₹18,662 crore, making it one of India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
• Significance: Enhances Northeast connectivity, boosts freight efficiency, and supports regional economic growth.

Question:

Q.1 The Brahmaputra Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel will be constructed under which river?
a) Ganga
b) Yamuna
c) Brahmaputra
d) Godavari

Answer: c) It will be India’s first transport tunnel constructed beneath the Brahmaputra River.