New Delhi : In a landmark move combining conservation with infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has constructed the country’s first wildlife overpass corridor on a national highway. Spanning a 12-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which cuts through the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone, the project includes five overpasses and India’s longest wildlife underpass, all designed to enable safe animal movement without disturbing natural habitats.
Why in News?
The project marks the first instance in India where a national expressway was designed keeping wildlife conservation at its core. Given increasing human-animal conflicts near protected zones, this overpass represents a model for eco-sensitive infrastructure and highlights India’s commitment to sustainable development.
Key Features
Length of Segment: 12 km of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway through the Ranthambore buffer zone
Structures Built
5 overpasses (each 500 metres long)
1 underpass (1.2 km, India’s longest for wildlife)
5 km of elevated/sunken expressway to match terrain
4-metre-high wall and 2-metre sound barriers for protection
Environmental Measures
Natural Contour Design: Overpasses follow original terrain to ensure minimal disruption
Manpower Deployment: Every 200 metres during construction to prevent harm to wildlife
Post-Construction Monitoring: Camera evidence confirms tiger and bear movement through corridors
Eco-Friendly Additions
Plantation of 35,000 trees
Installation of rainwater harvesting systems
Modular construction to reduce waste
Objectives & Aim
Ensure safe passage for wildlife between Ranthambore and Chambal Valley
Minimise roadkill and reduce human-animal conflict
Demonstrate how green infrastructure can coexist with development
Broader Context
Punjab is planning its first urban wildlife corridor via the Zirakpur bypass project
Maharashtra’s Samruddhi Mahamarg includes 209 animal/pedestrian underpasses and 8 wildlife over/underpasses
These developments highlight a national shift towards wildlife-inclusive infrastructure