Mumbai – June 26, 2025:
In a landmark achievement that blends infrastructure with ecological conservation, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the country’s first dedicated wildlife corridor along a 12-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This eco-sensitive section, which runs through the buffer zone of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, is designed to ensure safe passage for wild animals including tigers, leopards, bears, and other endangered species.
“This was one of the most challenging segments of the expressway,” said Pradeep Attri, Regional Officer, NHAI. “It lies between two biodiversity hotspots—Ranthambore and the Chambal Valley. The design had to protect the natural terrain and allow unhindered animal movement.”
Built in consultation with the Wildlife Institute of India and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the corridor features five dedicated wildlife overpasses—each around 500 metres long—and India’s longest underpass for animal crossings, spanning 1.2 kilometres. Nearly 5 kilometres of this expressway stretch were either elevated or sunken to preserve the natural topography.
To minimize human-animal conflict, the expressway is flanked by a 4-metre-high boundary wall and 2-metre-tall sound barriers. Wildlife movements were closely monitored throughout construction, and safety personnel were stationed every 200 metres. “We ensured that no wildlife accidents occurred during the entire construction phase. Camera traps have already captured tigers and bears using the crossings,” Attri confirmed.
The project also integrates multiple sustainability measures:
– Over 35,000 trees have been planted along the stretch
– Rainwater harvesting pits installed every 500 metres
– Drip irrigation systems to conserve water
– Low-waste and energy-efficient construction methods
With this initiative, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway now sets a precedent for balancing rapid infrastructure growth with long-term ecological stewardship. The corridor is being hailed as a model for future highway projects across India, demonstrating that development and conservation need not be at odds.
