In a unique combination of conservation and infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) built India’s first wildlife overpass corridor on a national highway for animals. On twelve kilometers of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which goes through the buffer zone of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, this project contains five overpasses and India’s longest wildlife underpass, giving animals the ability to cross without disturbing natural habitats.
Ranthambore overpass corridor is the first national expressway in India designed to support wildlife conservation. With human-wildlife conflict becoming an increasing problem near protected areas, the Ranthambore overpass corridor is an example of eco-sensitive infrastructure development and India’s drive to sustainable development.
Objectives & Aim
• Allow for safe and unencumbered passing of wildlife between Ranthambore and the Chambal Valley.
• Reduce road kill and human-wildlife conflict.
• Showcase how green infrastructure can exist alongside 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
