10 April,2026 02:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
A herd of elephants seen using the NHAI underpass. Pic/Special Arrangement
A significant milestone in sustainable development has been successfully achieved after leopard, herd of elephants and other wild animals were seen using an underpass at the Delhi-Dehradun corridor.
The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has helped reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict and prevented the isolation of animal populations in the region. By maintaining natural movement routes, the project supports long-term biodiversity conservation.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has released a report titled 'Landscapes Reconnected'.
The report presents the first clear evidence of wildlife using specially designed animal underpasses along the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor.
The findings show that modern highway development can successfully coexist with nature, even in ecologically sensitive regions.
A leopard seen using the underpass. Pic/Special Arrangement
The study focused on an 18 km stretch between Ganeshpur and Asharodi, a forested region in the Shivalik range. This area is home to endangered species such as tigers, elephants, greater hornbills and king cobras.
A key feature of this corridor is a 10.97 km network of animal underpasses, part of a 20 km stretch designed to allow animals to cross safely. The project also includes one of Asia's largest elevated wildlife corridors, built at an average height of 6 to 7 metres to accommodate large mammals.
Researchers divided the study area into three zones, covering riverbeds, hilly terrain and dense Sal forests. Over a 40-day period, the team used 150 camera traps and 29 acoustic recorders to monitor wildlife movement and sound levels.
The study recorded more than 111,000 images, including over 40,000 images of wildlife from 18 different species using the underpasses.
Among the animals observed, the golden jackal was the most frequently recorded, followed by nilgai, sambar and spotted deer. Smaller animals such as the Indian hare were also regularly seen using the passages.
Importantly, the study documented 60 instances of elephants safely crossing through the underpasses, proving that even large animals can adapt to such infrastructure.
The research found that noise plays a key role in how animals use the underpasses. While species like jackals and wild boar have adapted to traffic sounds, more sensitive animals, including elephants and spotted deer, prefer quieter areas.
Experts suggest that adding sound barriers in high-traffic zones could further improve the movement of wildlife.
The study confirms that well-planned infrastructure, including underpasses and elevated corridors, can protect wildlife while supporting development.
A herd of spotted deer, also known as chital, seen using the underpass. Pic/Special Arrangement
NHAI has reaffirmed its commitment to environmentally responsible highway development. Officials say future projects will continue to use data-driven and innovative methods to balance growth with ecological preservation.
