In a significant boost to sustainable infrastructure in India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has released a report titled ‘Landscapes Reconnected’, presenting the first empirical evidence of wildlife successfully using animal underpasses along the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor.
The findings mark a major milestone in demonstrating that large-scale highway development can coexist with biodiversity conservation, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.
First Evidence of Wildlife Corridor Success
The study, conducted across an 18-km stretch between Ganeshpur and Asharodi in the Shivalik landscape, confirms that multiple wild species—including elephants, deer, and carnivores—are actively using specially designed underpasses to navigate across the highway.
This section of the corridor features nearly 11 km of dedicated animal underpasses, including one of Asia’s largest elevated wildlife corridors with an average height of 6–7 metres, enabling safe passage even for large mammals like elephants.
The region is home to several endangered and sensitive species such as tigers, elephants, greater hornbills, and king cobras, making the findings crucial for conservation planning.
Over 40,000 Wildlife Records Captured
Using a robust 40-day monitoring system, researchers deployed 150 camera traps and 29 acoustic sensors to assess wildlife activity. The study recorded over 1.11 lakh images, of which more than 40,000 images captured 18 distinct wild species utilising the underpasses.
The most frequently recorded species included golden jackals, nilgai, sambar, and spotted deer, while smaller mammals like the Indian hare also showed consistent movement. Notably, elephants were recorded using the corridor 60 times, reinforcing the effectiveness of the infrastructure in supporting natural migration routes.
Soundscape Key to Wildlife Movement
The report highlights noise management as a critical factor influencing wildlife behaviour. While adaptable species like jackals and wild boars showed tolerance to traffic noise, more sensitive species—such as elephants and deer—preferred quieter sections of the underpasses.
Experts suggest that targeted noise reduction measures, including sound barriers in high-crossing zones, could further improve usage by sensitive species.
Reducing Conflict, Enhancing Connectivity
The study underscores that well-designed wildlife mitigation measures, such as underpasses and elevated corridors, not only reduce human–wildlife conflict but also prevent habitat fragmentation and population isolation in fragile ecosystems like the Shivaliks.
The Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor is now emerging as a model for integrating ecological considerations into infrastructure development.
NHAI stated that it will continue to adopt data-driven and innovative strategies to ensure that India’s highway expansion aligns with environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation goals.