Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Green Corridor Enables Safe Wildlife Movement Across Forest Stretch

The Delhi–Dehradun Elevated Motorway, set to be inaugurated by Narendra Modi, features a 12-kilometre “Green Elevated Corridor” designed to ensure safe wildlife movement beneath the highway. Built through a sensitive ecological zone between Rajaji Tiger Reserve and adjoining forest areas, the project is being hailed as a major step toward balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation. The corridor allows animals to move freely under the elevated stretch without disruption from vehicular traffic.

The 210-kilometre motorway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun to just 2 to 2.5 hours, boosting connectivity across Uttarakhand, western Uttar Pradesh, and the national capital region. Apart from easing travel for commuters, the project is also expected to enhance tourism and pilgrimage activity in the region. Authorities have described it as an “economic corridor” that will unlock development potential while maintaining ecological sensitivity.

A key highlight of the project is its focus on wildlife preservation in the Shivalik range, which is home to species such as elephants, leopards, deer, and several bird and reptile species. The elevated design ensures that the natural movement patterns of animals are not obstructed. By maintaining ecological continuity, the corridor reduces the risk of habitat fragmentation, which is a major concern in infrastructure projects passing through forested areas.

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Research conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India has provided strong evidence of the corridor’s effectiveness. Using camera traps and acoustic monitoring devices, researchers recorded over 40,000 images capturing 18 different wildlife species using the underpasses. Notably, around 60 safe crossings by elephants were documented, indicating that even large and sensitive species are comfortable navigating the structure.

The project also incorporates multiple eco-friendly measures, including sound and light barriers, a tunnel near Datkali Temple, and carefully designed underpasses with sufficient height and width. Efforts were made to minimise environmental damage during construction, reducing tree felling from an estimated 45,000 to just over 11,000. In addition, large-scale plantation drives have been undertaken to restore greenery, reinforcing the project’s dual goal of promoting development while safeguarding biodiversity.

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