Wildlife Overpasses on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

Summary of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Project and its Environmental Considerations

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project entails a crucial development initiative in India, prominently featuring structures designed to safeguard wildlife along a significant stretch that traverses the buffer zone of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Key Highlights:

• Location and Structure: The expressway includes five large-scale mounds—marked as animal overpasses—spanning a combined length of 500 meters. These structures are strategically positioned near Bundi's Hardeoganj village and the Mej river bridge to permit safe wildlife passage while allowing vehicular traffic.

• Project Overview:

  • Extent of the Expressway: The entire Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is a 1,386-km-long project executed under the National Highway Authority of India's (NHAI) Bharatmala Pariyojana.
  • Project Partner: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is the contractor responsible for the construction.

• Wildlife Considerations:

  • The animal overpasses are complemented by a 1.2-km-long underpass to enhance wildlife safety.
  • Recommendations from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) led to the integration of these structures, which were not part of the original 2020 design.
  • The mounds will be covered with grass and shrubs to blend with the natural landscape, promoting use by local fauna.

• Traffic Noise Mitigation:

  • The project features a four-meter-high boundary wall augmented with two meters of noise barriers to limit traffic noise, thus minimizing potential stress on wildlife which could disrupt their natural behaviors such as feeding and mating.
  • Polyurethane (PU) mats are integrated into the tunnel walls to further decrease sound pollution.

• Environmental Compliance and Monitoring:

  • The project is situated in an ecologically sensitive zone, necessitating rigorous adherence to environmental regulations.
  • Wildlife monitoring involves the installation of cameras every kilometer to oversee animal movements and ensure their safety during and post-construction.

• Challenges Encountered:

  • One major challenge was the relocation of a 765 kV high-tension line that crossed through the wildlife sanctuary zone, requiring careful planning to protect both animals and workers.
  • Construction faced the reality of encountering diverse species, including bears and tigers, underscoring the ecological sensitivity of the site.

• Project Progress and Economic Impact:

  • As of December 2023, this specific stretch of the expressway has been completed, with plans to open the animal overpasses to the public within the next five months.
  • The NHAI aims to achieve one lakh Passenger Car Units (PCUs) in the section over the subsequent four to five years.
  • The expressway promises to significantly reduce travel distance by about 180 km and cut travel time by up to 50%, thereby linking major economic hubs across Northern and Western India.

• Completion Status:

  • Presently, 82% of the expressway is reported as complete, with the overall project deadline revised from March 2023 to October 2023.

Conclusion:

The integration of wildlife-friendly structures within the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project exemplifies a balanced approach toward infrastructure development that considers environmental sustainability and conservation. This initiative not only enhances connectivity between critical economic regions but also reflects a commitment to preserving India's rich biodiversity, particularly in sensitive areas like the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Important Points:

• First large-scale animal overpasses in India along a major expressway.
• Collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India to enhance wildlife safety.
• Significant noise mitigation strategies implemented to protect animal behaviors.
• Completion of 82% of the expressway, targeting operational functionality within five months.
• Project aims to improve connectivity and reduce travel time across multiple states.