Jaipur, March 29 A major overpass along a section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Ranthambore National Park has been opened for one-way traffic, aimed at ensuring the safe movement of animals and reducing human-wildlife conflict, an official said.
The overpass spans an 11.5 km stretch where special engineering measures have been implemented to allow wildlife and traffic to coexist with minimal disturbance.
At the core of the design is a 3.5 km animal overpass system, comprising five segments of around 500 metres each, along with dedicated underpasses exclusively for wildlife movement.
Constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 900 crore by Larsen and Toubro, the overpass connects key wildlife habitats, including the Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, and parts of the Kuno National Park, creating a continuous ecological corridor, a company official said.
He said the structures are covered with soil and native vegetation to replicate natural habitat conditions, allowing animals to cross without stepping onto the highway. Sound barriers and high walls have also been installed to minimise traffic noise and disturbance.
Around 1,500 LED lights have been installed to guide motorists through the covered stretches, ensuring safety without affecting wildlife movement.
The initiative seeks to address habitat fragmentation caused by highways and reduce accidents involving animals. The project is expected to be fully completed by September 2026, officials added.