New Delhi, April 10, 2026 — In a major victory for environmental conservation and sustainable infrastructure, a new joint study by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has revealed that the newly constructed animal underpasses on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor are highly effective.
The comprehensive report, titled ‘Landscapes Reconnected’, provides the first documented, empirical evidence that wildlife is actively and safely utilizing the specialized underpasses designed to prevent habitat fragmentation in the ecologically sensitive Shivalik range.
An Engineering Marvel for Wildlife
The study was conducted along an 18-kilometer stretch between Ganeshpur and Asharodi. This specific 20-kilometer section of the highway features an impressive 10.97 kilometers of dedicated animal underpasses.
Notably, it includes one of Asia’s largest elevated wildlife corridors, built at a towering height of 6 to 7 meters. This specific design ensures that even the largest mammals, such as elephants, can pass underneath the heavy highway traffic without obstruction. The surrounding forest is home to endangered species, including tigers, elephants, greater hornbills, and king cobras.
40 Days, 150 Cameras, and 40,000 Sightings
To assess the effectiveness of the underpasses, researchers deployed a rigorous 40-day monitoring program. The study area was strategically divided into three zones covering riverbeds, hilly terrain, and mixed Sal forests. The team set up 150 high-tech camera traps and 29 AudioMoth acoustic recorders.
The results were staggering. The cameras captured a total of 111,234 images, out of which 40,444 images showed wildlife actively using the underpasses.
The study documented 18 unique wild species navigating the new infrastructure. The Golden Jackal was the most frequently spotted animal, followed by Nilgai, Sambar, and Spotted Deer. Crucially, the camera traps also recorded 60 instances of elephants safely utilizing the corridors, proving that the imposing infrastructure has successfully accommodated their natural migration patterns.
The Role of Sound in Animal Movement
A fascinating finding from the ‘Landscapes Reconnected’ report highlights how traffic noise impacts different animals. Acoustic data revealed that while “generalist” species like wild boars and golden jackals have habituated to the sound of overhead traffic, more sensitive species like elephants and spotted deer selectively choose underpass segments that are significantly quieter.
To address this, the report recommends deploying targeted sound barriers in high-frequency crossing areas to further shield noise-sensitive species from highway disruptions.
The success of the Ganeshpur-Asharodi stretch proves that large-scale national highway development can seamlessly coexist with nature. By significantly reducing the risk of human-wildlife conflict and preventing the isolation of animal populations, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure in India.