With the construction of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, which will include Asia's longest elevated wildlife corridor, India is making a major stride towards striking a balance between growth and conservation. This project, which is being hailed as a trailblazing example of sustainable infrastructure, aims to significantly cut down on travel time while protecting biodiversity.
As part of the Bharatmala project, the Delhi–Dehradun Motorway is a 210-kilometer, six-lane, access-controlled greenfield roadway. The motorway, which is being built in four stages and is anticipated to be fully operational by mid-2025, is estimated to cost more than 12,000 crore. Some of the phases are already partially accessible to the public.
It will feature elevated highways, tunnels, and underpasses for animal crossings, making it Asia's longest wildlife corridor. Elephants frequently use the corridor, as recorded by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) using its camera. The infrastructure will also incorporate plants around the main buildings, non-intrusive yellow lighting, and sound barriers to reduce noise pollution. To keep animals away, protective fencing will also be put in place.
The longest elevated wildlife corridor in Asia, spanning 12-14 kilometres, is what really sets this motorway apart. This corridor, which is mostly close to Rajaji National Park, guarantees unhindered wildlife movement throughout Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh's wooded areas.
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway is more than just a highway—it is a symbol of India’s evolving priorities, where development and environment go hand in hand. By featuring Asia’s longest wildlife corridor, it ensures that progress doesn’t come at the cost of nature.
As the expressway prepares to fully open by mid to late 2025, it promises a faster, greener, and more responsible travel experience for millions of commuters and nature lovers alike.
