Odisha media delegation views wildlife-friendly features of Delhi–Dehradun expressway
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Members of an Odisha media delegation on the final leg of the Press tour visited the Delhi–Saharanpur–Dehradun expressway project to observe how modern highway infrastructure is being developed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and wildlife protection. The visit on Sunday offered the delegation a closer understanding of how large-scale connectivity projects are being designed to balance development needs with ecological conservation.
Welcoming the delegation, PIU project director Saurabh Singh briefed them on the progress of the expressway and its importance in strengthening regional connectivity. He highlighted that once completed, the expressway will substantially reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun while improving transport efficiency across the region.
Officials explained that special care has been taken in stretches passing through environmentally sensitive zones near Rajaji national park. Innovative engineering measures have been incorporated to ensure the safety of wildlife and to preserve the natural movement of animals in the forest landscape, officials said.
During the visit, Rajaji sub divisional officer Ajay Lingwal along with National Highways Authority of India site engineer Sumit Singh interacted with the delegation and elaborated on the wildlife conservation measures integrated into the project. These include the construction of dedicated wildlife underpasses, eco-bridges and natural corridors, allowing animals to cross the highway safely without disturbing their habitat. The delegation was informed that such features are designed after detailed ecological studies and are increasingly becoming a key component of infrastructure development in forested regions. These interventions help prevent road accidents involving wildlife while maintaining the ecological continuity of the landscape. Members of the delegation appreciated the planning behind the project and noted that the expressway represents a progressive approach to sustainable connectivity, where infrastructure growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
