A new 86-km-long, 6-lane highway between Paniyala Mod in Kotputli and Barodamev in Alwar will have 23 animal underpasses for the safe movement of leopards, tigers, and other wildlife.
The ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,600 crore, planned by NHAI, provides connectivity from Rajasthan to Chandigarh, enhancing access to the Delhi-Mumbai expressway. The highway will connect directly to the Chandigarh highway, offering a streamlined route for travellers heading to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh through Alwar. The construction began in March 2024, with completion targeted for 2026.A official associated with the project said, “Currently, about 15% of the highway construction is complete, with earth filling underway for a 25 to 30 km stretch. Land acquisition for approximately 60 km of the total 86 km is already completed.”
As the stretch passes through the forest area of Alwar and Sariska, the underpasses are designed to aid wildlife movement. Sariska is home to over 50 leopards, tigers, and other animals like chital, sambhar, and jackals. According to forest department officials, the underpasses will cover a 15-km stretch between Mator and Ulaheri.
A senior official said, “A unique feature of the highway is the integration of 23 animal underpasses and 46 vehicle underpasses. These underpasses, measuring 10 metres wide and 3 metres high, will not only facilitate safe wildlife movement but also support the passage of vehicles.”
While the project promises improved connectivity and infrastructure, it also involves the felling of over 10,000 trees. To mitigate this environmental impact, the project team has pledged to plant 1 lakh saplings, aiming for a 100% survival rate of the newly planted trees. “For every tree cut, three will be planted,” claimed an official.
