Saharanpur, April 14, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the progress of the wildlife corridor being developed in Saharanpur as part of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening regional connectivity while ensuring environmental protection.
The Prime Minister inspected key stretches of the elevated corridor and was briefed by senior officials and engineers on construction progress, design features, and ecological safeguards incorporated into the project.
Focus on Eco-Sensitive Construction
The Saharanpur segment of the project includes a specially designed wildlife corridor intended to facilitate safe animal movement across forested and ecologically sensitive areas. The structure incorporates elevated road sections, underpasses, and overpasses to minimize disruption to natural habitats and reduce the risk of human–wildlife conflict.
Officials informed the Prime Minister that the design has been developed in alignment with the ecological requirements of the Shivalik foothills region, ensuring minimal impact on biodiversity while maintaining high-speed connectivity.
Part of Delhi–Dehradun Expressway Project
The corridor forms a crucial component of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, a high-speed access-controlled highway designed to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from approximately six hours to nearly 2.5 hours.
The expressway includes multiple engineering features such as:
- Elevated stretches in forest and eco-sensitive zones
- Dedicated wildlife crossings and animal underpasses
- Service roads and interchanges
- Advanced traffic management systems
Strategic Importance of Saharanpur Section
Saharanpur serves as a key entry point for the expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The wildlife corridor segment in this region is considered one of the most environmentally and technically sensitive portions of the project due to its proximity to forest landscapes and wildlife movement paths.
Infrastructure with Environmental Balance
The Delhi–Dehradun corridor is being developed with an emphasis on balancing rapid infrastructure growth and ecological conservation. The integration of wildlife-friendly structures is being highlighted as a model for future highway projects passing through forested regions.
