Dehradun: The Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor has many highlights, but the 12-km elevated road from Ganeshpur to Datkali stands out as its most attractive
and challenging part.
Known as Asia’s longest wildlife corridor, it was designed to protect animals like elephants, leopards, and tigers while ensuring smooth travel for people.
Wildlife corridor design
NHAI’s engineer Manoj Kumar explained that the elevated road was built specifically to allow wildlife to move freely beneath it. During construction, workers often encountered leopards, though thankfully no attacks occurred. The corridor is a safe passage for animals, reducing the risk of man-animal conflict.
Strict working hours
Engineers Rahul Singh and Ashish Rawat shared that construction work was restricted to daylight hours. As per court orders, all work had to stop by 6 pm to avoid disturbing wildlife. This meant that workers had to complete tasks quickly and keep the site clean before leaving each day.
Challenges of connectivity
Another difficulty was the lack of mobile network in the elevated sections. Engineers said that ordering construction materials or coordinating tasks often required long bike rides to areas with better connectivity. Emergency communication was also a challenge, adding pressure to the project.
Riverine obstacles
The corridor passes through a riverine area, requiring many pillars to be erected in the river. During the monsoon season, staging and shuttering were washed away several times. Workers had to rebuild structures repeatedly, making progress slow and demanding.
Pride in achievement
Despite these challenges, engineers and workers expressed pride in being part of such a landmark project. Surveyors, supervisors, and workers like Keshav Bhatt, Gulshan Verma, Asharam, and Mahipal said it was an honor to contribute to a corridor that balances development with environmental protection.
Traveler experience
For travelers, driving along the elevated stretch is an exciting experience. The road offers scenic views while symbolizing modern engineering blended with ecological sensitivity. It is not just a highway but a statement of how infrastructure can coexist with nature.
The 12-km elevated wildlife corridor of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway is both a marvel and a challenge. Built with strict rules, limited working hours, and constant obstacles, it now stands as Asia’s longest eco-sensitive road. For NHAI engineers, it is a proud achievement; for travelers, it is the most thrilling part of the journey.
