Rajaji Tiger Reserve sits in the foothills of northern India, where expanding road networks have long created barriers for large mammals. The construction of modern highways has forced wildlife managers and engineers to find practical ways for animals to move without entering traffic. One such solution now operates under National Highway 72, allowing tigers and other species to pass beneath the roadway. The relocation of five tigers from Corbett Tiger Reserve to Rajaji in May 2025 placed new pressure on these routes. One individual, known as T8, has already been recorded using the underpass system during nighttime movements. This approach addresses immediate risks to both animals and drivers while supporting longer-term population recovery.
Balancing Infrastructure Growth With Wildlife Movement
National Highway 72 replaced an older, narrower road that carried heavy traffic between Delhi and the pilgrimage town of Haridwar. The upgraded route, completed in 2021, carries steady volumes of vehicles without sound barriers, creating constant noise that can disturb nearby forest areas. Wildlife authorities recognized that simply widening the road would sever traditional movement paths used by elephants, tigers, and smaller species. The decision to install dedicated underpasses reflects a deliberate policy choice to maintain connectivity across the landscape. Local communities and highway operators share the practical outcome: fewer sudden encounters between vehicles and large animals on the surface road.
The Teen Pani Underpass in Operation
The Teen Pani underpass, roughly 400 meters long, lies within the sal forests of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. It provides a moist, shaded passage that retains tracks even during the intense heat of late May, when daytime temperatures reach 39 degrees Celsius. Elephant footprints appear regularly in the mud, and the same corridor serves tigers such as T8 on their nocturnal travels. The structure accommodates everything from small rodents to full-sized elephants, demonstrating that modest engineering adjustments can serve multiple species at once. Maintenance of these passages requires ongoing coordination between forest staff and road authorities to keep entrances clear and functional.
Practical Outcomes for Stakeholders
– Reduced risk of vehicle collisions for both wildlife and travelers along this busy corridor. – Continued access for tigers to wider territories, supporting genetic exchange between reserves. – Lower pressure on local communities from crop-raiding elephants that previously crossed surface roads. – Clearer responsibilities for highway developers to incorporate wildlife passages in future projects. These changes affect forest department teams, tourism operators who bring visitors to the reserve, and residents who live near the highway. The timeline from planning to relocation shows how policy decisions made years earlier now shape daily movement patterns on the ground.
Looking Ahead for Corridor Protection
Rising tiger numbers across India increase the importance of maintaining these connections between protected areas. Without functional pathways, isolated populations face higher risks of conflict and reduced viability. The experience at Rajaji illustrates how targeted infrastructure can align development goals with conservation needs. Continued monitoring of animals like T8 will show whether additional passages or adjustments become necessary as traffic volumes and wildlife numbers both grow.
