Ahmedabad, July 22: The first lion underpass in India has been completed in Amreli district, Gujarat, ensuring safe passage for Asiatic lions. This project is a significant step towards wildlife conservation and railway safety. Developed through a collaboration between Western Railway and the Gujarat Forest Department, the underpass aims to prevent accidents involving lions and other wildlife crossing railway tracks.
The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only natural habitat for Asiatic lions globally, with a large portion located in Amreli district. A busy railway line operated by Western Railway runs through this area, where lions and other wild animals frequently encounter trains while crossing the tracks. To mitigate these incidents, specialized wildlife underpasses are being constructed along the Dhhasa, Rajula, and Pipavav railway sections.
This project, costing approximately ₹9.42 crore, will feature a total of five lion underpasses. The first one is now fully operational, while work on the remaining four is ongoing. Railway officials believe that this initiative will enhance wildlife safety and improve the efficiency of rail operations.
Dinesh Verma, the Divisional Railway Manager of Bhavnagar, stated, “If this model proves successful in Amreli and reduces wildlife accidents, it could be implemented on other railway routes passing through wildlife-rich areas in the future. This project exemplifies a better balance between wildlife conservation and modern railway infrastructure.”
Local residents have welcomed this initiative. Farmer Mahendra Khuman from Amreli remarked, “The population of Asiatic lions in the district is quite high, and the railway tracks pose a significant threat to them. This underpass in the Bherai area is a historic step for lion safety. All five underpasses being built along this rail corridor will provide safe passage for wildlife and reduce accidents.”
The railway authorities emphasize that the primary goal of this ambitious project is to ensure the seamless movement of lions and other wildlife, enhance rail safety, and work towards a ‘zero accident’ target. This initiative, launched through coordinated efforts among the railway, forest department, and local administration, is set to strengthen the conservation of Asiatic lions and may establish a new model for wildlife protection in the country.
Leave a Comment