Nitin Gadkari Announces Rs. 5,500 Crore Wildlife Corridor to Connect Four Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced the development of a four-lane wildlife corridor worth Rs. 5,500 crore to connect four major tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh. The ambitious road project will link Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, and Panna tiger reserves, marking a significant milestone in India's wildlife conservation and infrastructure development efforts.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of a seven-kilometre flyover in Jabalpur, where Gadkari also revealed plans for a separate Rs 15,000 crore greenfield highway between Bhopal and Jabalpur. These infrastructure projects are expected to substantially boost Madhya Pradesh tourism while providing crucial employment opportunities for local communities.

According to the 2022 tiger census, Madhya Pradesh is home to 785 tigers, representing the highest tiger population in India. The proposed MP tiger corridor will strategically connect these major reserves, creating an integrated network that supports wildlife conservation while promoting safari tourism across the country.

"The cost of the tiger corridor has risen from Rs 4,600 crore to about Rs 5,500 crore. It will connect Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Pench reserves," Gadkari stated in a PTI report, emphasizing that the project would significantly boost tourism, employment, and the state's overall economy.

The Union Minister has directed the state government, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Minister Rakesh Singh, to expedite the land acquisition process to ensure construction of the corridor commences by April-May. The complementary greenfield highway project between Bhopal and Jabalpur will include the four-laning of an 11.96-kilometre Hiran-Sindoor section of National Highway 45, which passes through the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. This segment of the road projects India portfolio demonstrates innovative, conservation-focused engineering, featuring 23 animal underpasses, water reservoirs, and comprehensive chain-link fencing, designed to minimize disturbance to natural habitats.

The integrated approach to infrastructure development prioritizes environmental protection while enhancing connectivity between major urban centers and wildlife destinations. These developments represent a significant investment in Madhya Pradesh's infrastructure and conservation framework, positioning the state as a leading destination for wildlife tourism while ensuring the protection of its valuable tiger population through scientifically designed wildlife corridors.