Rs 758-cr tiger corridor upgrade okayed to boost safety,connectivity in MP

Bhopal:Aimed at reducing accidents that often lead to the deaths of wild animals, the Centre has approved a major highway upgrade in Madhya Pradesh that incorporates dedicated wildlife crossings.Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has cleared the four-laningof a 22-km "tiger corridor" stretch on theItarsi–Betul section of National Highway 46 at a cost of Rs 758 crore.Sharing details on social media, Gadkari said the project will upgrade the remaining stretch of the corridor into a four-lane highway, improving connectivity and cutting travel time across the region.He noted that the area is a key agricultural belt and is rich in natural resources such as coal, copper, graphite, and lead-zinc. The improved highway is expected to ease the movement of goods and help farmers access markets and mandis more efficiently.To address wildlife safety, the project includes the construction of 11 underpasses and overpasses, allowing animals to cross safely andreducingroad accidents in nearby forest areas.Once completed, the entire Gwalior–Betul corridor will be four-laned, enhancing road safety in hilly terrain and boosting eco-tourism in Madhav National Park,RatapaniWildlife Sanctuary, and Satpura Tiger Reserve.