According to officials, these four locations were identified by the Forest Department based on animal movement patterns, as wild animals frequently cross the tracks while searching for prey or water in the hilly ravines. In the absence of safe crossings, animals often get trapped between hills when a train approaches, leading to panic. Over the last ten years, at least 10 leopards and 9 tigers have died after being hit by trains in this section.
Two overpasses near Chauka railway station have already been completed, while construction is ongoing for the remaining two. CPM Raghavendra Saraswat of AVNL said the goal is to finish all four overpasses before the onset of the monsoon.
Each eco-friendly overpass costs approximately ₹2 crore. The distribution of the four structures is: one between Budni and Midghat, two between Chauka and Midghat, and one between Chauka and Barkheda. Each overpass spans 32 meters in width, bridging the 18-meter gaps between hills.
In addition to the overpasses, 3.5-meter-high channeling fences will be installed on both sides of the railway tracks for 100 meters in each direction. This will guide animals to use the overpasses rather than crossing directly on the tracks. The design is eco-friendly, allowing wildlife to move safely across the railway line.
The need for these structures is particularly urgent in areas like the Midghat section near Chauka, where a 3–5-foot gap between the railway track and hills often traps animals. During train passages, drainage on either side of the track leaves animals with little escape, increasing the risk of fatal accidents. The overpasses are expected to significantly reduce such incidents while ensuring smooth wildlife movement across the forest corridor.
.jpg)
