Wild elephant successfully crosses Karnataka's first wildlife overpass

A wild elephant safely crossed Karnataka's first NH-209 overpass. A ₹20 crore project connects key forests, preventing future fatal vehicle accidents

In a major milestone for wildlife conservation in Karnataka, a wild elephant has successfully crossed the state's first-ever elephant overpass. The historic crossing took place at 3:58 am on Sunday on the NH-209 highway in Tataguni, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Forest department officials confirmed the movement after capturing the gentle giant on a recently installed camera trap, with exclusive photos of the crossing now available to News First.

The dedicated wildlife corridor was constructed to ensure the safe migration of elephants between the Bannerghatta National Park and the Savandurga forest areas, a natural travel route that has been historically vital for the local elephant population. Completed in 2024 at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore, the overpass features a substantial framework measuring 40 meters in width and 45 meters in length.

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This crucial infrastructure project was greenlit following a tragic incident in 2023, where a wild elephant lost its life after being struck by a BMTC bus while attempting to navigate the busy highway. The successful use of this new crossing marks a significant victory for local wildlife management. By bridging the fragmented forest patches, the overpass promises to prevent future man-animal conflicts and safeguard Karnataka's precious wildlife as they traverse their ancient habitats.

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