Rajkot: In a major step towards protecting Asiatic lions, the Bhavnagar Division of Western Railway has completed India’s first dedicated railway underpass designed exclusively for the safe movement of lions and other wildlife in the Gir region.

The Railways, the Gujarat government, and the Forest Department jointly implemented the initiative in and around Gir, the world’s only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. The underpasses are aimed at reducing wildlife deaths on railway tracks by providing animals with a safe route to cross rail corridors that pass through lion habitats.

The project was taken up jointly by the Railways, the Gujarat government, and the Forest Department after identifying five vulnerable locations along the Dhasa–Rajula and Rajula–Pipavav railway sections. The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹9.42 crore.

Railway officials said two wildlife underpasses on the Dhasa–Rajula route have already been completed, while construction at the remaining three locations is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed on time.

Divisional Railway Manager Dinesh Verma said the Bhavnagar Division gives equal priority to railway safety and environmental conservation. He termed the project a pioneering initiative for Indian Railways and said the combined efforts of the Railways, Forest Department, and local administration would make it a milestone in wildlife protection.

The need for dedicated wildlife crossings has become more pressing with the increase in freight train movement between Pipavav Port and other regions through the lion corridor. Conservationists have repeatedly expressed concern over the risk to lions, especially during nighttime crossings, as several accidents involving trains have been reported in the past.

A growing number of lions now live in revenue areas outside the Gir Protected Area, making them more vulnerable to railway accidents. DeshGujarat