The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has granted in-principle wildlife clearance for the development of a third railway line section between Jujharpur and Chichonda in Madhya Pradesh. This infrastructure project, which is a critical part of the busy Itarsi-Nagpur route, aims to enhance connectivity while navigating the ecologically sensitive Satpura-Melghat tiger corridor. The decision was finalized on July 9, 2026, and officially communicated on August 2, 2026.
- Project Location: Jujharpur to Chichonda section on the Itarsi-Nagpur route.
- Ecological Impact: The line passes through a corridor connecting Satpura Tiger Reserve and Melghat Tiger Reserve.
- Land Requirement: The project involves a total of 206.09 hectares of land, with 8.0357 hectares of forest land specifically diverted for this section.
- Mitigation Measures: Clearance is strictly conditional upon the implementation of scientifically validated wildlife overpasses.
Strict Conditions for Wildlife Protection
While the project has received initial approval, the SC-NBWL has placed significant emphasis on the safety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and deer. Central Railway has proposed the construction of 34 wildlife overpasses to facilitate safe animal movement. However, these plans are currently under intense scrutiny. A joint inspection conducted in March 2026 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) revealed that the initial locations for these structures were based on anecdotal evidence rather than robust scientific data.
Consequently, the final approval is contingent on these designs being reviewed and finalized based on comprehensive engineering and ecological studies. The authorities are currently awaiting a landscape-level mitigation study from the State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, to ensure that the project does not disrupt the fragile ecosystem.
Regulatory Path and Future Concerns
The project has undergone a rigorous approval process. On June 10, 2026, the Union Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) provided in-principle forest clearance, which was a prerequisite for the wildlife nod. The proposal was previously reviewed on January 19, 2026, but was deferred to allow for a detailed on-site inspection.
Looking ahead, experts have expressed concerns regarding potential future expansion, such as the addition of a fourth railway line. Any further development in this region will likely require even more stringent environmental safeguards to protect the integrity of the tiger corridor. For now, Central Railway must adhere to the current mandates to ensure that the march of progress does not come at the cost of India’s precious wildlife.