Soundproof barrier planned near Ranganathittu for Mysuru–Kushalnagar highway

To minimise the impact of highway expansion on wildlife, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed constructing a 650-metre soundproof barrier wall along a stretch of the Mysuru–Kushalnagar highway that passes close to the eco-sensitive zone of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

The barrier is part of the 92.3-km Mysuru–Kushalnagar access-controlled highway project, aimed at ensuring that vehicular noise and movement do not disturb avian species in one of Karnataka’s most important bird habitats. NHAI officials said that the proposal has already received clearance from the Standing Committee of the State Wildlife Board, and the State government has now forwarded the required documents to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for final approval.

Wildlife clearance mandatory

Speaking to The Hindu, NHAI’s Regional Officer (Karnataka) Vilas P. Brahmankar said, “Wildlife clearance is mandatory as the project alignment passes close to protected areas. The highway touches the eco-sensitive zone of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and also the buffer zone of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. In the 650-metre stretch near Ranganathittu, we have planned a soundproof barrier wall to significantly reduce vehicular noise, ensuring that birds are not disturbed and that wildlife movement towards the highway is discouraged.”

“These safeguards have been incorporated keeping both wildlife protection and road safety in mind. The objective is to allow free movement of birds within the sanctuary while preventing any negative impact from highway traffic,” Mr. Brahmankar added.

An acoustic wall designed to reduce traffic noise

Another official from the construction site said that the soundproof barrier is essentially an acoustic wall designed to reduce traffic noise reaching sensitive areas. “In this case, the barrier which will be 2–5 metres high, will absorb and deflect vehicular sound depending on need, so that noise levels within the eco-sensitive zone of the bird sanctuary remain within permissible limits. This is a standard mitigation measure adopted near wildlife habitats and ensures that highway traffic does not disrupt the natural behaviour of birds. Such measures have been implemented in several highway projects in India and abroad, particularly near eco-sensitive and residential areas.” the official explained.

According to NHAI, the access-controlled highway is being developed to address the steadily increasing vehicular load on the Bengaluru–Mysuru–Madikeri corridor. Once operational, the road is expected to significantly cut travel time between Bengaluru and Kushalnagar, benefiting travellers heading further towards Madikeri and the coastal city of Mangaluru.

Highway to ease congestion in Mysuru

The ₹4,130-crore project was inaugurated in March 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but progress on the ground had been delayed due to land acquisition hurdles. Officials cited disputes over compensation, incomplete land records among some owners, and litigation in certain stretches as key reasons for the slowdown.

Once completed, the highway is expected to ease traffic congestion in Mysuru, as it originates from Srirangapatna and bypasses the city entirely. This is likely to streamline vehicular movement for commuters and tourists travelling to and from Hunsur, Periyapatna, Kushalnagar, Madikeri, and parts of Kerala via Kodagu.