Assam: Golden langurs safely cross highway via newly constructed hanging bridge in Bongaigaon

In a groundbreaking development for wildlife conservation, a troop of Golden Langur scientifically known as Trachypithecus geei was captured on video crossing the newly installed artificial canopy bridge on National Highway 117 in Kakoijana, Bongaigaon district.

The video, recorded by a local stakeholder named Raghav Roy, marks a significant milestone in efforts to protect the endangered species. Once a perilous death trap for golden langurs, NH-117 has now become a symbol of hope and safety, thanks to the proactive initiative led by Nabadeep Pathak, District Commissioner of Bongaigaon, in collaboration with the forest department, APDCL, NHIDCL, police, and the local community. 

The installation of the overhead canopy bridge represents a collective effort to address the increasing mortality rate of Golden Langurs due to road accidents on the highway. In an interview with India Today NE, Khanindra Kalita, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Bongaigaon, revealed that the death rate of golden langurs on NH-117 was alarmingly high. This prompted immediate action to construct a safe passage for the arboreal species.

The innovative idea of using insulated electric cables and galvanized iron (GI) poles for the bridge came directly from the local community, who had observed langurs using electric poles and cables in village areas to navigate across small gaps. The artificial canopy bridge, constructed on January 7, 2025, in the Soulmari area of Kakoijana, is a joint effort by various stakeholders. 

The bridge adheres to all National Highway protocols and guidelines, ensuring both safety for the animals and compliance with infrastructure standards. The structure, standing at a height of over 7 meters and spanning a length of more than 30 meters, includes three galvanized iron (GI) poles. One pole is strategically placed in the median strip of the highway, while the other two are anchored on either side of the road, attached to trees.

The design ensures that Golden Langurs can cross the highway without descending to the ground, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. The sight of the Golden Langurs successfully crossing the over head artificial canopy bridge is a testament to the effectiveness of this initiative.

For years, NH-117 posed a severe threat to the Golden Langur population in the Kakoijana area. Now, this collaborative project demonstrates how community-driven innovation and administrative support can come together to protect vulnerable species. “This canopy bridge is a result of teamwork and dedication. It showcases how locals and authorities can create solutions to pressing conservation issues,” said Kalita.

The success of this project is expected to inspire similar initiatives in other regions where wildlife faces threats from infrastructure development. By combining local knowledge with modern engineering, the initiative not only safeguards golden langurs but also highlights the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The installation of the canopy bridge can not only reduce fatalities but has also sparked hope for the conservation of the endangered Golden Langur, an iconic species native to lower Assam and Bhutan. As the locals, authorities, and conservationists celebrate this achievement, the project serves as a beacon for wildlife protection efforts nationwide.