Leopard Killed in High-Speed Crash on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Near Vadodara

Vadodara | Gujarat — A tragic collision on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Padra has once again raised concerns over wildlife safety on high-speed corridors, after a leopard was killed instantly when struck by a speeding car late at night.

The incident occurred on the Vadodara-Mumbai stretch of the expressway when the animal was reportedly crossing the road. According to officials, the car driver, travelling at high speed from Surat towards Vadodara, failed to stop in time and rammed into the leopard. The impact was so severe that the big cat died on the spot.

Local sources said leopards are frequently sighted in and around Vadodara, especially during nighttime, as they move in search of food. Expanding urbanisation and highways cutting through natural habitats have increasingly led to such deadly encounters.

Upon receiving information, officials from the Gujarat Forest Department rushed to the site and secured the area. The leopard’s body was shifted for postmortem examination as per wildlife protocol.

“Since the leopard is a Schedule I protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, strict procedures are being followed. A detailed investigation has been initiated,” a forest department official said. He added that after the postmortem, the animal will be cremated in accordance with legal guidelines.

Authorities are also examining whether overspeeding or negligence contributed to the accident. “We are collecting evidence and will take appropriate action if any violation is established,” the official added.

Wildlife activists have repeatedly urged authorities to implement mitigation measures such as wildlife corridors, fencing and speed monitoring systems on expressways passing through forested zones. They argue that without proactive safeguards, such incidents may continue to rise.