Traditionally, trains on this section traveled at speeds between 30 - 40 kmph. Post-reconstruction, speeds will increase up to 100 kmph, significantly elevating the risk for the local elephant population, which frequently crosses this railway line. The statistics are grim: in 2023 alone, train collisions resulted in the deaths of 16 elephants, with 7 fatalities at the Getadiwula site. The construction of this underpass, expected to conclude by June 2024, is a critical intervention to prevent future tragedies.

The chosen site for the underpass serves a crucial migratory route for elephants from Getadiwula Forest Reserve towards Palukadawala, including those migrating from Wilpattu National Park, Tabbowa, Inginimitiya, towards Kahalla-Pallekele Sanctuary, Kala Wewa National Park, and beyond. This strategic selection underscores the project's significance in ensuring the safety and continuity of elephant migration patterns.

The underpass will be constructed as a Concrete Box Culvert (CBC), adhering to international standards with an Openness index above 3, ensuring it accommodates elephants comfortably. Recognizing that elephants will need time to acclimate to this new passage, funnel fencing will be installed on either side of the railway track to guide them towards the underpass.

To gauge the effectiveness of this underpass, sensors and trail cameras will be installed to collect data on its usage by elephants and other wildlife. This monitoring is essential for assessing the project's impact and guiding future conservation strategies.

The investment in this project stands at Rs. 65 million. Considering the estimated economic value of an elephant in Sri Lanka is Rs.6 million as of 2024, and historically, an average of 1.4 elephants are lost annually at this location, the economic loss from elephant deaths alone amounts to approximately Rs. 12 million. When factoring in the additional economic losses to trains, railway infrastructure, and delays, the project's value becomes even more apparent. The investment is projected to be recovered within less than 5 years by preventing elephant fatalities and railway property damages, making it not only a conservation success but also a financially sound decision.

This underpass project stands as a beacon of hope and a model for future conservation efforts, demonstrating how infrastructure development and wildlife conservation can coexist harmoniously. It represents a significant step towards mitigating human-elephant conflicts and preserving Sri Lanka's elephant population for future generations. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly inspire similar initiatives both locally and globally, showcasing the power of innovative conservation strategies in protecting our planet's precious wildlife.