Highways That Help Honeybees? NHAI’s ‘BeeCorridors’ Plan Could Change India’s Green Future

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a first-of-its-kind BeeCorridors initiative along National Highways. The decision was shared on 17 February 2026. Under this eco-friendly plan, NHAI will develop pollinator or bee-friendly corridors with flowering trees and plants. The aim is to support pollinator conservation and reduce ecological stress on honeybees. Around 40 lakh trees will be planted in 2026–27, with nearly 60% under the BeeCorridors initiative, marking a big step toward sustainable highway development.

NHAI BeeCorridors Initiative: A Big Step in Sustainable National Highways Development

• The NHAI BeeCorridors initiative marks a major shift from ornamental plantations to ecological plantations along National Highways.
• Instead of decorative plants, NHAI will focus on nectar- and pollen-rich species that support bees and other pollinators.
• This pollinator conservation India effort ensures a continuous supply of food for honeybees throughout the year.
• The initiative highlights NHAI sustainable development goals and strengthens environmentally responsible infrastructure planning. BeeCorridors along National Highways will improve biodiversity and support long-term ecological balance.

Why Pollinator Conservation Matters in NHAI BeeCorridors Plan

• Pollinators like honeybees play a key role in agriculture and horticulture. However, increasing ecological stress has affected pollination services across India.
• The NHAI BeeCorridors initiative directly addresses this concern.
• By creating bee-friendly plantation stretches, NHAI aims to restore ecological balance and boost agricultural productivity.
• Healthy pollinator populations improve crop yield and biodiversity.
• Through pollinator conservation India strategies, National Highways plantation areas will become ecological support systems rather than just roadside greenery.

How NHAI Will Develop BeeCorridors Along National Highways

• Under the NHAI BeeCorridors initiative, a mix of trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses will be planted.
• Native species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris will be used.
• The plan ensures staggered flowering in different seasons to maintain year-round nectar availability.
• Clusters of flowering trees will be planted at intervals of 500 meters to 1 km, matching the average foraging distance of bees.
• This systematic approach strengthens National Highways plantation efforts under sustainable development goals.

Plantation Targets Under BeeCorridors 2026-27

• NHAI plans to plant around 40 lakh trees during 2026-27. Nearly 60% of these trees will be planted under the BeeCorridors initiative.
• Field offices across India will identify suitable National Highway stretches and vacant land parcels based on agro-climatic conditions.
• At least three pollinator corridors will be developed during 2026-27.
• This large-scale bee-friendly plantation drive shows NHAI sustainable development commitment and supports pollinator conservation India on a national level.

Pollinators and Ecological Infrastructure

• Pollinators, especially honeybees, are essential for crop production and ecological sustainability.
• Nearly one-third of global food production depends on pollination. Infrastructure development often overlooks biodiversity, but ecological infrastructure integrates environmental conservation with development projects.
• Initiatives like the NHAI BeeCorridors combine transport growth with environmental responsibility.
• By planting native, nectar-rich species, India can improve pollination services, agricultural output, and climate resilience.
• Such sustainable National Highways plantation models can serve as examples for other countries.

Question

Q. The NHAI BeeCorridors initiative aims to support which of the following?

A) Highway toll revenue
B) Pollinator conservation
C) Urban housing
D) Metro rail expansion