In a landmark step towards eco-sensitive infrastructure development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced India’s first wildlife-safe road on a stretch of National Highway 45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative aims to reduce animal-vehicle collisions while ensuring smooth road connectivity through forest corridors.
Location of India’s First Wildlife-Safe Highway
- The wildlife-safe road is located on the 11.96-kilometre Hiran Sindoor section of NH-45, which connects Bhopal and Jabalpur.
- Situated around 60 kilometres from Jabalpur, the highway passes through a dense forest corridor flanked by the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
- This region is home to tigers, deer, sambar, jackals, and other wildlife, making it a critical ecological zone where frequent animal crossings have historically led to accidents and fatalities.
What Are Table Top Red Road Markings?
- The most distinctive feature of this project is the introduction of ‘table-top red road markings’, a first in India.
- Unlike conventional speed breakers, these markings consist of slightly raised, chequered red surfaces laid across the road.
- The design creates a table-top effect that naturally encourages drivers to slow down without sudden braking.
- The bright red colour was deliberately chosen for its high visibility compared to traditional white or yellow markings, serving as a visual warning that motorists are entering a wildlife-sensitive zone.
- Nearly the entire 12-kilometre forest stretch has been covered with these markings to ensure consistent speed moderation.
Additional Wildlife Friendly Infrastructure
- The red road markings are part of a broader package of wildlife-protection measures implemented by NHAI along this highway.
- As many as 25 wildlife underpasses have already been constructed, allowing animals to cross beneath the road safely without disrupting traffic flow.
- An eight-foot-high iron fence runs along both sides of the highway to guide animal movement towards designated crossing points.
Green Highways Initiative
- The project falls under NHAI’s Green Highways initiative, which aligns with the Green Highways Policy, 2015 of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- The policy promotes environmentally sustainable road development through measures such as tree plantation, use of eco-friendly materials, and protection of wildlife corridors.
Official Perspective
- According to NHAI official Amritlal Sahu, the project is currently underway and will be expanded further if successful.
- He noted that the red markings are being used for the first time in India to clearly demarcate dangerous wildlife zones and compel drivers to slow down.
- He emphasized that the goal is to ensure safety for both humans and animals, reducing accidents while maintaining traffic efficiency through the forested stretch.
Cost, Completion, and Future Potential
- The highway project has been built at a cost of INR 122 crore and is expected to be fully completed in 2025.
- Apart from improving road safety, the upgraded highway is also expected to boost tourism and local revenue, especially after the reclassification of nearby wildlife zones.
- If the initiative proves effective, similar wildlife-safe road designs could be replicated on other national highways passing through forest corridors across India, setting new standards for eco-friendly infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- NHAI introduced India’s first wildlife-safe road on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh.
- The project features table-top red road markings to reduce vehicle speed.
- Located on the Hiran Sindoor stretch near Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
- Includes 25 wildlife underpasses and fencing for safe animal movement.
- Implemented under the Green Highways Policy, 2015.
- Project cost: ₹122 crore; completion expected in 2025.
Question
Q. India’s first wildlife-safe highway has been introduced on which National Highway?
(A) NH-44
(B) NH-45
(C) NH-48
(D) NH-27