NHAI Introduces India’s First Wildlife-Safe Road on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh

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