In a significant advancement for eco-sensitive infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled India’s first wildlife-safe road along National Highway 45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative aims to minimize animal-vehicle collisions while ensuring seamless connectivity through crucial forest corridors.
The wildlife-safe stretch is situated on the 11.96-kilometre Hiran Sindoor section of NH-45, linking Bhopal and Jabalpur. Approximately 60 kilometres from Jabalpur, this highway traverses a dense forest region that borders the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. This area is rich in biodiversity, hosting tigers, deer, sambar, jackals, and various other wildlife. The frequent animal crossings have historically resulted in numerous accidents, highlighting the need for this project.
A standout feature of this initiative is the implementation of ‘table-top red road markings’, which are a first in India. Unlike traditional speed breakers, these markings are slightly elevated, with chequered red surfaces applied across the roadway. This design promotes a table-top effect that naturally encourages drivers to decelerate without abrupt halting. The bright red hue was intentionally selected for its visibility, signaling to motorists that they are entering a wildlife-sensitive area. Almost the entire 12-kilometre section through the forest is adorned with these markings, ensuring continuous speed moderation.
The table-top road markings are part of a comprehensive suite of wildlife protection measures executed by NHAI along this highway. A total of 25 wildlife underpasses have been constructed, allowing animals to cross under the road safely without disrupting the flow of traffic. Additionally, an eight-foot-high iron fence runs alongside both sides of the highway to channel animal movement towards designated crossing areas.
This project is an integral part of NHAI’s Green Highways initiative, which is in alignment with the Green Highways Policy, 2015 established by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This policy advocates for environmentally sustainable road development through initiatives like tree planting, the use of eco-friendly materials, and safeguarding wildlife corridors.
According to NHAI official Amritlal Sahu, the project is currently in progress and will be expanded if initial results are favorable. He emphasized that the red markings are a novel approach in India to clearly delineate hazardous wildlife zones and prompt drivers to slow down. The overarching goal is to enhance safety for both humans and animals, thereby reducing accidents while maintaining efficient traffic flow through the forested region.
The highway project has been developed at an expenditure of INR 122 crore and is anticipated to be fully completed by 2025. Beyond enhancing road safety, the upgraded highway is expected to stimulate tourism and increase local revenue, particularly following the reclassification of adjacent wildlife zones. Should this initiative prove successful, similar wildlife-safe road designs may be adopted on other national highways traversing forest corridors across India, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly infrastructure.
Q1. What is India's first wildlife-safe road?
Answer: India's first wildlife-safe road is located on the Hiran Sindoor section of NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh, designed to reduce animal-vehicle collisions.
Q2. What are table-top red road markings?
Answer: Table-top red road markings are slightly raised, chequered red surfaces that encourage drivers to slow down, enhancing safety in wildlife-sensitive areas.
Q3. How many wildlife underpasses have been built?
Answer: A total of 25 wildlife underpasses have been constructed along the highway to facilitate safe animal crossings beneath the road.
Q4. What is the cost of the wildlife-safe highway project?
Answer: The total cost of the wildlife-safe highway project is INR 122 crore, with completion expected by 2025.
Q5. What is the Green Highways initiative?
Answer: The Green Highways initiative promotes sustainable road development, focusing on tree planting, eco-friendly materials, and wildlife corridor protection.
Question 1: Where is India's first wildlife-safe road located?
A) Bhopal
B) Jabalpur
C) Hiran Sindoor section of NH-45
D) Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: What unique feature is used to indicate wildlife-sensitive zones on the new road?
A) Speed bumps
B) Table-top red road markings
C) Traffic lights
D) Road signs
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How many wildlife underpasses were built along the highway?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 25
D) 30
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the total budget for the wildlife-safe highway project?
A) INR 100 crore
B) INR 122 crore
C) INR 150 crore
D) INR 200 crore
Correct Answer: B
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