NHAI debuts India’s first wildlife-safe road with red markings in MP
In a groundbreaking move to harmonize infrastructure growth with environmental conservation, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a pilot project featuring unique "table-top red road markings." This initiative, a first for the country, has been implemented on a specific section of National Highway 45 in Madhya Pradesh to ensure the safety of wildlife crossing the road.
The project focuses on the Hiran-Sindoor stretch of the highway, which cuts through the ecologically fragile corridor connecting the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. This 11.96-km route between Bhopal and Jabalpur is a known hotspot for animal movement, often leading to tragic conflicts between vehicles and wildlife.
Understanding the Innovation
The core of this safety upgrade is the departure from traditional speed breakers. Instead, engineers have applied raised, checkered patterns painted in bright red across the asphalt. This design creates a "table-top" visual and physical effect. The vibrant red color was selected for its high visibility compared to standard white or yellow lines, serving as an immediate alert to drivers that they are entering a sensitive zone.
According to NHAI officials, the texture and color force motorists to decelerate naturally without the dangerous jolts associated with standard bumps. This reduction in speed is crucial for avoiding collisions with tigers, deer, jackals, and sambars that frequent the area.
Comprehensive Safety Measures
While the red markings are the visual highlight, they are part of a larger safety ecosystem. The NHAI has also constructed 25 distinct underpasses along this corridor, allowing animals to migrate safely beneath the heavy traffic. Additionally, eight-foot-high iron fencing has been installed on the roadsides to guide animals toward these underpasses and prevent them from wandering onto the tarmac.
A Model for the Future
This development is part of the broader Green Highways Policy established in 2015. With animal-vehicle collisions accounting for a significant number of road accidents—Madhya Pradesh alone recorded over 230 such incidents in the last two years—this project addresses a critical need.
Amritlal Sahu, an NHAI official, emphasized that the red markings act as a clear danger signal, prioritizing the lives of both commuters and the wildlife. If this pilot proves effective upon the project's full completion in 2025, similar eco-sensitive designs could soon appear on other national highways traversing forest corridors across India.
