A New Model of Eco-Sensitive Infrastructure
India’s First Wildlife-Safe Highway on NH-45: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced India’s first wildlife-safe road on a stretch of NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative marks a shift towards integrating conservation priorities into highway development. The project aims to reduce animal-vehicle collisions while maintaining seamless road connectivity.
The highway redesign reflects India’s growing focus on balancing infrastructure growth and biodiversity protection. Forest corridors intersecting highways have long posed safety risks for both wildlife and motorists.
Strategic Location and Ecological Importance
The wildlife-safe highway covers the 11.96-kilometre Hiran Sindoor stretch of NH-45 connecting Bhopal and Jabalpur. It lies about 60 kilometres from Jabalpur and cuts through a dense forest landscape.
The road is flanked by the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. This region supports species such as tigers, sambar, deer, jackals, and other forest fauna.
Static GK fact: Madhya Pradesh is known as the “Tiger State of India” due to hosting the highest number of tiger reserves in the country.
Table-Top Red Road Markings
A defining innovation of this project is the introduction of table-top red road markings, used for the first time in India. These are slightly raised, chequered red surfaces laid across the road.
Unlike conventional speed breakers, they create a gentle table-top effect that encourages drivers to slow down naturally. This minimizes abrupt braking and improves overall driving safety.
The red colour offers higher visibility than traditional road markings. It visually signals motorists that they are entering a wildlife-sensitive zone.
Nearly the entire forest stretch has been covered to ensure uniform speed moderation across the corridor.
Wildlife-Friendly Engineering Measures
The road markings are complemented by a wider set of wildlife protection structures. A total of 25 wildlife underpasses have been constructed beneath the highway.
These underpasses allow animals to move freely without crossing the road surface. Traffic flow remains uninterrupted while animal movement follows natural migration paths.
An eight-foot-high iron fence has been installed on both sides of the highway. This fencing channels animals safely toward designated underpasses.
Static GK Tip: Wildlife underpasses are globally recognized mitigation tools recommended by the IUCN for reducing road-related wildlife mortality.
Green Highways Policy Framework
The project is implemented under NHAI’s Green Highways Initiative, aligned with the Green Highways Policy, 2015 of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The policy promotes eco-friendly construction, tree plantation, use of sustainable materials, and preservation of wildlife corridors. It represents India’s policy-driven approach to sustainable transport infrastructure.
Cost, Timeline, and Replication Potential
The project has been developed at a cost of ₹122 crore and is expected to be fully completed in 2025. Beyond safety, it is expected to support eco-tourism and local economic activity.
NHAI officials have indicated that the model may be replicated on other national highways passing through forest zones. This could establish a national benchmark for wildlife-sensitive road design.
Static GK fact: India has over 150,000 km of national highways, many of which intersect ecologically sensitive regions.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First Wildlife-Safe Highway on NH-45:
| Topic | Detail |
| Implementing Authority | National Highways Authority of India |
| Highway | NH-45 |
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Forest Stretch | Hiran Sindoor section |
| Length | 11.96 kilometres |
| Key Innovation | Table-top red road markings |
| Wildlife Structures | 25 underpasses and iron fencing |
| Policy Framework | Green Highways Policy, 2015 |
| Project Cost | ₹122 crore |
| Expected Completion | 2025 |
