India’s First Wildlife-Safe Highway Launched on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh

In a major step towards eco-sensitive infrastructure development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced India’s first wildlife-safe highway on a stretch of National Highway-45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh.
The project aims to reduce animal–vehicle collisions while balancing the needs of infrastructure growth and wildlife conservation.

This initiative sets a new benchmark for environment-friendly road design in forest and wildlife corridors.

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India’s First Wildlife-Safe Highway Launched on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh

Location of the Wildlife-Safe Highway

• Located on the 11.96 km Hiran Sindoor stretch of NH-45
• Connects Bhopal and Jabalpur
• Around 60 km from Jabalpur
• Passes through a dense forest corridor between:
  • Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

The region is home to tigers, deer, sambar, jackals, and other wildlife, making it a high-risk animal crossing zone.

What Are Table-Top Red Road Markings?

The most innovative feature of this highway is the introduction of table-top red road markings, used for the first time in India.

Key Characteristics:

• Slightly raised, chequered red surfaces laid across the road
• Create a table-top effect (not sharp speed breakers)
• Encourage drivers to slow down naturally
• Bright red colour improves visibility compared to white/yellow markings
• Serve as a visual warning of a wildlife-sensitive zone

Almost the entire 12 km forest stretch has been covered to ensure consistent speed control.

Additional Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure

The red road markings are part of a comprehensive wildlife protection design, including:

• 25 wildlife underpasses
  • Allow animals to cross beneath the road safely
  • Prevent disruption to traffic flow
• 8-foot-high iron fencing on both sides
  • Guides animals toward designated underpasses
  • Reduces random road crossings

These measures significantly reduce the risk of roadkill and accidents.

Green Highways Initiative

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.

Policy Objectives:

• Environmentally sustainable road development
• Protection of wildlife corridors
• Tree plantation and green cover
• Use of eco-friendly construction practices

Official Perspective

According to NHAI official Amritlal Sahu, this project is currently underway and may be replicated on other highways if successful.
He stated that the red markings clearly alert drivers to wildlife zones and force speed moderation without hampering traffic efficiency.

Cost, Timeline, and Future Potential

• Project Cost: ₹122 crore
• Expected Completion: 2025

Additional Benefits:

• Improved road safety for humans and animals
• Boost to tourism and local economy
• Model for eco-friendly highway design nationwide

If proven effective, this approach could be adopted on other national highways passing through forest corridors.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Authority: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
• Highway: NH-45
• State: Madhya Pradesh
• Stretch: Hiran Sindoor (11.96 km)
• India’s First: Wildlife-safe highway with table-top red markings
• Nearby Protected Areas:
  • Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
• Wildlife Underpasses: 25
• Policy Framework: Green Highways Policy, 2015
• Project Cost: ₹122 crore
• Completion Year: 2025

Question & Answer

Q1. India’s first wildlife-safe highway has been developed on which National Highway?
(a) NH-7
(b) NH-16
(c) NH-45
(d) NH-44
Answer: NH-45

Q2. Which organisation introduced India’s first wildlife-safe highway project?
(a) Ministry of Environment
(b) NHAI
(c) State Forest Department
(d) Indian Railways
Answer: NHAI

Q3. What is the key innovation used on the wildlife-safe highway to control vehicle speed?
(a) Speed cameras
(b) Conventional speed breakers
(c) Table-top red road markings
(d) Toll barriers
Answer: Table-top red road markings

Q4. How many wildlife underpasses have been constructed on this NH-45 stretch?
(a) 10
(b) 15
(c) 20
(d) 25
Answer: 25

Q5. The wildlife-safe highway project is implemented under which policy?
(a) National Wildlife Action Plan
(b) Green Highways Policy, 2015
(c) National Biodiversity Policy
(d) Forest Conservation Act
Answer: Green Highways Policy, 2015

Q6. What is the total cost of the NH-45 wildlife-safe highway project?
(a) ₹85 crore
(b) ₹100 crore
(c) ₹122 crore
(d) ₹150 crore
Answer: ₹122 crore

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