A Pioneering Initiative for Sustainable Infrastructure & Wildlife Protection
The alarming increase in animal-vehicle collisions across India presents a significant challenge to both wildlife conservation and road safety. However, Madhya Pradesh is spearheading a groundbreaking solution. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the state has introduced an innovative tabletop red road marking on a critical section of NH-45 that traverses the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. This pioneering measure is designed to drastically reduce the risk to wildlife, setting a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development. Join us as we explore how this unique approach is safeguarding India’s precious fauna.
The Urgent Need for Wildlife Protection on Indian Highways
India’s expanding road network, while crucial for economic development, often cuts through vital wildlife habitats, leading to tragic outcomes. Madhya Pradesh, a state rich in biodiversity, has particularly felt the impact, recording 237 animal-vehicle collision incidents and 94 fatalities in the past two years alone. The urgency of the situation was starkly highlighted by the recent death of a cheetah cub on a highway in Gwalior.
The Bhopal-Jabalpur section of NH-45, specifically an 11.9-kilometer stretch known as the Hiran-Sindoor section, is a prime example of this human-wildlife interface. It cuts directly through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (formerly Nauradehi sanctuary) and the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, serving as a crucial movement corridor for species ranging from deer and jackals to sambar and tigers. Protecting these animals, especially those within a tiger reserve, is paramount.
A serene spotted deer near a highway, a poignant reminder of human-wildlife coexistence challenges. (Image 1)
The Table-Top Red Marking: A Visual & Physical Deterrent
To tackle this challenge, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented the innovative tabletop red road marking. This system involves applying a 5 mm thick, bright red surface layer over a two-kilometer high-risk section of NH-45 within the tiger reserve. This is not just a painted line; the “table-top” design creates a slightly raised, textured surface.
The choice of red color is strategic. Its longer wavelength makes it highly visible and attention-grabbing for drivers, acting as an unmistakable signal that they are entering a wildlife-sensitive zone. The physical “table-top” elevation inherently encourages vehicles to reduce speed, thereby mitigating the risk of collisions with animals. This dual approach of visual cue and physical modification is what makes this tabletop red road marking a first-of-its-kind initiative on an Indian highway, showcasing a proactive commitment to wildlife safety.
A clear view of the innovative tabletop red road marking on NH-45, designed to enhance wildlife safety. (Image 2)
A Holistic Approach to Eco-Friendly Highway Solutions
The tabletop red road marking is part of a broader, more comprehensive NH-45 upgrade project aimed at enhancing both road safety and wildlife protection in India. This 11.9-kilometer highway section is being upgraded from two to four lanes, with an investment of Rs 122.25 crore.
Beyond the innovative red markings, other eco-friendly highway solutions include:
- **Wildlife Underpasses:** Approximately 25 strategically placed underpasses are being constructed along the route, providing safe passage for animals beneath the busy highway, completely isolating them from traffic.
- **Chain-Link Fencing:** Installation of robust chain-link fencing along the highway perimeter to prevent animals from directly accessing the road surface.
- **Speed Detector Devices:** Deployment of speed detector devices to monitor vehicle speeds and encourage drivers to adhere to prescribed limits within the sensitive zone.
These combined measures represent a multi-faceted strategy to create a safer environment for both humans and wildlife, embodying the principles of sustainable infrastructure.
A modern wildlife underpass, a key component of India’s eco-friendly highway solutions. (Image 3)
Global Best Practices and Future Implications for Wildlife Conservation
Madhya Pradesh’s proactive stance aligns with global best practices in wildlife conservation and sustainable infrastructure. Countries like Canada, with its famous Banff National Park, and the Netherlands, with its extensive network of “ecoducts,” have long demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating such measures into road design. These international examples highlight how dedicated structures and warning systems can significantly reduce animal-vehicle collisions and facilitate animal movement.
This pioneering tabletop red road marking on NH-45 is more than just a local initiative; it’s a beacon for wildlife protection in India. It demonstrates how innovative engineering, coupled with environmental consciousness, can lead to eco-friendly highway solutions. The success of this project could inspire similar adoptions across other wildlife-sensitive zones in the country, fostering a future where development coexists harmoniously with nature.
An illustrative infographic of the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve and NH-45’s integrated wildlife safety features. (Image 4)
A Brighter Path Ahead for Wildlife and Road Safety
The tabletop red road marking on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh is a testament to India’s growing commitment to wildlife safety and sustainable infrastructure. By blending clear visual warnings with subtle physical deterrents, this first-of-its-kind initiative provides a powerful model for reducing animal-vehicle collisions within critical habitats like the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. As we move forward, integrating such eco-friendly highway solutions will be vital for ensuring the long-term wildlife conservation of India’s diverse fauna, paving the way for safer roads and thriving ecosystems
About the Author
