Are 'red roads' the future in sensitive areas? NHAI tests new road safety initiative balancing human, wildlife, and ecological safety

The national highways authority of India (NHAI), under the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has pioneered a safety initiative on a national highway stretch passing through a sensitive forest and ghat section. Across a 2 km ghat section of an 11.96 km highway project passing through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, the NHAI has laid a 5 mm thick hot-applied thermoplastic red surface layer.

This initiative dubbed as India's first-ever "table-top red marking" on a highway has drawn inspiration from the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, and supported by international research and guidelines.

"The bright red colour immediately alerts drivers that they are entering a speed-restricted, wildlife-sensitive corridor. The slightly raised surface generates mild tactile and audible feedback, naturally encouraging drivers to slow down, without causing discomfort or sudden braking," the NHAI said.

According to the highways authority, this initiative has "minimal impact, and maximum protection". The NHAI said this intervention is significant because:

• No disturbance to wildlife movement or habitat

• No alteration to pavement structure or drainage

• Lower noise levels compared to conventional rumble strips

• Easy maintenance and fully reversible if future improvements are made

The NHAI has also added white shoulder lines on both sides of the highway to guide motorists and prevent vehicles from drifting onto unpaved or grassy areas.

Across the aforementioned 11.96 km highway stretch in Madhya Pradesh, the NHAI has provided 25 dedicated animal underpasses that are "integrated with natural ground levels and drainage paths to encourage regular animal use." The authority has also installed continuous chain-link fencing on both sides of the highway to prevent animals from entering the carriageway, and to guide them to the underpasses.

Solar lights, and cameras have also been installed on minor bridges, and junctions to enhance visibility, and help monitor wildlife movements.

"Although the 2.0 km section is marked as a danger zone based on geometric conditions, the fencing and underpass system ensures that there is no possibility of animals directly crossing the roadway, thereby safeguarding both wildlife and motorists," the NHAI said.