New Delhi. Imagine you are passing through a forest and suddenly you start seeing red color on the road. This red color was not thrown just like that. This is a perfectly made shape. It will also come to your mind why this has been done. After all, what is the reason for this? First let us tell you where this happened, then answer the remaining questions. This experiment has been done on the National Highway in Madhya Pradesh. The road passing through the forest is now being made not just a travel route but a protective shield.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prepared a red colored raised road on a part of NH 45 in Madhya Pradesh. This part passes through Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. The objective is clear, the driver should be warned in advance and the animals of the forest should remain safe.
What is red raised road and how does it work?
5 mm thick red table top marking has been done on about 2 kilometer stretch of NH 45. This color is so bright that the driver can understand from a distance that the forest area is starting ahead. The road surface is slightly embossed, due to which a slight shock is felt while the vehicle passing and the speed automatically reduces.
Why was Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve chosen?
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve became the 7th tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2023. This area is spread in Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts. The number of tigers here is continuously increasing and at present around 26 tigers are said to be present. For this reason, this highway stretch was extremely sensitive to wildlife collisions.
The scary reality of accidents
Due to fast vehicles, tigers, leopards, deer and other animals used to become victims of accidents while crossing the road. According to government data, in the last two years, 237 wildlife vehicle collision cases were reported in Madhya Pradesh, in which 94 animals died. This part of NH 45 was earlier considered a danger zone.
Complete security plan, not just red road
25 wildlife underpasses have been built in about 12 kilometer long section of this highway. Apart from this, fencing and other smart safety arrangements have also been made. This entire work is part of the two-lane to four-lane expansion project, in which emphasis is also placed on balancing environment with development.
What does NHAI say
According to NHAI officials, this red raised road forces the driver to reduce the speed without force. For this, there is no need to install separate speed breakers or heavy sign boards. This method is simple and the effect is visible immediately.
Why can it become an example for the country?
This is the first experiment of its kind in India. This model can also be adopted on other highways passing through forests and wildlife areas. This initiative shows that roads not only reduce distance, but can also show the path of responsibility.
