India’s First ‘Table-top Red Marking’ Highway Implemented Through Tiger Reserve

Why in News

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented the ‘A Safer Highway Through a Tiger Reserve’ initiative on a 2 km ghat section of the 11.96 km NH-45 passing through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (formerly Nauradehi Sanctuary) in Madhya Pradesh.

Location & Context

• Highway: National Highway–45
• Stretch: Hiran–Sindoor section (11.96 km)
• Connectivity: Bhopal – Jabalpur
• Distance from Jabalpur: ~60 km
• Passes through dense forest zones with frequent wildlife crossings

Key Innovation: Table-top Red Marking

• India’s first-ever ‘table-top red marking’ on a National Highway
• Inspired by Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• Developed using international research and global best practices

Design Features

• 5 mm thick hot-applied thermoplastic red surface layer
• Red-coloured chequered markings across the carriageway
• Creates a tabletop effect (slightly raised surface)
• Encourages natural speed reduction without sudden braking

Wildlife Safety Focus

• Area is home to:
  • Tigers
  • Sambar
  • Deer
  • Jackals
  • Other forest fauna
• Addresses frequent vehicle–animal collisions despite earlier safety measures

Ecological Advantages

• No disturbance to wildlife movement or habitat
• No alteration to road pavement structure or drainage
• Lower noise levels than conventional rumble strips
• Easy maintenance
• Fully reversible, allowing future upgrades if needed

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Supporting Infrastructure

• 25 dedicated animal underpasses constructed along the 11.96 km stretch
• Located at identified wildlife movement corridors
• Enhances safe animal passage across the highway

Significance

• Balances infrastructure development with wildlife conservation
• Sets a replicable model for highways passing through eco-sensitive zones
• Demonstrates eco-sensitive engineering in linear infrastructure
• Supports India’s goals under:
  • Wildlife protection
  • Sustainable transport
  • Green highways

Source: PIB