World's First 200-Meter-Long Bamboo Crash Barrier “Bahu Balli” Installed On The Vani-Warora Highway

In a significant push to the bamboo sector, NHAI has installed a crash barrier made of bamboo on the Vani-Warora highway in Maharashtra — an extraordinary accomplishment towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat.

According to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the world's first 200-meter-long Bamboo Crash Barrier has been installed on the Vani-Warora Highway in Vidarbha.

The crash barriers are a necessity along the highways to keep off cattle and other animals to prevent accidents due to cattle stray.

The Bamboo Crash Barrier, which has been christened 'Bahu Balli', underwent rigorous testing at various government-run institutions such as the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore and was rated as Class 1 during the Fire Rating Test conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee.

Additionally, it has also been accredited by the Indian Road Congress. The recycling value of the bamboo barrier is 50-70 per cent, whereas that of steel barriers is 30-50 per cent.

The bamboo species used in the making of this barrier is Bambusa Balcooa, which has been treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

This achievement is remarkable for the bamboo sector and India as a whole, as this crash barrier offers a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns and their aftermath.

Furthermore, it is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself, making it an even more significant milestone.