The Indian union government is set to replace traditional steel barriers on highways with innovative ‘Bahu Balli’ barriers made entirely of bamboo. The decision comes after the successful installation of the world’s first 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier on a highway connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts in Maharashtra.
Nitin Gadkari, the Road Transport and Highways Minister, announced that a pilot project has commenced in Chhattisgarh, with plans for expansion to other states in the near future. The adoption of bamboo barriers, according to him, is not only eco-friendly but also aims to boost the bamboo industry and generate employment opportunities, particularly for people in the northeast and tribal regions.
The new bamboo barriers will also be utilized in access control areas along highways, further enhancing road safety measures. Responding to queries from MPs during the Question Hour today, Minister Gadkari expressed confidence in this experimental ‘Bahu Balli’ fencing, highlighting its eco-friendliness and successful testing.
The move towards bamboo-based barriers aligns with India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and seeks innovative solutions to reduce road accidents. The 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier, named Bahu Balli, underwent extensive testing at various government-run institutions, including the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore, and received a Class 1 rating during the Fire Rating Test conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee.
Accredited by the Indian Road Congress, the bamboo barrier boasts a recycling value of 50-70%, surpassing steel barriers that stand at 30-50%. The bamboo species utilized in this groundbreaking invention is Bambusa Balcoa, treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE).
The usage of Bambusa Balcoa, also known as Female Bamboo, originated from Northeast India, adds an even more significant milestone to the bamboo sector. The new crash barrier offers an ideal alternative to steel, addressing environmental concerns while supporting rural and agriculture-friendly industries.