NHAI to Develop Bee Corridors Along National Highways | 24 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a pioneering initiative to create pollinator-friendly “Bee Corridors” along stretches of India’s National Highways as part of its sustainable infrastructure development strategy.

Key Points:

• First-of-Its-Kind: NHAI’s Bee Corridor programme will transform roadside plantations from decorative to ecologically functional green corridors that support pollinators such as honeybees and wild bees.
• Objective: The project aims to address declining pollinator populations, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystem services such as crop pollination that are vital for agriculture and food security.
  • The Bee Corridors will consist of continuous linear stretches of vegetation including flowering trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses that provide nectar and pollen throughout the year.
• Native Species: Plant species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris — known for their nectar and pollen richness — will be planted with staggered flowering patterns to ensure year-round support for pollinators. 
• Implementation Strategy: NHAI field offices will identify suitable stretches of National Highways and vacant land parcels for corridor development based on agro-climatic conditions and local ecological suitability.
  • In the 2026–27 fiscal year, NHAI plans to plant about 40 lakh trees along National Highways, with close to 60 % of these allocated under the Bee Corridor initiative. 
  • At least three dedicated pollinator corridors are expected to be developed during this period.
• Significance: The Bee Corridor initiative by NHAI represents a novel model of infrastructure-led ecological restoration, where India’s highway network is leveraged to support pollinator habitats and biodiversity.