Wildlife Protection on MP Highways | 12 Dec 2025

Why in News? 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced a 5mm thick "table-top red marking" on a 2 km stretch of the Bhopal-Jabalpur National Highway to improve road safety and protect wildlife. 

Table-top red marking

Key Points 

  • Purpose: This initiative, part of a larger project to expand the highway from two to four lanes, aims to reduce wildlife-related accidents, particularly in areas near the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. 
  • Design: The "table-top" red marking is a first-of-its-kind technique in India, using a bright red texture that reduces vehicle speed as drivers enter wildlife-sensitive zones. 
  • Additional Features: White shoulder lines were also painted to guide drivers and prevent them from veering off the paved road, enhancing safety for both vehicles and animals. 
  • Underpasses: NHAI constructed around 25 underpasses along the 11.9 km highway stretch to allow safe animal crossings, minimizing disruptions to their habitats. 
  • Cost and Coverage: The project, costing Rs 122.25 crore, covers an 11.9 km stretch of highway, with two kilometers specifically marked with the red tabletop technique. 
  • Accidents and Fatalities: Animal-vehicle collisions have been a significant issue, with 237 such incidents in Madhya Pradesh over the past two years, leading to 94 deaths. 
  • Global Precedent: The initiative follows international examples like Canada’s Banff National Park and the Netherlands' "ecoducts," which feature wildlife crossings and road safety measures. 
  • Wildlife Concern: The Bhopal-Jabalpur stretch passes through wildlife-heavy areas like the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, with animals such as deer, jackals, and tigers frequently crossing roads. 
  • Expected Outcome: The upgraded highway, along with the red markings and underpasses, is expected to reduce accidents, protect wildlife, and boost tourism and revenue by improving connectivity.