World’s first 200-metre-long Bamboo Crash Barrier installed on Maharashtra highway

The world’s first 200-metre-long environment-friendly Bamboo Crash Barrier has been installed on the Vani-Warora Highway in Maharashtra’s Vidharba region as part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this Bamboo Crash Barrier, which has been named 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. It has also been accredited by the Indian Road Congress.

The recycling value of the bamboo barrier is 50-70% whereas that of steel barriers is 30-50%.

The bamboo species used in the making of this barrier is Bambusa Balcoa, which has been treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene (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, according to the ministry’s statement.

Furthermore, it is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself making it an even more significant milestone as it generates incomes in the rural areas, the statement added.