MP tests bold red road markings to protect wildlife on forest highway

MP tests bold red road markings to protect wildlife on forest highway

Madhya Pradesh is currently in the process of testing a unique road safety measure which is aimed at protecting the wildlife in the area by allowing the drivers to naturally move slowly on the roads.

On the Jabalpur–Bhopal stretch, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced striking red road markings, which is now becoming a first-of-its-kind experiment meant to alert drivers and slow down traffic in zones where animals frequently cross the roads.

A large portion of the highway passes through the Nauradehi Sanctuary, around 60 kilometres from Jabalpur.

Animals like deer, jackals, sambar, tigers and the likes make up the major wildlife population in the area. Officials quoted by the media reports say that despite an 8-foot-high iron fencing being along both sides of the road, some spots on the highway are still accident prone.

To address that, NHAI has painted large red bands across nearly 12 kilometres of the route, features they’re calling “tabletop” markings. The idea is simple: create a visual shock that compels motorists to reduce speed.

“This work is currently underway and will be expanded further," said NHAI official Amritlal Sahu. "We've typically seen white or yellow markings on the road, but for the first time, red markings have been used. This is to demarcate dangerous areas. The authority wants people to drive slowly at the designated areas where these markings have been put, as wild animals may cross the road.”

The sanctuary’s tiger population adds to the concern, any expansion of a tiger’s territory increases the likelihood of it approaching the highway.

Sahu noted that significant infrastructure already exists to support animal movement: “As many as 25 underpasses have been built on this road, allowing wild animals to cross from one side of the road to the other. However, red markings were necessary in this area. These red markings will force drivers to slow down, and not only will they be able to avoid crossing this winding road, but they will also be able to avoid danger. He himself will be safe and wild animals will also be saved from accidents.”

The highway, built at a cost of ₹122 crore, is expected to be fully completed in 2025. The red-marked danger zone runs for about 12 kilometers.