World · India Bureau
Boundary walls mandatory on new high-speed highways to curb cattle intrusion
India's National Highway Authority of India has mandated protective boundary walls along all upcoming high-speed corridors to prevent livestock from straying onto expressways. The new guidelines will apply to four to six-lane access-controlled national highways across greenfield and brownfield projects.
LSN India ·
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced comprehensive guidelines requiring boundary walls along all new high-speed national highway corridors to mitigate the recurring problem of cattle and livestock crossing onto expressways. The directive aims to enhance road safety and reduce accidents caused by animals on the roadways.
The protective barriers will be mandatory for all upcoming four to six-lane greenfield and brownfield highway projects that feature controlled access. Greenfield projects involve construction on undeveloped land, while brownfield initiatives encompass upgrades to existing highway stretches. The boundary wall requirement is expected to standardize safety protocols across the National Highway network.
Cattle intrusion on high-speed corridors has emerged as a significant traffic hazard, causing accidents, vehicle damage, and potential loss of life. The new guidelines represent a systematic approach to addressing this longstanding infrastructure challenge. By implementing uniform safety standards, the NHAI aims to create safer driving conditions while simultaneously protecting livestock from harm.
The measure underscores the growing emphasis on road safety measures as India continues its ambitious highway expansion programme. These guidelines are expected to inform design and construction standards for upcoming highway projects across the country, with implementation details to be communicated to project developers and contractors.