World's 1st Bamboo Crash Barrier 'Bahu Balli' Installed in Maharashtra

Gadkari described the crash barrier as a "remarkable achievement" for the country and its bamboo sector, saying it is a great alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns.

"An extraordinary accomplishment towards achieving #AatmanirbharBharat has been made with the development of the world's first 200-meter-long Bamboo Crash Barrier, which has been installed on the Vani-Warora Highway," Gadkari said in a tweet.

According to the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, this bamboo crash barrier has been named "Bahu Balli."

"It has undergone rigorous testing at various government-run institutions, including the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore, and was rated Class 1 during the Fire Rating Test at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee. The Indian Road Congress has also accredited it," the minister added in another tweet.

"Bamboo species-Bambusa Balcoa was used to make this barrier, which was treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene" (HDPE). This achievement is significant for the bamboo sector and India as a whole, as this crash barrier provides an excellent alternative to steel while also addressing environmental concerns and their consequences," he said.

According to Gadkari, the recycling value of bamboo barriers is 50-70 percent, while steel barriers are 30-50 percent. It is also a rural and agricultural-friendly industry, making it an even more significant milestone," Gadkari added.