NHAI plans green barriers to curb pedestrian deaths on NH
In response to the rising number of accidents and pedestrian fatalities along the National Highway, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to implement a green barrier project on a pilot basis from Aug.
The initiative, which will begin in Uchila, Udupi, aims to enhance road safety while also increasing greenery along the highway. NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi told TOI that the NHAI is moving toward more environmentally friendly practices. "Instead of conventional steel guard rails, we plan to plant dense hedge rows that will act as natural barriers. These will not only prevent pedestrians from crossing dangerously but will also beautify the stretch," he said.
Typically, plants are spaced three metres apart, but for this project, the gap will be reduced to ensure a thick green cover. The dual-row planting will include hedge plants for safety and flowering plants for aesthetics, he said.
In another green initiative, all three toll plazas at Talapady, Hejamady, and Sasthan are now operating on solar energy connected to the grid. Launched about eight months ago, this has significantly reduced operational costs and can also support electric vehicle (EV) charging.
As part of the 'Rajmarg Saathi' initiative, electric toll patrol vehicles were launched recently near the Hejamady toll plaza to monitor and maintain NH-66 between Kundapur and Talapady. The three vehicles for each toll plaza were converted into EVs recently. These patrol units make four to six rounds daily, ensuring efficient highway management. The concessionaires have been supportive of innovative projects that help in cost reduction.
On World Environment Day, the NHAI also took part in a nationwide plantation drive under the campaign 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam'. The NHAI is also working on several green initiatives that are awaiting approval from the authorities. NHAI is providing free left turns at the Nanthoor Junction in Mangaluru.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Claws, not jaws: Sasan Gir lioness goes on a strange safari sabotage spree, targeting vehicle tyres
A video grab taken by tourists from inside a safari vehicle showing the lioness letting the air out of a tyre Synopsis A young lioness in Gujarat is famous. She punctures tyres of safari jeeps. Tourists filmed her. The video went viral. Locals call her 'puncture wali sinhan'. Forest officials are investigating. They think scents on the vehicles provoke her. Devalia Park is monitoring the situation. Safaris continue with safety measures. Visitors might get a flat tyre. In the wilderness near Devalia Safari Park in Gujarat's Sasan Gir, a young lioness has become something of a local celebrity — not for hunting skills, but for a strange, persistent habit: puncturing the tyres of parked safari vehicles, according to a TOI report. ADVERTISEMENT Tourists recently captured a video of the lioness in action, and the footage quickly made waves online. It shows her calmly approaching a parked jeep, sniffing around it, and then suddenly launching a surprise attack — not on the humans, but on one of the tyres. In seconds, she expertly bites down on the valve, releasing a loud hiss as the air escapes. The lioness then walks away, mission complete, leaving behind a startled audience and a flat tyre. TOI reported that locals and park staff say this isn't a one-off. The animal has done it multiple times and now has a reputation in the area. 'We've seen her do this before,' a safari guide said. 'Around here, we call her 'puncture wali sinhan'. She has a real talent for it.' Possible reasons behind the odd habit While the behaviour might seem comical, forest officials are trying to understand why this lioness is so interested in tyres. According to Mohan Ram, deputy conservator of forests, the vehicle might have carried traces of scents that triggered the lioness's instincts. 'Sometimes dogs or other animals ride in or near these vehicles, and the lingering smell could be provoking her. It's not aggression — more likely curiosity or irritation,' he explained to TOI. The vehicle shown in the viral video is part of the official safari fleet that operates inside Devalia Park. Although this specific incident drew attention, officers say such occurrences, while rare, are not entirely new. ADVERTISEMENT Devalia Safari Park is a fenced area that gives tourists a chance to observe lions in a semi-natural environment. While the 'puncture wali' lioness adds an element of unpredictability to the safari experience, officials insist that safety measures are in place and all unusual behaviour is closely monitored, noted the news outlet. Because in the lion territory of Gir, you might drive in for a safari — but leave with a flat tyre and a wild story ADVERTISEMENT (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. NEXT STORY
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Auto cos seek PLI relaxations amid rare earths supply disruption
The Indian auto industry is seeking government relaxation on domestic value addition (DVA) norms for production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and phased manufacturing programme (PMP) in the PM e-drive programme due to supply chain disruptions caused by curbs on rare earth magnet shipments from China , ToI reported. The companies are also requesting approval to import complete component assemblies from China in the short term to avoid production schedule disturbances, sources told ToI. Top manufacturers including Maruti Suzuki , Tata Motors , Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, Hero Moto and TVS have petitioned the government. The industry is currently relying on existing inventory. Supply chains have been crippled due to restrictions on rare earth magnet shipments by China. This has prompted the auto industry to seek government intervention. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted. Undo The auto industry wants relaxation in meeting domestic value addition (DVA) norms. These norms are related to the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and phased manufacturing programme (PMP) in the PM e-drive programme. Sources indicate that companies have also requested permission to import complete assemblies of components from China. This is intended as a short-term solution. Live Events The aim is to ensure that production schedules are not disrupted. The companies include major manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, Hero Moto and TVS. The industry is currently facing supply challenges from China. They are relying on existing inventory to manage production. 'DVA requirement in PLI and PMP in PM e-Drive schemes may have to be relaxed to allow for imports of completed assemblies,' the industry said in a representation to the government, according to sources. The industry's representation highlights the potential need for relaxed import regulations. This is due to the ongoing supply chain challenges. 'In the eventuality of the challenge not being resolved, the industry will be constrained to import complete assemblies of components from China in the short term,' the companies said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
NHAI plans green barriers to curb pedestrian deaths on NH
In response to the rising number of accidents and pedestrian fatalities along the National Highway, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to implement a green barrier project on a pilot basis from Aug. The initiative, which will begin in Uchila, Udupi, aims to enhance road safety while also increasing greenery along the highway. NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi told TOI that the NHAI is moving toward more environmentally friendly practices. "Instead of conventional steel guard rails, we plan to plant dense hedge rows that will act as natural barriers. These will not only prevent pedestrians from crossing dangerously but will also beautify the stretch," he said. Typically, plants are spaced three metres apart, but for this project, the gap will be reduced to ensure a thick green cover. The dual-row planting will include hedge plants for safety and flowering plants for aesthetics, he said. In another green initiative, all three toll plazas at Talapady, Hejamady, and Sasthan are now operating on solar energy connected to the grid. Launched about eight months ago, this has significantly reduced operational costs and can also support electric vehicle (EV) charging. As part of the 'Rajmarg Saathi' initiative, electric toll patrol vehicles were launched recently near the Hejamady toll plaza to monitor and maintain NH-66 between Kundapur and Talapady. The three vehicles for each toll plaza were converted into EVs recently. These patrol units make four to six rounds daily, ensuring efficient highway management. The concessionaires have been supportive of innovative projects that help in cost reduction. On World Environment Day, the NHAI also took part in a nationwide plantation drive under the campaign 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam'. The NHAI is also working on several green initiatives that are awaiting approval from the authorities. NHAI is providing free left turns at the Nanthoor Junction in Mangaluru.
