How replacing of steel barriers with bamboo would prevent road mishaps on Highways

This Bamboo Crash Barrier, which has been christened Bahu Balli, underwent rigorous testing at various government-run institutions.

With an aim to find innovative solutions to reduce road mishaps, a 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier has been installed on a highway connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts in Maharashtra.

Crash barriers, also known as guardrails or safety barriers, are designed to reduce the severity of accidents on highways and other roads.

Cost-effective road safety solution

This Bamboo Crash Barrier, which has been christened 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. Additionally, 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%.

Bambusa Balcoa species used in the making of this barrier

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). For the unversed, Bambusa balcooa has many unique characteristics that make it suitable for a range of applications. Its stems are straight and have a smooth texture, making them ideal for construction purposes. Additionally, the bamboo's thick walls make it strong and durable, making it a preferred material.

One of the benefits of using bamboo for crash barriers is its low cost compared to traditional materials. Bamboo is also renewable and biodegradable, making it a more sustainable option for infrastructure projects. Additionally, bamboo is a lightweight material, which makes it easier to transport and install, reducing construction time and costs.

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. Furthermore, it is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself making it an even more significant milestone.

Nitin Gadkari calls it a 'remarkable achievement'

Calling it a 'remarkable achievement' for the country and its bamboo sector, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said this crash barrier offers a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns.

Taking to micro-blogging Twitter, Gadkari wrote,''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.''

Furthermore, it is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself, making it an even more significant milestone," Gadkari added.