World's 1st bamboo crash barrier, "Bahu Balli," on Maha highway

New Delhi: India inaugurated the world's first 200-metre-long bamboo crash barrier in Maharashtra. The barrier has been installed in a highway connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts in the state, The Indian Express reported, citing the government's announcement.

The installation has been named 'Bahu Balli', which was subjected to rigorous testing by multiple agencies. These include government-run institutions like the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore, which rated the barrier Class 1. A successful Fire Rating Test was also conducted on the barrier at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee, and it has also been accredited by the Indian Road Congress, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways informed on Saturday.

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Road Transport and Highways minister, tweeted that the barrier is a remarkable achievement for the country as well as the bamboo sector. He added that it is a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns.

He tweeted, An extraordinary accomplishment towards achieving #AatmanirbharBharat has been made with the development of the world's first 200-metre-long Bamboo Crash Barrier, which has been installed on the Vani-Warora Highway."