Nitin Gadkari announces eco-friendly road safety measures and smart tolling system

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has unveiled a series of forward-looking measures aimed at improving road safety and reducing congestion on national highways. The initiatives focus on sustainable infrastructure and the use of advanced technology for smoother travel experiences.

Eco-Friendly Crash Barriers: A Green Shift in Road Infrastructure

Highlighting a shift towards greener construction practices, Gadkari said that crash barriers used on highways are being gradually replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. As part of this initiative:

Bamboo crash barriers have already been installed along a 150-km stretch of highway.

A Raipur-based company has developed these barriers using a special chemical coating, enhancing their durability and safety performance.

These innovative barriers were rigorously tested at NATRAX, Indore, and are now being implemented after meeting all required standards.

Gadkari emphasized the employment potential this move holds, especially in the Northeastern region where bamboo is grown in abundance. He also noted that bamboo contains strong natural fiber, making it a viable, durable material for such infrastructure. This initiative, he said, could open doors to both domestic and international markets for eco-friendly safety solutions.

Toll Booths to Be Replaced with Camera-Based Smart Tolling

In a major move to decongest highways and make toll collection more efficient, Gadkari announced the phasing out of traditional toll booths. He revealed:

A 6-inch pipe fitted with high-tech cameras and scanners will replace existing toll booths.

These systems will track the exact entry and exit points of vehicles and deduct toll charges based only on the distance travelled.

This contactless system aims to eliminate long queues and reduce travel time significantly.

Four tenders are being floated to kickstart the implementation of this smart tolling technology.

With these updates, the government aims to not just enhance commuter convenience, but also align highway infrastructure with sustainable and tech-driven development.