MADHYA PRADESH: India has introduced its first “Red Road” on a stretch of National Highway 45 passing through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, marking a new approach to road safety in ecologically sensitive areas.
Developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the project is part of an approximately 11.96-kilometre wildlife corridor designed to reduce animal-vehicle collisions on highways that cut through forest zones. The red-coloured treatment has been applied on around 2 kilometres of high-risk stretches where wildlife crossings are frequent.
The Red Road is currently being implemented as a pilot project.
How the ‘Red Road’ works
The road features a bright red, slightly raised thermoplastic layer (around 5 mm thick) that acts as both a visual and physical cue for drivers. The colour stands out from standard asphalt, alerting motorists to a sensitive zone, while the textured surface creates a mild vibration when driven over. Together, these elements encourage drivers to slow down naturally, without the need for speed breakers or enforcement measures such as fines or cameras.
Part of a larger wildlife corridor
Officials have emphasised that the Red Road is only one component of a broader safety system. The corridor includes approximately 25 wildlife underpasses that allow animals to cross safely beneath the highway. In addition, protective fencing has been installed along the stretch to prevent animals from straying onto the road.
This integrated design aims to manage both driver behaviour and animal movement, addressing a long-standing issue of wildlife fatalities on highways passing through forest areas.
Need for the project
Animal-vehicle collisions have been a recurring concern in several parts of India, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh where highways intersect with forest habitats. High vehicle speeds combined with unregulated animal crossings have led to frequent accidents, posing risks to both wildlife and motorists.
The Red Road initiative is intended to reduce such incidents by introducing traffic calming measures specifically tailored for forest corridors.
Global context and design approach
Coloured road surfaces are used globally for traffic management, though India’s approach uniquely combines this with wildlife protection measures. Global studies have been shown in some cases to reduce wildlife collisions, though India-specific data is still awaited.
The design also aligns with evolving road safety concepts, including behavioural engineering and compatibility with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which rely on clear visual cues for improved navigation.
Future expansion
As a pilot project, the Red Road is currently being monitored for effectiveness. Officials say that if the model proves successful, similar designs could be implemented across other forest highways in India.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in infrastructure planning, where development is increasingly being aligned with environmental conservation.
With the introduction of the Red Road, India is taking a step towards building highways that not only improve connectivity but also protect the ecosystems they pass through.
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