Lauding it as the "world's first" such installation, Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said a 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier has been set-up on the Vani-Warora Highway in Maharashtra's Vidarbh. 

Taking to Twitter, Gadkari said, “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.” 

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said this bamboo crash barrier has been christened as “Bahu Balli” adding that, “It underwent rigorous testing at various government-run institutions, such as the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore." 

"Furthermore, it 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 ministry said. 

According to an official release, "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)." 

Notably, 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. Apart from that, it is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself making it an even more significant milestone.  
 

Image courtesy: PIB