World's First Bamboo Crash Barrier Installed | UPSC Notes | Testbook.com

A significant milestone has been achieved with the development and installation of the world's first bamboo crash barrier in India. This remarkable innovation has been installed on a stretch of highway in Maharashtra. This article delves into the intriguing details of this eco-friendly and cost-effective bamboo crash barrier – a topic of interest for the IAS exam aspirants.

Essential Highlights:

• The Ministry of Road and Highways proudly announced the installation of the first-ever bamboo crash barrier in the world on the Vani-Warora Highway located in Vidarbha , Maharashtra.
• This unique 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier, aptly named Bahubali , is constructed from Bambusa Balcooa , a type of bamboo, treated with creosote oil, and coated with recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) .
• The crash barrier has successfully passed rigorous testing and was given a Class 1 rating during the Fire Rating Test conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee.
• Furthermore, it has been accredited by the Indian Road Congress , adding to its credibility.

Source: The Indian Express

An Eco-Friendly and Economical Alternative to Steel:

• The bamboo barrier boasts a recycling value of 50-70% , which is significantly higher than the 30-50% recycling value for steel barriers, as per the statement released by the Ministry of Road and Highways.
• This innovative barrier presents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly substitute for steel, opening up new avenues for the Indian bamboo industry.
• This significant accomplishment is a step towards realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat , or self-reliant India .