New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a pilot project to establish cattle shelters along national highways, aiming to reduce accidents caused by stray animals.
The initiative, announced through an official statement, focuses on enhancing road safety for commuters while ensuring proper care and management of stray cattle. Shelter areas, ranging from 0.21 to 2.29 hectares, will be strategically positioned to minimise the presence of stray animals on highways.
The pilot project will be implemented across various stretches, including the Uttar Pradesh/Haryana border to the Rohna section of NH-334B along the Kharkhoda bypass, the Bhiwani-Hansi section of NH-148B at Hansi Bypass, the Kiratpur-Ner Chowk section of NH-21, and the Dangiyawas-Jajiwal section of the Jodhpur Ring Road on NH-112.
To execute this initiative, NHAI has signed an MoU with Gawar Construction Ltd. The concessionaire will construct and maintain the shelters on land provided by NHAI. Maintenance will include first aid, adequate fodder, water, and caretakers throughout the concession period.
Additionally, under its CSR programme, Gawar Construction Ltd will provide cattle ambulances to transport and treat injured stray animals and establish first-aid centres and hospitals every 50 km to offer timely medical care.
Stray cattle movement on highways has been a persistent safety concern in several states, posing risks to road users. While previous measures to address this issue were undertaken, they did not achieve the desired results due to various social and logistical challenges.
BI Bureau
