In a positive development, world’s first 200-meter-long bamboo Crash barrier has been installed on the Vani-Warora highway in Maharashtra’s Vidarbh.
Named Bahu Balli, the bamboo crash barrier underwent rigorous testing at various government-run institutions, including the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI).
During the Fire Rating Test conducted at CBRI in Roorkee, Bahu Balli was rated as Class 1.
Additionally, it has also been accredited by the Indian Road Congress, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said on Saturday (4 March).
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).
With a recycling value of 50-70 per cent, the bamboo barrier surpasses the steel barrier’s recycling value, which stands at 30-50 per cent.
According to the ministry, 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.
Furthermore, it is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself making it an even more significant milestone, the ministry said.