This initiative provides an important opportunity to support pollinator conservation.

National Highways to Turn Pollinator-Friendly as NHAI Unveils Bee Corridor Plan

In a pioneering move, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to develop dedicated “bee corridors” along national highways, marking a shift from purely decorative roadside plantations to ecologically focused landscaping.

The project will establish continuous stretches of vegetation designed to support pollinators year-round, with carefully selected flowering trees and plants providing a steady supply of nectar and pollen. Unlike conventional ornamental plantings, these corridors aim to maintain consistent food sources for pollinators.

According to NHAI officials, corridors will be planned along suitable highway sections and other vacant NHAI lands, taking local agro-climatic conditions into account. Trees and plants will be planted in clusters spaced roughly 500 metres to 1 km apart, matching the typical foraging range of pollinators. During 2026–27, at least three bee corridors will be developed, with around 40 lakh trees planted across national highways, 60 per cent of which will form part of this initiative.

The initiative will feature a combination of trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses, preserving wild elements by allowing weeds to bloom, while including nectar- and pollen-rich plants to support pollinators. Species will be chosen to ensure staggered flowering across seasons, supporting pollinators throughout the year. Native plants such as neem, karanj, mahua, palash, bottle brush, jamun, and siris will feature prominently.

This initiative provides an important opportunity to support pollinator conservation, helping reduce ecological stress on bees and other pollinators, which is critical for maintaining pollination services, agricultural productivity, and overall ecological balance in India.

Source: The Tribune