Centre Plans 'Bahu Balli' Cattle Fence Along National Highways To Reduce Accidents

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is planning to implement the Bahu Balli cattle fence along national highways to prevent cattle from crossing the road and causing dangerous accidents that result in the loss of human and cattle life.

This was said by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in a series of tweets on 5 July.

A pilot project involving 1.2 meter high fence will be installed on section 23 of NH-30. The comprehensive solution will be demonstrated before Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Chhattisgarh on 7 July.

The cattle fence, constructed using bamboo, offers a fully effective and environmentally friendly solution.

The bamboo is treated with creosote oil and coated with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), making it a stronger alternative to steel.

Creosote has also been used as an insecticide, fungicide, and disinfectant. It is a common wood preservative for railroad ties and telephone poles.

The fence has a fire rating of Class 1, which is the best fire rating of materials that can be achieved. These materials do not burn well and are very unlikely to contribute fuel to a fire.

The move to install these fences will ensure passenger safety, and aligns with the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which aims to make all highways sustainable and minimise harm to wildlife and cattle, said Gadkari.