NHAI Launches Pilot Project To Build Cattle Shelters Along Highways For Enhanced Road Safety

In a bid to improve road safety and mitigate stray cattle-related accidents, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a pilot project to establish cattle shelters along national highways.

"This initiative aims to create a safer travel experience for commuters while ensuring care and management of stray cattle and animals found along the National Highways," stated NHAI in a press release.

The shelters, spanning areas between 0.21 and 2.29 hectares, will be strategically located to provide safe spaces for stray cattle, thereby reducing their presence on highways.

Key locations include the Uttar Pradesh-Haryana border to the Rohna section of NH-334B, the Bhiwani-Hansi section of NH-148B, the Kiratpur-Ner Chowk section of NH-21, and the Dangiyawas to Jajiwal section of the Jodhpur Ring Road on NH-112.

To implement this initiative, NHAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gawar Construction Ltd., the existing vendor.

Under the agreement, Gawar Construction will construct and maintain the shelters on land provided by NHAI. Maintenance will include the provision of first aid, adequate fodder, water, and caretakers throughout the concession period.

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the concessionaire will also deploy cattle ambulances for transporting and treating injured animals.

First-aid centres and hospitals will be established within a 50-kilometer radius on either side of the highways to ensure timely medical care. Additionally, the provisions of the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, will be enforced to manage stray cattle effectively.

NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav emphasized the significance of the project, stating, "By addressing the challenges posed by stray cattle on the national highways, this unique initiative is another step that furthers NHAI's commitment to not only create safer national highways for commuters by enhancing road safety but also fulfills a humane requirement of taking care of stray animals. I am sure that this initiative will set a new benchmark for a holistic national highway infrastructure development in the country."

Gawar Construction Ltd. Director Ravinder Gawar expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, "We are open to extending this initiative on all our NH projects and even projects awarded to other concessionaires to set up more such shelters in various regions across the country."

NHAI has long grappled with the hazards posed by stray cattle on highways.

Despite previous efforts, ancillary issues such as unknown ownership, transportation, and healthcare of stray animals hindered success.

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