NHAI to Develop First-of-Its-Kind ‘Bee Corridors’ Along National Highways
NHAI shifts from Ornamental to Ecological Plantations
Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop dedicated pollinator or ‘Bee Corridors’ along National Highways across the country.
The initiative marks a significant shift from conventional ornamental plantations toward ecological landscaping. The proposed Bee Corridors will feature continuous linear stretches of bee-friendly vegetation comprising flowering trees and plants that ensure year-round availability of nectar and pollen.
Plantations along National Highways offer a unique opportunity to support pollinator conservation at scale. The initiative aims to address the growing ecological stress faced by honeybees and other pollinators, which has adversely affected pollination services, agricultural and horticultural productivity, and overall ecological balance.
Ecological Plantation Strategy
Under the programme, NHAI will align its plantation activities to create dedicated pollinator corridors using a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The plantations will retain natural ecological elements by encouraging nectar- and pollen-rich species, allowing flowering weeds to bloom, and preserving dead wood and hollow trunks that provide habitats for pollinators.
Plant species will be selected to ensure staggered flowering cycles across seasons, enabling near-continuous blooming throughout the year. Native species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris will be planted along National Highway stretches.
Implementation Plan
Based on agro-climatic conditions and local suitability, Bee Corridors will be developed along identified highway stretches and vacant NHAI land parcels. Field offices across the country will identify suitable sections where clusters of flowering trees will be planted at intervals of approximately 500 metres to 1 kilometre — aligned with the average foraging distance of honeybees and wild bees.
NHAI field offices have also been tasked with planning and developing at least three pollinator corridors during 2026–27.
As part of its broader green highway mission, NHAI plans to plant nearly 40 lakh trees during 2026–27, with around 60 percent of plantations to be undertaken under the Bee Corridor initiative.
Boost to Sustainable Highway Development
The Bee Corridor initiative is expected to enhance ecological outcomes, strengthen pollinator conservation, and promote biodiversity while advancing sustainable National Highway development practices in India.
