A New Era of Roads & Highways
Roads are no longer just about connectivity—they are becoming green corridors for sustainability, safety, and innovation. Across the world, and especially in India, highway projects are now being designed with an ecological lens, ensuring that infrastructure growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
What Makes a Highway “Green”?
Green highways integrate eco-friendly practices at every stage of design, construction, and maintenance. These include:
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Eco-materials: Use of recycled asphalt, fly ash, and plastic waste in pavement.
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Smart water management: Bioretention ponds, permeable pavements, and natural drainage systems.
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Biodiversity protection: Wildlife crossings and native roadside vegetation to restore habitats.
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Cleaner energy: Solar lighting, EV charging, and renewable power at toll plazas.
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Community benefits: Roadside greening, noise reduction barriers, and aesthetic landscaping.
Innovations Leading the Change
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Plastic & Recycled Roads: India has pioneered plastic-bitumen roads, reducing waste and creating durable pavements.
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Solar & Tech-Enabled Corridors: Pilot projects with solar-powered tolls, glow-in-the-dark markings, and EV-charging highways are underway globally.
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Green Barriers: NHAI’s pilot on NH-66 replaces steel with dense hedges, improving safety and reducing heat.
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Tree Plantation Drives: Under the Green Highways Policy, over 40 million trees are planned along national highways, turning them into living ecosystems.
Why It Matters
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Climate Action: Lower emissions through recycling, renewables, and carbon-absorbing landscapes.
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Safer Mobility: Wildlife corridors and green barriers reduce accidents.
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Better Communities: Roads that double up as green lungs, improving air quality and aesthetics.
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Future-Ready Transport: Infrastructure aligned with EV adoption and smart mobility.
India at the Forefront
India’s Green Highways Policy (2015) has set the stage for a nationwide transformation. With NHAI’s ongoing adoption of recycled materials, solar power, and large-scale roadside greening, the country is on track to lead the global conversation on sustainable highways.
The Road Ahead
The green highways revolution is more than an engineering challenge—it’s a commitment to building infrastructure that serves people and the planet. As innovation scales, highways will not only move vehicles but also nurture ecosystems, connect communities, and drive climate resilience.
Catch the latest insights, policies, and innovations on sustainable road building at RAHSTA Expo 2025, 3–4 September, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
