NHAI Launches ‘Arogya Van’ to Develop Medicinal Green Corridors Across Highways in 11 States

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Key Highlights

• Medicinal trees along highways.

• Covers eleven states in phase one.

• Over sixty-seven thousand plantations.

• Focus on biodiversity growth.

• Supports Ayurveda awareness.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a new initiative called ‘Arogya Van’, aimed at developing medicinal plant zones along National Highways. This step focuses on using unused roadside land to plant trees with medicinal value, while also improving greenery and ecological balance.

Phase 1: 17 Locations Across 11 States

In the first phase, NHAI has prepared an action plan covering 17 land parcels spread over 62.8 hectares. Under this plan, around 67,462 medicinal trees will be planted.

The initiative will be implemented across multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.

36 Medicinal Species Selected

For this programme, NHAI has shortlisted around 36 medicinal tree species. Some key trees include neem, amla, imli, jamun, lemon, gular and maulsari.

The plantation will follow a scientific approach, where trees will be planted based on agro-climatic conditions. This will help improve plant survival and ensure long-term growth.

Focus on High-Visibility Highway Locations

To make the initiative more impactful, plantations will be carried out at important and visible highway spots such as:

• Toll plazas

• Wayside amenities

• Interchanges

• Cloverleaf junctions

• Other prominent stretches

The implementation will follow guidelines set by the Government of India for landscaping and tree plantation.

188 Hectares Identified for Monsoon Plantation

NHAI has also identified nearly 188 hectares of vacant land for plantation in the upcoming monsoon season. This timing is important, as planting during monsoon increases survival rates and supports sustainable growth.

Boosting Ecology and Supporting Traditional Medicine

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the ‘Arogya Van’ initiative aims to strengthen biodiversity along highways. Medicinal plants help support pollinators, birds and microfauna, improving the overall ecosystem.

Earlier, highway plantations mainly focused on native and avenue trees for greening. With this new approach, NHAI is adding ecological, cultural and educational value by introducing medicinal species.

The initiative also supports traditional healthcare systems like Ayurveda and helps conserve indigenous medicinal plants. These green zones will act as living repositories, spreading awareness about the importance of traditional medicinal knowledge in modern times.

A Step Towards Greener and Smarter Highways

With the launch of ‘Arogya Van’, NHAI is taking a significant step toward making India’s highways not just greener, but also more meaningful. By combining infrastructure with ecology and traditional knowledge, this initiative promises long-term environmental and social benefits.

Also Read: Delhi-Gurgaon Travel Cost Rises as NHAI Increases Toll from April 1

CMV360 Says

The ‘Arogya Van’ initiative by NHAI is a forward-looking step that combines highway development with environmental care and traditional knowledge. By planting medicinal trees across multiple states, the project will improve biodiversity, support ecosystems, and spread awareness about Ayurveda. With planned execution during the monsoon and focus on sustainability, this initiative is set to transform highways into green, informative, and eco-friendly corridors for future generations.