NHAI Launches India’s First ‘Bee Corridor’ Along National Highways, 40 Lakh Trees to Be Planted

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Key Highlights:

• India’s first continuous Bee Corridor along highways.

• 40 lakh trees to be planted in 2026-27.

• 60% plantation under Bee Corridor initiative.

• Native species with year-round flowering plan.

• Trees planted every 500m-1 km for bee foraging.

In a major step toward green and sustainable infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced India’s first continuous Bee Corridor along national highways. This unique initiative focuses on ecological plantation and pollinator conservation, aiming to support honeybees and other pollinators across the country.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, the project will ensure the availability of nectar and pollen throughout the year by planting carefully selected flowering species.

Focus on Ecological Plantation and Pollinator Conservation

The Bee Corridor initiative is designed to reduce ecological stress on honeybees and wild pollinators. Officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the move will help maintain a steady supply of nectar and pollen across seasons.

Pollinators play a vital role in pollination services, agricultural and horticultural productivity, and maintaining ecological balance. However, increasing environmental stress has negatively impacted their population. This initiative aims to address that challenge by creating safe and resource-rich habitats along highways.

Officials highlighted that the Bee Corridor will enhance ecological outcomes and further strengthen NHAI’s commitment to environmentally responsible national highway development.

Native Species with Staggered Blooming Plan

To ensure year-round flowering, NHAI will plant a mix of native trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The plantation plan includes species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris.

These species have been selected carefully to bloom in different seasons. This staggered flowering system will provide continuous food sources for honeybees and wild bees throughout the year.

Strategic Plantation Along Highways

The pollinator corridors will be developed along suitable highway stretches and vacant NHAI land. The selection of locations will depend on local agro-climatic conditions to ensure better survival and growth of the plants.

Trees will be planted in clusters at intervals of 500 meters to one kilometre. This spacing is aligned with the average foraging distance of honeybees and wild bees, making it easier for them to access nectar and pollen without long travel distances.

40 Lakh Trees Targeted in 2026-27

As part of its larger plantation drive, NHAI plans to plant around 40 lakh trees along national highways during the financial year 2026–27. Notably, about 60 percent of these plantations will fall under the Bee Corridor initiative.

In the current financial year, NHAI aims to establish at least three such bee-friendly corridors. This makes it a first-of-its-kind effort in India focused specifically on pollinator corridors along highways.

A Step Towards Sustainable Highway Development

By integrating ecological planning with infrastructure growth, NHAI is setting a new example in sustainable development. The Bee Corridor project not only supports biodiversity but also helps strengthen agricultural productivity and overall environmental balance.

With large-scale plantation, scientific species selection, and strategic spacing, India’s first Bee Corridor marks a significant move toward greener and more environmentally responsible national highways.

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CMV360 Says

The Bee Corridor initiative by the National Highways Authority of India marks a major step toward sustainable highway development. By planting 40 lakh trees and creating pollinator-friendly corridors, the project supports honeybees, boosts agricultural productivity, and strengthens ecological balance. With native species and scientific planning, this first-of-its-kind move combines infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility, setting a strong example for green development in India.