Union minister Nitin Gadkari shared pictures of the 200-metre tall bamboo crash barrier, which he said is the world’s first example of a bamboo crash barrier, made in India. The crash barrier has been installed on a highway connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts in Maharashtra, and aims to replace the existing metal-based crash barriers on roads across India. Nitin Gadkari termed the barrier as a “remarkable achievement” for the country and its bamboo sector and said that this crash barrier provides a true alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns.
In a series of tweets, Nitin Gadkari said, “An extraordinary milestone has been achieved towards achieving #AatmanirbharBharat with the development of world’s first 200 meter tall bamboo crash barrier, installed on Vani-Worora highway Is.”
an extraordinary achievement towards achieving #AatmanirbharBharat The world’s first 200 meter long bamboo crash barrier has been developed and made, which has been installed on the Vani-Worora highway. pic.twitter.com/BPEUhF7l2P
– Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 4, 2023
He further added that the bamboo crash barrier has been named as ‘Bahu Balli’, “This bamboo crash barrier, named as Bahu Balli, has undergone rigorous testing at various government-run institutes, such as the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) at Pithampur, Indore, and was rated as Class 1 during the fire rating test conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) at Roorkee. Additionally, it has also been recognized by the Indian Roads Congress. Recycled Bamboo Barrier Price is 50-70% while steel barrier is 30-50%,” the minister said in another tweet.
Talking about the manufacturing technology of crash barriers, Gadkari said that the recycling value of bamboo barriers is 50-70 per cent, while that of steel barriers is 30-50 per cent. “The bamboo species used to make this barrier is Bambusa balcoa, which has been treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Noteworthy, as this crash barrier provides a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns and their consequences,” he added. Moreover, it is a rural and agro-friendly industry in itself, which makes it an even more important milestone,” Gadkari said.