Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Saturday that a 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier has been installed on the Vani-Warora Highway connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts in Maharashtra. Gadkari hailed the installation of the barrier as a “remarkable achievement” for the country and its bamboo sector. He also called it the “world’s first” bamboo crash barrier.
According to Gadkari, the bamboo barrier offers a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns. He 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 in the making of this barrier is Bambusa Balcoa, which has been treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE).
The Union Minister said that the bamboo crash barrier, which has been christened “Bahu Balli,” underwent rigorous testing at various government-run institutions such as the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore. It was also rated as Class 1 during the Fire Rating Test conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee. Additionally, it has also been accredited by the Indian Road Congress.
Gadkari emphasized the significance of this achievement for the bamboo sector and India as a whole, saying that it offers a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns and their aftermath. Furthermore, he pointed out that the bamboo sector is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself, making this achievement an even more significant milestone.
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways lauded the efforts of the scientists, researchers, and industry experts who worked on the development and installation of the bamboo crash barrier. He said that this accomplishment towards achieving #AatmanirbharBharat is extraordinary and represents the country’s commitment to self-reliance and innovation.
Bamboo is a versatile and sustainable material that has been used for centuries in construction, furniture-making, and other industries. Its strength and durability make it an excellent alternative to wood and steel, and it is also an environmentally friendly choice due to its fast growth rate and ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The use of bamboo in infrastructure projects such as crash barriers is a relatively new development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. Bamboo barriers are lightweight, easy to install, and have a low carbon footprint. They are also more cost-effective than steel barriers and require less maintenance.
India has been at the forefront of promoting the use of bamboo in various industries, and the government has taken several initiatives to support the growth of the bamboo sector. In 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched the National Bamboo Mission to promote the cultivation and utilization of bamboo in the country.
The mission aims to increase the area under bamboo cultivation, improve the productivity of bamboo plantations, and promote the use of bamboo in various industries. It also aims to create employment opportunities in the rural sector and boost the income of farmers and artisans involved in the bamboo value chain.
The installation of the world’s first bamboo crash barrier is a significant milestone in the development of the bamboo sector in India. It showcases the country’s potential to innovate and find sustainable solutions to pressing environmental and developmental challenges.
The success of this project is expected to inspire other countries to explore the use of bamboo in infrastructure projects and promote sustainable development practices. It is also likely to create new opportunities for the bamboo industry and encourage more investment in the sector.
