New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Tuesday announced a first-of-its-kind Bee Corridor initiative to develop pollinator-friendly stretches along National Highways.
In a statement issued by PIB Delhi, NHAI said the initiative marked a shift from ornamental plantations to ecological development. The Bee Corridor initiative will create continuous linear stretches of bee-friendly vegetation. These stretches will include flowering trees and plants to ensure year-round nectar and pollen availability.
NHAI stated that plantations along highways offer a unique opportunity to support pollinator conservation. The authority noted that honeybees and other pollinators face rising ecological stress. This trend has affected pollination services, agricultural output and overall ecological balance.
Under the Bee Corridor initiative, NHAI will align its plantation drives with ecological objectives. The plan includes planting a mix of trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. It will also retain wild elements by allowing flowering weeds to bloom and preserving dead wood and hollow trunks that benefit pollinators.
Native species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun and Siris will be planted. Moreover, plant selection will ensure staggered flowering across seasons to maintain near-continuous blooming.
NHAI sets 40 lakh tree target under Bee Corridor initiative
Depending on agro-climatic conditions, corridors will be developed along suitable highway stretches and vacant NHAI land parcels. Field offices will identify sections where clusters of flowering trees can be planted every 500 metres to 1 km. This spacing matches the average foraging distance of honeybees and wild bees.
NHAI field offices will also develop at least three pollinator corridors during 2026–27. In total, the authority plans to plant around 40 lakh trees along National Highways in 2026–27. Significantly, about 60 percent of these plantations will fall under the Bee Corridor initiative.
NHAI stated that the initiative would enhance ecological outcomes and strengthen its commitment to environmentally responsible highway development. The authority added that the effort would support long-term pollinator conservation while integrating sustainability into infrastructure growth.
