In a groundbreaking step towards enhancing road safety and addressing the persistent challenge of stray cattle on National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a pilot project to build cattle shelters along key highway stretches. This initiative aims to safeguard commuters while ensuring humane care for stray animals.
Strategic Locations for Safer Highways
The pilot project includes shelters ranging from 0.21 to 2.29 hectares at strategic locations along highways, including the UP/Haryana Border to Rohna section of NH-334B, the Kharkhoda Bypass, and stretches of NH-148B, NH-21, and NH-112. These facilities will significantly reduce stray cattle presence on highways, mitigating risks of accidents.
MoU Signed for Comprehensive Care
NHAI has partnered with M/s Gawar Construction Ltd. to construct and maintain these shelters on land provided by the authority. This includes ensuring the well-being of the animals through first aid, adequate fodder, water, and round-the-clock care. As part of its CSR initiative, the concessionaire will also deploy cattle ambulances, establish first-aid centers, and build hospitals to provide timely medical care for injured animals within a 50-km radius.
Setting a Humane Benchmark
NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav highlighted the dual purpose of the initiative: enhancing commuter safety and addressing the welfare of stray animals. “This unique initiative reflects our commitment to creating a safer highway infrastructure while fulfilling a humane responsibility. It’s a step towards a holistic development approach,” he stated.
Support from Industry Leaders
Welcoming the initiative, Dinesh Chandra Agrawal, President of the National Highway Builders Federation, emphasized its importance in promoting road safety and animal welfare. Ravinder Gawar, Director of Gawar Construction Ltd., expressed readiness to extend the project across other regions, underscoring its potential as a scalable model.
A Holistic Solution to a Persistent Problem
Stray cattle on highways have long been a safety hazard. Past efforts to manage this issue faced challenges, including identifying animal ownership and providing adequate care. By integrating shelter construction, healthcare facilities, and transport solutions, NHAI’s initiative addresses these concerns comprehensively, setting a precedent for collaboration between public authorities and private entities.
With this innovative project, NHAI is not just paving safer roads but also creating a compassionate framework for managing stray cattle—a step that could inspire similar initiatives across the country.
