NHAI to develop first-of-its-kind ‘bee corridors’ along National Highways to boost pollinator conservation

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop pollinator, or ‘Bee Corridors’, along national highways.

Marking a shift from ornamental to ecological plantations, the Bee Corridor will feature a continuous linear stretch of bee-friendly vegetation comprising flowering trees and plants to ensure the availability of nectar and pollen throughout the year.

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Plantations along national highways present a unique opportunity to support pollinator conservation.

The initiative is expected to help reduce the growing ecological stress faced by honeybees and other pollinators, which is adversely affecting pollination services, agricultural and horticultural productivity, and the overall ecological balance.

NHAI will align its plantation activities towards the creation of dedicated pollinator, or Bee Corridors. This unique initiative will include a mix of trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses, retaining wild elements by planting nectar- and pollen-rich species, allowing flowering weeds to bloom and preserving dead wood and hollow trunks that are beneficial to pollinators.

The selection of plant species will ensure staggered flowering across different seasons to maintain a near-continuous blooming cycle throughout the year. Native species of trees and plants, including Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris, will be planted along national highways.

Depending on agro-climatic conditions and local suitability, such corridors will be developed along national highway stretches and other vacant NHAI land parcels.

NHAI field offices across the country will identify highway sections where clusters of flowering trees can be planted at intervals of approximately 500 metres to 1 km, corresponding to the average foraging distance of honeybees and wild bees. They will also plan and develop at least three pollinator corridors during 2026–27.

NHAI plans to plant around 40 lakh trees along national highways in 2026–27, of which about 60 per cent will be planted under the Bee Corridor initiative.

The Bee Corridor initiative is expected to enhance ecological outcomes, contribute to pollinator conservation, and further strengthen NHAI’s commitment to environmentally responsible national highway development.