India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to make India self-reliant and independent, has achieved a significant milestone with the installation of the world’s first 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier on the Vani-Warora Highway in Vidarbha, Maharashtra. Named “Bahu Balli,” the bamboo barrier provides an eco-friendly alternative to steel barriers with higher recycling value and has been accredited by the Indian Road Congress.
Bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable resource, has been used in construction for centuries due to its strength and durability. The bamboo species used to build Bahu Balli is Bambusa Balcoa, known for its strength and resistance to pests and fungi. The use of bamboo in construction has several advantages over traditional materials such as steel. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that grows quickly and can be harvested without damaging the environment. It is also lightweight and easy to transport, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, bamboo has a higher recycling value compared to steel and can be recycled into other products at the end of its life.
The Bahu Balli bamboo crash barrier has undergone rigorous testing at various government-run institutions and has been rated Class 1 during the Fire Rating Test conducted at the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee. The barrier is also resistant to impact and has been tested for load-bearing capacity, deflection, and durability. The bamboo used in the barrier has been treated with creosote oil, a wood preservative that protects the bamboo from decay and insects. The bamboo has also been coated with recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE), which provides additional protection and enhances its durability.
The installation of the Bahu Balli bamboo crash barrier on the Vani-Warora Highway has received widespread praise for its innovative use of bamboo and its potential to provide an eco-friendly alternative to steel barriers. The barrier not only offers environmental benefits but also has a higher recycling value than steel barriers. Moreover, it is resistant to impact and has undergone rigorous testing, making it a viable option for use in highways and other transportation infrastructure.