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The Centre is working to standardise red table-top road markings on national highways passing through forest areas after a successful pilot in Madhya Pradesh. The 5 mm thick thermoplastic markings, applied across roads in wildlife zones, help slow vehicles by creating vibration and sound alerts. The trial stretch through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve has reported no wildlife deaths since installation. Despite costs being up to four times higher than regular paint, the government plans to include the measure in national highway specifications.
The central government is preparing to introduce standardised red table-top markings on national highways that pass through forest areas to improve road safety and protect wildlife. Advertisement
The proposal follows a pilot carried out by the National Highways Authority of India on a ghat section of a highway in Madhya Pradesh that cuts through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. Officials stated that since the installation of the red markings late last year, no wildlife fatalities have been recorded on that stretch.
The marking consists of a 5 mm thick thermoplastic red layer applied across the carriageway at identified wildlife crossing points and sensitive forest corridors. Unlike regular painted strips, the slightly raised surface creates vibration and audible feedback when vehicles pass over it. This encourages drivers to reduce speed gradually without sudden braking, making it suitable for highways where heavy vehicles frequently operate.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is now working with the Indian Road Congress to include this design in the national highway code for forest and eco-sensitive stretches. Once incorporated into specifications, the marking could become a standard safety feature for projects passing through core forest zones.
Officials acknowledged that the cost of applying red thermoplastic markings is up to four times higher than conventional road paint. However, for ongoing awarded projects, the additional expenditure is being managed by the Centre. The government intends to expand the use of this system to other forest highways after technical evaluation.
India has previously focused on reducing accident risks by identifying and rectifying black spots and installing safety measures such as signage, crash barriers and speed calming features. The red table-top marking adds to these efforts by specifically addressing animal-vehicle collisions, which remain a concern on highways that intersect wildlife habitats.
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