THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, MAY 19, 2026
The National Highways
Authority of India National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to launch
Odisha’s first-ever Bee Corridor project with the onset of the monsoon season
in June, marking a unique step towards integrating infrastructure development
with ecological conservation. The initiative aims to transform selected highway
stretches into thriving green habitats that support pollinators and enhance
roadside biodiversity.
Under the ambitious
plan, nearly 20,000 flowering plants will be planted along highways in
Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Dhenkanal regions of Odisha. The plantation drive
will feature a carefully curated mix of Neem, Karanj, Arjun, Kadamba, Jamun,
Tamarind, and Kanchan trees, forming a continuous green belt designed to bloom
throughout the year and sustain bee populations.
The Bee Corridor is
envisioned as a habitat-friendly stretch that will encourage honeybee activity
and support overall pollinator conservation. By providing a consistent supply
of nectar-rich flowering plants, the initiative is expected to strengthen local
ecosystems while also contributing to honey production potential in adjoining
rural areas.
Beyond its ecological
impact, the project also seeks to enhance the aesthetic appeal of national
highways, reduce roadside pollution, and promote a greener, more sustainable
transport network. Officials noted that the Bee Corridor represents a forward-looking
model where infrastructure growth and environmental stewardship move hand in
hand.