NHAI to develop ‘Bee Corridor’ along National Highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop pollinator or bee corridors along National Highways, a first-of-its-kind initiative for sustainable infrastructure development in the country.

The plan is to develop at least three pollinator corridors during 2026–27 and 60% of around 40 lakh trees planted along National Highways during the year 2026–27 will be under the ‘Bee Corridor’ initiative.

The ‘Bee Corridor’ will have a continuous linear stretch of bee-friendly vegetation comprising flowering trees and plants that will ensure the availability of nectar and pollen throughout the year, the ministry of road transport and highways said on Tuesday.


“The initiative will help reduce the increasing ecological stress faced by honeybees and other pollinators, which is adversely impacting pollination services, agricultural and horticultural productivity, and overall ecological balance,” it added.

As per the ministry, the initiative will include a mix of trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses that will retain wild elements by planting nectar-and pollen-rich species, allowing flowering weeds to bloom, along with dead wood and hollow trunks that are beneficial to pollinators.

Selection of plant species will ensure staggered flowering across different seasons to maintain a near-continuous blooming cycle throughout the year. The idea is to plant native species of trees and plants, including Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris, along National Highways.

Depending upon 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 National Highway sections where clusters of flowering trees can be planted at intervals of approximately 500 meters to 1 km, corresponding to the average foraging distance of honeybees and wild bees.

The unique ‘Bee Corridor’ initiative will help enhance ecological outcomes, contribute to pollinator conservation, and further strengthen NHAI’s commitment to environmentally responsible National Highway development.