In an effort to enhance road safety and address the persistent challenge of stray cattle on National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a pilot project to establish cattle shelters along highway stretches. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of animal-related accidents while ensuring the humane treatment and care of stray cattle.
The pilot project will involve constructing shelters ranging from 0.21 to 2.29 hectares in size, strategically placed along specific National Highway sections. These include the UP/Haryana Border to Rohna section of NH-334B, the Bhiwani-Hansi stretch of NH-148B, the Kiratpur-Ner Chowk section of NH-21, and the Dangiyawas to Jajiwal section of NH-112 near Jodhpur.
To facilitate this initiative, NHAI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with M/s Gawar Construction Ltd., which will build and maintain these shelters on land provided by NHAI. The facilities will include provisions for first aid, fodder, water, and caretakers to ensure the well-being of the cattle.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the concessionaire will deploy cattle ambulances to transport and treat injured stray animals. First-aid centres and animal hospitals will be established to provide medical care within a 50-kilometre radius on either side of the highways. The initiative also includes enforcing the provisions of the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, to address legal aspects related to stray cattle management.
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NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav described the project as a step towards safer highways and humane cattle care, noting that it addresses a longstanding issue that has posed risks to road users. “This initiative reflects NHAI’s commitment to creating safer National Highways while fulfilling the need to care for stray cattle,” he said.
The project also seeks to resolve challenges arising from social and logistical issues, such as the unknown ownership of stray cattle, healthcare requirements during transportation, and coordination with state government agencies. The initiative aligns with directives from various state courts advocating for a holistic approach to managing stray cattle on highways.
Industry representatives have expressed support for the project. Dinesh Chandra Agrawal, President of the National Highway Builders Federation, called it a significant step towards road safety and cattle rehabilitation. Similarly, Ravinder Gawar, Director of Gawar Construction Ltd., emphasised the company’s readiness to expand this model to other projects across the country.
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