Bee Corridors, Meaning, Objective, Programme Implementation

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop Bee Corridors (pollinator corridors) along stretches of national highways in India under its sustainable infrastructure programme.

What is a Bee Corridor?

A Bee Corridor is a continuous linear stretch of flowering trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses that provide nectar and pollen throughout the year through staggered seasonal flowering patterns.

Bee Corridors Objective

The programme aims to transform ornamental roadside plantations into ecologically functional green corridors that support pollinators and strengthen environmental sustainability.

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Need for Bee Corridors

Pollinators, especially bees, are facing increasing ecological stress due to habitat loss, excessive use of pesticides, monoculture farming, and the impacts of climate change. The expansion of urban areas, highways, and industrial zones has reduced the availability of natural flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen. As pollinator populations decline, agricultural productivity and horticultural output are also affected because a large share of crops depend on insect pollination. This poses risks to food security, farmer incomes, and overall ecological balance. 

Bee Corridors Programme Implementation

• Pollinator corridors will be developed along selected highway stretches and unused NHAI land parcels.
• Flowering clusters will be planted at intervals of about 500 metres to 1 kilometre, matching the typical foraging range of bees.
• Around 40 lakh trees are proposed to be planted during 2026–27, with nearly 60% under the Bee Corridor programme. 
• In the initial phase, at least three dedicated pollinator corridors will be developed across different regions.
• The plantations will prioritise native and nectar-rich species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris.
• Natural elements like flowering weeds, dead wood, and hollow trunks will also be retained to create suitable habitats for pollinators.