On the busy Bhopal–Jabalpur National Highway in Madhya Pradesh, a new type of road design is changing the game for wildlife. This highway stretches through the heart of the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, a dense forest home to tigers, deer, leopards, jackals and many other animals. For years, fast vehicles and limited safety features made it dangerous for animals trying to cross between different parts of the forest.

To fix this, authorities introduced a bold safety experiment: a stretch of road marked with bright red, slightly raised tabletop markings. The vivid red surface and subtle elevation catch drivers’ attention and slow vehicles naturally without harsh speed breakers. The idea is simple but powerful - alert people to the presence of animals and encourage slower, safer driving behavior.

Alongside these markings, dozens of underpasses and protective fencing guide wildlife beneath the road, letting them move between habitats without risking a collision. Early results show animals are using these safe passages, hinting that thoughtful infrastructure can protect both wildlife and drivers while keeping connectivity strong.