As India’s network of highways expands, a new green vision is beginning to take root alongside the roads. With the launch of its ‘Arogya Van’ initiative, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is transforming unused land along highways into vibrant stretches of medicinal tree plantations, blending infrastructure development with ecological care.
The idea behind Arogya Van is simple yet powerful: use vacant land along National Highways to restore biodiversity and create healthy ecosystems. These plantations will feature medicinal trees that naturally support pollinators, birds and small wildlife, helping strengthen the environment along busy transport corridors.
In the first phase, NHAI has drawn up an action plan for 17 land parcels spread over 62.8 hectares across multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Nearly 67,500 medicinal trees will be planted as part of this effort. Around 36 well-known species with established medicinal value—such as Neem, Amla, Imli, Jamun, Lemon, Gular and Maulsari—have been carefully selected based on the local climate and soil conditions of each region.
To ensure maximum visibility and public engagement, these plantations will be developed near toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges and major junctions. The work will follow Government of India guidelines on landscaping and tree plantation, with most planting scheduled during the monsoon season to improve survival rates. In total, about 188 hectares of vacant land have been earmarked for plantation in the coming months.
Beyond greenery, Arogya Van reflects a deeper purpose. By planting medicinal trees, NHAI is also supporting traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and helping conserve India’s rich heritage of indigenous medicinal plants. These green spaces are envisioned as living classrooms, sparking curiosity and awareness about traditional healing knowledge and sustainable lifestyles.
Through Arogya Van, highways are no longer just routes of movement—they are becoming green corridors that connect people not only to places, but also to nature, culture and healthier ways of living.
