NHAI Launches ‘Arogya Van’ Project: Medicinal Forests to Grow Along India’s Highways

In a major move towards greener and healthier infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a new initiative called ‘Arogya Van’, which will focus on planting medicinal trees along national highways across the country.

What is ‘Arogya Van’?

The ‘Arogya Van’ project aims to turn unused land along highways into green zones filled with medicinal plants and trees. These plantations will not only beautify highways but also support biodiversity and promote awareness about traditional healing systems like Ayurveda.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• 🌱 First Phase Coverage:
  17 land parcels across India covering 62.8 hectares.
• 🌳 Number of Trees:
  Around 67,462 medicinal trees will be planted.
• 📍 States Included:
  Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
• 🌿 Types of Trees:
  About 36 medicinal species including Neem, Amla, Jamun, Imli, Lemon, Gular, and Maulsari.

Where Will These Trees Be Planted?

To ensure maximum visibility and public engagement, plantations will be done near:

• Toll plazas
• Highway interchanges
• Wayside amenities
• Cloverleaf junctions
• Busy highway stretches

Why This Initiative Matters

1. Boosts Biodiversity

Medicinal plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, along with birds and small wildlife, helping restore ecological balance.

2. Promotes Traditional Medicine

The project supports India’s rich heritage of Ayurveda and natural healing systems, making people more aware of medicinal plants.

3. Improves Environmental Health

Green corridors along highways will help reduce pollution, improve air quality, and stabilize soil.

4. Educational Value

These plantations will act as living knowledge hubs, helping people learn about the uses and benefits of medicinal plants.

Future Plans

NHAI has identified an additional 188 hectares of vacant land for plantation during the upcoming monsoon season. This timing is chosen to ensure better growth and long-term survival of the plants.

Export Opportunities (High Potential Areas)

🌱 A. High-demand medicinal plants

Globally in demand:

• Ashwagandha
• Tulsi
• Neem
• Amla
• Moringa
• Turmeric (curcumin-based products)

👉 These are used in:

• Supplements
• Herbal medicines
• Cosmetics
• Functional foods

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🧪 B. Value-added products (BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY)

Currently India exports mostly raw herbs — but real profits are in Value-added products that can earn 3–10x higher margins than raw herbs.

• Herbal extracts
• Capsules / tablets
• Essential oils
• Nutraceuticals
• Herbal cosmetics

Present Domestic Market Size

India has a multi-billion dollar domestic market, and demand for medicinal plants is growing strongly due to Ayurveda revival, Immunity-focused consumption (post-COVID), Herbal cosmetics & nutraceuticals

✅ Overall herbal / medicinal plant economy

• India’s AYUSH & herbal industry is growing rapidly, driven by Ayurveda, wellness, and natural products.
• The Ayurvedic products market alone was about ₹62,600 crore (~$7.8 billion) in 2022, and is projected to reach ₹1.8 lakh crore (~$21 billion) by 2028
• The broader AYUSH ecosystem (including medicines, wellness, and services) is expected to touch $70 billion scale

✅ Raw medicinal plants demand

• Around 95% of AYUSH medicines are plant-based, meaning huge demand for medicinal raw materials 
• India uses ~960+ medicinal plant species commercially
• About 80% of rural population still depends on herbal medicine

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Present Export Market Size

India is a major supplier, but mostly exports raw materials instead of high-value finished products.

✅ Latest export numbers

• India exported ₹5,907 crore (~$689 million) worth of AYUSH & herbal products in FY2024–25
• Earlier data shows exports of around $600–630 million annually

✅ Share of raw medicinal plants

• 60–70% of exports are still raw herbs & extracts (low value) 

✅ Global position

• India holds about 17% share in global herbal trade

A Step Towards Sustainable Infrastructure

The ‘Arogya Van’ initiative reflects NHAI’s commitment to building eco-friendly infrastructure. By combining development with environmental responsibility, the project aims to create highways that are not just roads—but green, informative, and life-supporting ecosystems.

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The launch of ‘Arogya Van’ is a forward-thinking step that blends nature with infrastructure. For everyday travelers, this means greener roads, cleaner air, and a chance to reconnect with India’s traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. Stay tuned for more updates as these green corridors begin to take shape across the country.

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