2 days ago

NHAI Issues Uniform Design Rules for High-Speed Highways

India is creating common rules for some very fast highways.

These roads are access-controlled, meaning vehicles can enter and leave only at planned places.

Expressways are excluded from the framework described in the first report.

The number of lanes will depend on how much traffic a road carries.

Busier roads will have wider roads or larger structures.

Roads must not have normal crossings where other roads meet them.

Drivers will receive warning signs well before exits.

Fences or concrete walls will help stop people from entering the highways illegally.

The rules also prepare corridors for barrier-less toll collection and require features such as service roads and safer pedestrian access.

India is planning a much larger high-speed road network, although the reports cite different dates for some long-term targets.

Key facts

Covered projects: Upcoming four- and six-lane greenfield and brownfield access-controlled national highways, other than expressways.
Traffic up to 15,000 vehicles: Four-lane highway, four-lane structures and a 60-metre corridor.
Traffic from 15,000 to 25,000 vehicles: Four-lane highway, six-lane structures and a 70-metre corridor.
Traffic from 25,000 to 40,000 vehicles: Six-lane highway, six-lane structures and a 70-metre corridor.
Access and signage: No at-grade intersections; access must use designed ramps, with exit signs placed 5 km, 2 km, 1 km and 500 metres in advance.
Network status: About 3,052 km of access-controlled national high-speed corridors and expressways were operational; 10,389 km had been awarded, with 4,809 km completed and 5,580 km under implementation.
Expansion targets: One report cites 18,000 km operational by 2028-29 and 26,000 km awarded by 2032-33; another cites 50,000 km by 2036-37, while the first gives 50,000 km by 2047.

financialexpress.com · 2 days ago

indianexpress.com · 2 days ago