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Most road construction projects in India are ignoring basic work zone safety norms, leading to a rise in fatal crashes, warns the India Chapter of the International Road Federation (IRF-IC). President Akhilesh Srivastava highlighted the absence of warning signs, reflective tapes, barricades, flagmen, and proper lighting at many sites, citing a deadly crash on the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway as a recent example. The IRF-IC has urged the NHAI, state PWDs, and contractors to enforce mandatory compliance with Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines, specifically IRC:SP:55-2014. These norms provide essential standards for work zone traffic management and aim to reduce preventable accidents.
Most road construction projects across India are being carried out without following basic work zone safety rules. This lack of adherence is leading to an increasing number of fatal crashes, according to the India chapter of the International Road Federation (IRF). Advertisement
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global non-profit organization that promotes the development of safer and sustainable roads. Its India Chapter (IRF-IC) has been active since February 2009, working to improve road safety and sustainability in line with its parent body's mission.
Akhilesh Srivastava, president of the IRF-India Chapter, stated that across many active construction sites, the organization has observed a lack of advance warning signs for diversions or lane closures. He also pointed out the absence of reflective tapes, barricades or cones, and poorly marked or unlit diversions. He described these issues as extremely dangerous, leading to serious accidents, especially at night. Srivastava added that there is often no deployment of flagmen and marshals, and inadequate speed calming measures in these zones.
This situation has caused a concerning rise in head-on collisions, wrong-side driving, and fatal crashes, all of which could be prevented. Srivastava cited a recent tragic incident on the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway as a clear example. A fatal head-on crash involving two vehicles occurred due to an unmarked diversion caused by ongoing roadworks. The lack of signage and lane separation led one vehicle onto the wrong side of the road, resulting in the death of both occupants.
The IRF-IC has demanded immediate action from all parties involved, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State Public Works Departments, and private road contractors. They call for mandatory compliance with IRC Work Zone Safety Guidelines. The Indian Road Congress (IRC) provides detailed guidelines on work zone traffic management (e.g., IRC:SP:55-2014), outlining best practices for safe and efficient movement in such zones. These guidelines cover advance warning, traffic control devices, and proper traffic management plans.
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