Delhi's major roads to get dedicated emergency lanes

Indian capital city Delhi's almost all major roads will soon have a dedicated emergency lane and driving on them during the time of any disaster will be a punishable offence. The Delhi Government has identified 162 roads in which emergency lanes will be reserved on the extreme right for plying of ambulance, fire-tenders and other emergency services vehicles.

An emergency public warning system will come into force under which sirens will be installed across the city and restrictions on movement of vehicles in emergency lanes will come into effect once the sirens are sounded.

Officials concerned said that in case of a disaster, sirens will be blown and immediately the dedicated lanes will have to be left for vehicles under the emergency response system, the officials said.

The emergency lanes will be painted blue and during normal days there will be no restrictions on plying of vehicles in them. Officials said countries like the US, the UK, Canada and Italy have similar emergency lanes and Delhi Government has decided to go for them as part of efforts to strengthen the disaster management system in the city.