IRF Flags Poor Safety Compliance in Indian Road Projects
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

IRF Flags Poor Safety Compliance in Indian Road Projects

The IRF-IC has expressed serious concerns over widespread non-compliance with basic work zone safety norms at road construction sites across the country, warning that such lapses are leading to a surge in preventable fatal accidents.

According to the IRF-IC, many ongoing road projects lack critical safety measures such as advance warning signs, reflective tapes, barricades, cones, and properly lit or marked diversions. These deficiencies, particularly dangerous at night, have resulted in a significant rise in road crashes.

“A worrying trend has emerged across construction zones, where unmarked diversions, absence of flagmen or marshals, and insufficient speed calming measures are causing fatal head-on collisions and wrong-side driving incidents,” said Akhilesh Srivastava, President of IRF-IC.

He cited a recent fatal crash on the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, where two people lost their lives due to an unmarked diversion created by ongoing roadworks. The absence of proper signage and lane separation caused one vehicle to veer onto the wrong side of the carriageway.

IRF-IC has called for immediate and strict enforcement of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Work Zone Safety Guidelines across all projects managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State PWDs, and private contractors.

The federation urged authorities to conduct mandatory safety audits before, during, and after construction phases, and to make work zone plans, diversion maps, and timelines publicly available. It also recommended implementing strict penalties and criminal accountability in cases of fatalities arising from such safety violations.

New source: The Week

The IRF-IC has expressed serious concerns over widespread non-compliance with basic work zone safety norms at road construction sites across the country, warning that such lapses are leading to a surge in preventable fatal accidents.According to the IRF-IC, many ongoing road projects lack critical safety measures such as advance warning signs, reflective tapes, barricades, cones, and properly lit or marked diversions. These deficiencies, particularly dangerous at night, have resulted in a significant rise in road crashes.“A worrying trend has emerged across construction zones, where unmarked diversions, absence of flagmen or marshals, and insufficient speed calming measures are causing fatal head-on collisions and wrong-side driving incidents,” said Akhilesh Srivastava, President of IRF-IC.He cited a recent fatal crash on the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, where two people lost their lives due to an unmarked diversion created by ongoing roadworks. The absence of proper signage and lane separation caused one vehicle to veer onto the wrong side of the carriageway.IRF-IC has called for immediate and strict enforcement of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Work Zone Safety Guidelines across all projects managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State PWDs, and private contractors.The federation urged authorities to conduct mandatory safety audits before, during, and after construction phases, and to make work zone plans, diversion maps, and timelines publicly available. It also recommended implementing strict penalties and criminal accountability in cases of fatalities arising from such safety violations.New source: The Week

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement