Few road signs, many disasters

Norms stipulated by the Indian Road Congress regarding road markings and signboards are largely neglected by authorities in Mumbai, increasing the chances of accidents

In your trips to metropolitan cities abroad, you might have noted many longitudinal, or transverse markings on the roads, warning drivers about possible dangers. These are called road markings, the essential purpose of which is to guide and control traffic on a highway. Road markings supplement traffic signs to ensure the safe movement of traffic.u00a0In Mumbai, very few roads have proper markings or road safety furniture, in compliance with the guidelines stipulated by the Indian Road Congress (IRC). This is largely responsible for the increasing number of road accidents in the city.



According to the committee report issued by the Standing Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) in 2004, a particular road section should be outsourced on contract basis for maintenance of road markings and signposts. All road furniture, like signs marking distances to destinations, traffic posts and light poles should be placed strictly in accordance with IRC guidelines. The lateral clearance stipulated by IRC should be followed. However, MiD DAY discovered that in a sorry travesty, these norms are blatantly flouted in Mumbai.

Jeetendra Gupta, member of the Road Transport Committee said, "In Mumbai, the road markings are made with poor quality paint, and fade easily. Thus the markings are either completely absent, or almost invisible, because the colours used to paint them don't last beyond a week. Due to constant friction with tyres and dirt particles, the paint fades. LBS Marg, a residential area, illustrates my point. Road markings there are shoddily done. The traffic signals there are absent. Another such road is SV Road, connecting Bandra to Borivli."

NV Merani, chairperson of the committee said, "IRC guidelines devote a separate column to road markings and speed breakers. These guidelines should be followed. The paint used should be long-lasting, so that the markings endure for at least six months." Nikhil Chawla, resident of Dadar said, "Improper road markings lead to confusion between drivers, increasing chances of accidents. Special paint should be used so markings can be seen in the dark."

The Other Side
RN Kulkarni, chief engineer, roads at BMC said, "We repaint the markings every six months on all the main roads. The accidents occur because of rough driving and negligence on part of automobile drivers. It's rarely the case that accidents occur because of invisible markings. Nonetheless, we will look into the maintenance of proper road markings and signs."