Infrastructure
From Patchwork To Policy: Centre Sets Nationwide Standards For Service Road Durability
A National Highway in Udupi district, minus service roads. This is a violation of Indian Road Congress rules which new guidelines will tackle.
In a bid to bring uniformity and ensure long-term durability in the construction of service roads along national highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued comprehensive guidelines detailing design, material, and drainage standards.
The move marks the first time that a scientific and standardised approach has been applied to service road development across India.
Until now, the absence of uniform design criteria had led to wide variations in quality, resulting in frequent deterioration and maintenance issues particularly when heavy traffic was diverted onto these roads during delays or maintenance on main carriageways.
Observing this trend, the ministry emphasised that “it is imperative that adequate capacity enhancement and design life considerations for service roads are incorporated at the initial design stage itself.”
The new guidelines outline a formula for determining the design life of service and slip roads—the duration for which they can function effectively without major reconstruction.
For flexible pavements, roads must be designed to withstand at least 20 million standard axles (MSA), even if actual calculations yield a lower value.
The specifications mandate a bituminous binder layer of at least 60 mm and a wearing course of 40 mm to prevent premature wear, potholes, and cracking.
Another major requirement is the inclusion of adequate drainage systems, conforming to IRC standards, to prevent water-logging and structural weakening.
All service roads must be completed before work begins on the main highway, ensuring that they are fit for diversions during construction and properly maintained thereafter.
The circular also advises that necessary modifications be made in Request for Proposals (RFPs) and related schedules in all projects where bids are yet to be received, while existing contracts may adopt the guidelines with approval from the competent authority.
Officials said the standardisation will enhance both safety and cost efficiency, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring seamless traffic flow during highway construction and repairs.
