Starting January 24, 2025, the government will implement several new rules aimed at improving road safety on highways and expressways. These changes focus on clearer signage and better information to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. The New Highway Safety Guidelines promises to develop the transportation within the country. One major change is the introduction of a new signboard system. Every five kilometers, signs will display the maximum speed limit for different types of vehicles, ensuring that drivers are always aware of the speed they should maintain. These signs will […]
New Highway Safety Guidelines To Begin In 2025
Starting January 24, 2025, the government will implement several new rules aimed at improving road safety on highways and expressways. These changes focus on clearer signage and better information to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. The New Highway Safety Guidelines promises to develop the transportation within the country.
One major change is the introduction of a new signboard system. Every five kilometers, signs will display the maximum speed limit for different types of vehicles, ensuring that drivers are always aware of the speed they should maintain. These signs will include vehicle illustrations to make them clearer. The new design will also standardize the size of letters and numbers used on signs, making them easier to read and recognize.
To improve road safety, the government will also require no parking signs to be displayed every five kilometers. Improper parking on highways often causes accidents and traffic jams, so these notices aim to reduce such risks. Additionally, the signs will be placed in the middle of the road, between dividers, to ensure they are visible from both directions.
Pedestrian safety is another priority. The government will mandate signs that warn drivers about pedestrian crossings in advance. These will be placed at key locations, giving pedestrians and drivers adequate time to react. Similarly, signs will notify drivers about entry points or areas where traffic merges, helping to avoid sudden slowdowns or accidents.
With New Highway Safety Guidelines, in rumble strips, signs will be placed at least 250 meters before the strip. Also with additional signs every 150 meters, this will ensure drivers have ample warning beforehand.
The guidelines also specify uniformity in the design and placement of signs. They will be divided into three categories: mandatory signs (e.g., speed limits, no entry, height limits), warning signs (e.g., pedestrian crossings, traffic merging), and informational signs (e.g., locations of petrol stations, restaurants, rest areas). This clear classification will help drivers quickly understand the type of information being presented.
The new rules are the result of studies conducted in other countries, which showed how standardized signage improves safety and traffic flow. In response, the government formed an expert committee to develop these new guidelines, ensuring they are based on the best global practices.
However, the success of these measures will depend on implementation. Road safety expert Rohit Baluja emphasized that while guidelines are crucial, accountability is key. Determining who is responsible for maintaining and updating these signs—whether it’s the highway police, road builders, NHAI, or local authorities—will be critical in ensuring these changes lead to real improvements in safety.
The goal of these new rules is clear: reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and make highways safer for everyone. With the new system in place, drivers will have better information, leading to safer roads for all.
