Ministry Of Road Transport And Highways Research Articles

Performance evaluation of nano-material stabilized pond ash as subbase layer material for roadway pavement

The power capacity of India is heavily coal based. In the session 2021–22 the overall country’s coal production has been 777.31 million tons, with 8.55% positive growth. However, the Indian coal is of lower grade with higher ash content of 24–63%. This results in the generation of 240.27 million tons of Coal Combustion Ash (CCA) during 2021–22. This huge quantity of industrial byproduct mixed with water and stored in ash lagoons in the form of Pond Ash (PA). From this stored ash deposit only 79.18% finds utilization, which by far falls short of the 100% utilization target as strictly recommended by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC). This high volume generation compounded with lower utilization of PA has been consuming about 65,000 acres of valuable land. Moreover the prolonged disposal of PA in ash lagoons causes serious environmental and health hazards. Besides, the extensive use of Conventional Granular Material (CGM) has been alarming, thus necessitating it to be condemned and strict regulations imposed in construction. Emphasis being laid on the utilization of Non-Conventional Granular Materials (NCGM) like CCA. On the basis of the above mentioned circumstances the PA can be converted into a meaningful wealth for the subbase construction of pavement foundation. Therefore, this paper primarily addresses the potential of PA as subbase layer material for roadway pavement foundation. This study utilizes virgin PA as well as in partial replacement of CGM 10%-100% by weight, being stabilized with lime 0%-14% by weight and Nano-Material (NM) 1:1:150–1:1:400 by dosage as a subbase material for the foundation of pavement. Experimental work was carried out in stages to determine the chemical composition of PA, Lime and NM, characterize the PA samples by FTIR and FESEM followed by understanding the behavior of PA with and without any addition of additives as stabilizers. The c and φ ranges 0.88–40.02 kg/cm2 and 32°-53° The soaked CBR is of 19% to as high as 79% for optimum stabilized PA mix. Terrasil and Zycobond whose pH showed alkalinity, were used as nanomaterial, which provided little to zero permeability for the mix. Slake durability test provided medium to high to very high durability for the optimum mix. A comparative analysis was performed to determine the optimum mix providing the best stability. Light Falling weight Deflectometer (LFWD) showed satisfactory deflection. The values obtained satisfied the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India.

Carpooling: Who is closest to adopting it? An investigation into the potential car-poolers among private vehicle users: A case of a developing country, India

The demand for transit is linked to a country's economic and population growth. As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), from 2009 to 2019, India witnessed an average growth rate of 9.9% per annum in registered vehicles. Even though the vehicle ownership is often viewed as a symbol of economic prosperity, the associated negative externalities (congestion, air pollution, road crashes, noise pollution, etc.) are substantial. To counter this, carpooling has been proposed as a solution globally. However, there is a paucity of literature for analysing the difference in travel characteristics of car-poolers among other private vehicle users. The present study aims to bridge this gap by comparing the demographic and travel characteristics of existing car-poolers with two-wheelers and single-occupant car users in Gurugram in the national capital region of India. Using an unsupervised machine learning clustering method (two-step cluster), the findings of the present study indicate that the profile of single-occupant car (SOC) users and car-poolers are highly distinguished from two-wheeler users. However, car-poolers have similar characteristics to single-occupant car users, except for travel cost, income level, and gender, suggesting that SOC users are potential car-poolers. A comparative study of this kind would help city planners and policymakers identify prospective car-poolers, and formulate policies to encourage SOC users to adopt carpooling and promote urban transportation sustainability.

Influence of moisture and compaction effect on volumetric and mechanical properties of bituminous mix

ABSTRACT Asphalt Institute Manual formulates different compaction levels (35, 50 and 75 blows) for three different traffic conditions Light, medium and heavy. However, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) guidelines specifies compaction level of 75 blows for all traffic conditions. The present study comprehends the influence of the combined effect of compaction and moisture condition on the volumetric and mechanical properties of bituminous mixture and to optimise the number of compaction blows depending on varying traffic conditions for different moisture conditions. The compaction levels explored for the present research are 75, 60, 50, 40 and 35 blows. Moisture conditioning is performed through dry conditioning and wet conditioning. Using Response Surface Methodology, the study intends to optimise the number of blows necessary for both dry and wet conditioning in relation to the various traffic conditions. The test results demonstrate that air voids are the most significant parameter among the volumetric properties of the bituminous mix. The maximum and minimum range of compaction blows in dry conditions for different traffic conditions ranges from 35 to 58 blows and that of wet conditions ranges from 61 to 71 blows.

Standard Operating Procedure for Assessment and Rating of National Highways based on Highway Efficiency

The transportation network and ways in which it is maintained are critical to the development of a nation. National Highways (NHs) constitute only 2.3 per cent of total road network but carry 40 per cent of road traffic in India. National Highway authority of India (NHAI) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) of India have framed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for assessment and rating of divided 4 to 6-lane NHs based on highway efficiency, highway safety, and user services for a total of 100 marks. The present study has assessed and rated a 4-lane NH based on highway efficiency carrying 45 marks. A manual survey along with videography was conducted on the Kalka-Shimla NH No. 5 to collect road features and traffic data. There are 15 parameters which will give the overall efficiency of the highway enabling one to assess where and how much each parameter is inefficient, dangerous, and deficient in certain functions. The highway got 35.92 marks out of 45 marks which is approximately 80% score indicating excellent performance of various parameters on the selected highway. The efficiency assessment of highways will not only help in prioritizing highways for maintenance and upgradation but also identify accurately the missing points.

Performance Rating of National Highways Based on Road User Perspective – A Case Study of Kalka–Shimla Highway

The road network plays the most important role in the development of India’s infrastructure. Through the initiative of rating national highways, we will be able to set standards for quality highway services, and as a result, road users will receive excellent value for their money. Moreover, better quality Indian Highways will lead to safer travel experiences and consequently result in fewer road accidents and fatalities. The effort for evaluating the roads was done by US Department of Transportation in 1950s as has been highlighted in the Highway Sufficiency Rating Manual of 1952. However, these ratings were based only on efficiency and safety parameters, completely neglecting the user perspective and services. As the road users gain access to information about products and services in real time over the internet, they are more empowered than ever before. Thus, the performance evaluation of a highway stretch must include additional aspects associated with the user experience. This paper examines the real-time problems they face along the journey. National Highway authority of India (NHAI) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) of India have framed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for assessment and rating of 4-6 lanes divided carriageway NHs based on road user perspective. Road user perspective carries a 20 per cent weightage in overall highway efficiency. A questionnaire survey was taken as part of the road user perspective study on the Kalka-Shimla NH No. 5 in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The highway scored 17.1 marks out of 20 based on users’ response, representing an 85.5% score, and indicating minor deficiencies regarding the selected highway facilities.

A Comparative Study of Cement-Treated Sub-Base and Granular Sub-Base

Abstract: It's no secret that countries around the world are fast progressing, and the infrastructure sector plays a critical role in this process. The infrastructure sector is heavily dependent on transportation. Compared to rivers, trains, airlines, and other modes of transportation, the majority of countries rely on roads and highways for transportation of all types. Crushed rock and murrum are common subbase materials for road construction in underdeveloped nations. In many locations, these materials are scarce and difficult to obtain. Fast transportation and conveyance are a top priority for India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). As a result, there is an enormous demand for building materials. The expense of producing the base layer material used in pavements, including as drilling, blasting, crushing, and transporting, makes it an expensive choice. However, when subjected to high traffic and/or strong weather, this material does not hold up. In addition, it is difficult to find in urban regions. Among the topics covered in this research are, the strength parameters of the road, total cost of construction and the time required for its construction. Comparative study of CTSB and GSB is explained in this paper. As a result, this material saves on construction costs by reducing the thickness of the crust. The Unconfined compressive strength, California bearing ratio of the cement-treated basis and sub-base is tested and results are obtained. It demonstrates that this material has superior strength and performance than that of typical materials when compared to those requirements. The CTSB methods saved the most money on construction costs of road, as evidenced by the findings. Using cement-treated foundation and sub-base instead of typical base material for road construction is shown in this paper. Keywords: Cement Treated Sub base (CTSB), Granular Sub-Base (GSB), California Bearing Ratio, Unconfined compressive Strength, Performance Analysis.

A Study on Site Selection Component of Model Logistics Park: A Case of Uttar Pradesh, India

Uttar Pradesh, India’s 4th largest state and 3rd largest economy eyeing being a One trillion-dollar economy. Among the top 5 manufacturing states of India, home to the second-highest number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (organized and unorganized) in India. The National Highways Logistics Management Limited under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India proposed Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) as an initiative to increase the capacity of Logistics Transport. India has substantial logistics expenses compared to developed nations; in 2015, this accounted for 13% of GDP in India vs 8%–10% in other countries. A crucial policy step to lower logistics costs and assist in resolving three of the five restricting constraints is the creation of MMLPs. This would support the Make in India Program, and the Defence Industrial Corridors would encourage domestic manufacturing of components for the defence and aerospace industries. By doing this, the country will import less goods and encourage export to other nations. The city of Khurja being a part of the eastern dedicated freight corridor would help to develop the city as well the region in terms of logistics and supply chain management. This thesis terms to recommend solutions for the upcoming development, and effect due of the EDFC and tend to support defence product management as one of the mega industries in India. This paper on Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) will incorporate the selection of the site of the facility and propose guidelines for site selection.

Laterite as a base and subbase material for flexible pavement – a review

Rapid economic growth is leading to ubiquitous expansion in highway projects around the world. Utilization of natural aggregate resources for the construction of flexible pavement has led to uncontrollable quarrying in the state of Kerala. The recent landslides in Kerala which took the lives of many people is the aftermath of extensive quarrying activities. Utilization of treated native soil in the structural layers (Subbase and base) of flexible pavement can widely avert the danger associated with ecological imbalance due to quarrying. The main objective of this review article is to enlighten the researchers and practicing engineers about the key advances developed in the last 10 years for utilizing native laterite soil in the base and subbase layers of flexible pavement. On the basis of various researches, laterite soil treated with lime, cement and other additives showed considerable enhancement in the compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). As stipulated by MORTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways), for a layer to be suitable as a subbase material in flexible pavement, minimum CBR value must be 30%. From the extensive review, it was found that the treated laterite soil satisfied the MORTH criteria for use as a subbase layer in flexible pavement.
 Keywords- Ferrocement, cyclic loading, flexural behavior, precast ferrocement wall, dynamic analysis, static analysis

Study to Assess the Behaviour of Cement Grouted Bituminous Mix Prepared Using Pozzolanic Grouting Material

Cement grouted bituminous mix (CGBM) is a composite mixture where cementitious grout slurry is penetrated within the air voids of an Open-graded bituminous mix (OGBM). The CGBM surface has both flexible and rigid pavement merits and is considered a semi-flexible pavement type. Further, the choice of cold mix layer of CGBM also minimises the challenges associated with conventional hot mix types. In the present study, cementitious grout slurry is prepared using cement, fly ash, silica fume, and polycarboxylic ether-based superplasticiser to make the CGBM samples. To study the effect of grouting, the prepared CGBM samples were tested in the laboratory at 1, 3, 7 and 28 days after the curing period. Compressive strength, Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, and resistance against the CGBM mix's moisture damage, improve with the increase in the curing period. CGBM mixes are less temperature susceptible and exhibit better resistance against moisture damage and abrasion loss. A trial section is constructed as per the design developed in the laboratory. The paved CGBM surface's field performance reveals that grout material is significantly improving the CGBM mix's behaviour. The evaluation of CGBM is considerably beyond the defined criterion in the Indian standards code, i.e. MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) fifth revision. Results and analysis presented in this manuscript may help the engineers to analyse the CGBM layer further.

Performance evaluation of warm mix asphalt mixture with partial inclusion of reclaimed asphalt pavement materials

Aggregate gradation has a vital role in performance characteristics of asphalt layers during the service life of pavement. In India pavement engineers adopt, aggregate gradation as recommended by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Targeting the mid-point gradation as specified in MoRTH will not promise the packing characteristics of aggregates. The source of aggregate and its satisfactory properties shall be considered during the development of aggregate gradation for asphalt mixtures. In this article a study was carried to improve the packing characteristics of aggregate gradation using Bailey method. During the next stage of study modified asphalt and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) were used with the above improved aggregate gradation, i.e. using Bailey method. The use of RAP in asphalt layers will not only solve the associated problem of landfill but also save energy and carbon emission. The base binder was modified using wax compound, Sasobit for development of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA). The physical, composition and rheological tests were carried on base and modified binders. The test result infers that, the use of modified binder reduces the release of harmful gases. The introduction of RAP in varied packing characteristics has improved in Marshall properties, tensile strength and rutting resistance. It was observed that utilization of 20% RAP with rejuvenating agent in warm mix asphalt mixes has showed remarkable performance than mix prepared with base binder.

Performance evaluation of warm mix asphalt using natural rubber modified bitumen and cashew nut shell liquid

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is an innovative technology that aims at decreasing the mixing and compaction temperature of asphalt mixtures as compared to the conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) thereby reducing harmful emissions and fuel consumption. The rubberized asphalt mixtures are found to have better physical and strength properties, but they are compacted at a higher temperature than that of conventional mixes. In this study Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), an organic additive, was added from 0.5% to 3 % by weight of the binder at an increment of 0.5 % to modify the bitumen. The optimum content of CNSL to reduce the viscosity was found to be 2% and the viscosity reduction was 44.4 % at 140°C The modified NRMB (Natural Rubber Modified Bitumen) was used to prepare Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) and a comparison of volumetric, stability and rutting characteristics of both Natural Rubber modified Hot Mix Asphalt (RHMA) and Natural Rubber modified Warm Mix Asphalt with CNSL additive (RWMA) was made. Storage stability results indicated that there was no phase separation between rubberized bitumen and additive at high temperature and will act as uniform blend at high temperatures. Dynamic Shear Rheometer test results showed that the addition of CNSL to rubberized bitumen increased the values of G*/sinδ and could improve the resistance of asphalt binder against rutting. Stability value of RWMA was 11.5 % higher than that of RHMA and rutting depth was 10.1 % less than that of RHMA. The fatigue strength results obtained from Repeated Load Testing showed that the number of cycles to failure at 20% stress level was 9.04 % more for RWMA than RHMA. All volumetric properties of both RHMA and RWMA were within the limits specified by Ministry of Road Transport and highways (MoRTH) 2013. The statistical analysis authenticates the experimental findings. ANOVA analysis for Marshall Quotient revealed that RWMA had improved compaction characteristics than RHMA and the result for rutting and fatigue strength showed that the additive CSNL and temperature had significant effect on rutting resistance and fatigue life.

Identifying Patterns of Pedestrian Crashes in Urban Metropolitan Roads in India using Association Rule Mining

Pedestrian safety is an important component of efforts to prevent road traffic injuries. Pedestrians constitute to around 22% of the total deaths occurring on the world roads. According to the recent report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, the number of pedestrian-related deaths was 15,746 (10.5%) of total persons killed in the country during the year 2016. This high proportion of mortality and severity injury among pedestrians necessitates more investigation to identify determinants to reduce crashes in the future. The present research used the Apriori algorithm of supervised association rule mining to identify the patterns of pedestrian severity injury in urban Indian metropolitan city, Chennai. Using the RADMS database of the government of Tamilnadu, vehicle-pedestrian crashes were analyzed for recent two years between 2015 and 2016. The results highlight the fact that middle-aged pedestrians are more vulnerable to road traffic crashes. Exceeding speed limits than the posted speed, especially in the highways, results in fatal crashes among pedestrians. Vehicle-pedestrian crashes are frequent at sites where there are no median separators when drivers do not respect the right of way rules. The findings of the present study will help the traffic safety professionals to understand patterns of crashes and take necessary countermeasures to decrease pedestrian injury-related crashes potentially.

Assessing the Black Spots Focused Policies for Indian National Highways

Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) is one of the leading causes of death across the globe. As per the Indian government statistics, 150,785 persons were killed and 494,624 injured in road traffic crashes in the year 2016. In the recent past Government of India has formulated policies to reduce the road traffic crashes on Indian highways with prime focus on the National Highways (NHs). One of the dimensions of these policies is the identification and rectification of black spots on NHs and State Highways (SHs). Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) provides a definition and protocol for identifying black spots, and subsequently, states have identified black spots on their NHs. Top priority has been accorded to the correction of black spots on NHs. Consequently, short-term measures such as rumble strips, reflective stickers at junctions, fixing signboard/cautionary board, providing signages and various other speed restrictions are also being used. Whereas, the long-term measures such as the construction of the vehicular underpass, by-pass, flyover, and lane widening are being taken up. This study aims to present the current scenario of the policies pertaining to black spots in the country. This study assesses the effectiveness of the policies focused on the identification and rectification of black spots on the NHs. Further, it highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the policies based on the outcomes of the audit conducted to review the road safety status on Indian Highways. This study also recommends the measures to improve the safety at black spots locations.

Condition assessment of RC beams using artificial neural networks

In this study, an imaged-based methodology for condition assessment of Reinforced Concrete (RC) road bridge components is presented. The study is divided into experiments on RC rectangular beams and scaled (1:12) T-beams, validation of numerical models for T-beams and training of corresponding artificial neural networks (ANNs). In the experimental work, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was used as a virtual sensor for data extraction. Rectangular RC beams of size 1800 mm × 150 mm × 200 mm and scaled (1:12) RC T-beams were tested under four-point flexural loading on a 100-ton dynamic testing machine. The experimental stress-strain curves obtained from the compression test on prism specimens at 28 days were used as input data for material model parameters in finite element model (FEM) software SAP2000. To assess the condition of structural components, a local damage index (LDI) was developed. Validation of FEM results with experimental results enables derivation of moment-curvature backbone curve for full-scale bridge girders, which enables further quantification of damage and residual moment capacity of full-scale bridges designed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The correlation between the experiments, simulation and ANN predictions was found to be very satisfactory.

CHALLENGES FACED IN PPP AND HAM MODEL AND THE NEED FOR AN ALTERNATIVE

Public Private Partnership Model (PPP) by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) renewal was undertaken by introduction of the hybrid annuity model (HAM) wherein government decided to share the risk of financing by contributing 40% towards the project. With the launch of this scheme more than fifty percent projects got green signal in 201617 under the HAM scheme. This work compares these two models by undertaking a questionnaire survey from the key stakeholders involved in such projects and identifies challenges & risk faced and issues pertaining to delays and success of the proposed model. The outcome from the work highlights that funding has been a major challenge faced by PPP projects and thus innovation into the model is necessary. There also seems to be a lack of transparency in the entire process which makes it riskier for the private investor. It is also concluded from the work that financial risk is predominant whether it is a PPP or HAM model and thus a search for a new sustainable model that is sustainable is essential.

Influence of Bitumen Modification and Gradation on Performance Characteristics of Asphalt Pavements

In the mix design process, as gradation has a significant effect, the selection of suitable aggregate gradation plays a vital role on the performance of the pavement during its service life. In India, many researchers and practitioners are following the midpoint blending process suggested by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. Bailey’s method of aggregate blending was developed based on the strong philosophy that the coarse aggregates form the interlocked skeleton while the fine aggregates help in subsequent packing of the aggregates in the mix. It is with this premise that the current experimental investigations were taken up to study the efficacy of bituminous concrete mixes prepared with Bailey’s blend vis-a-vis the standard mixes prepared with MoRTH’s midpoint blending guidelines. MoRTH’s Bituminous Concrete-1 mix was chosen for the current investigation. Both the mixes were prepared in strict conformity with the standards and were tested for their volumetric properties, tensile strength, resilient modulus, rut resistance and stripping properties. Additionally, a stripping nullifying strategy of adding shredded plastics to the mix was also tried during the current investigation. Mix combinations having MoRTH’s midpoint and Bailey’s blends, with and without shredded plastics, totaling to four different mixes, were prepared. These mixes were initially investigated to arrive at optimum binder as well as plastic contents using Marshall’s mix design process. Further, these optimized bituminous concrete mixtures were assessed for indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus and rutting tests which were performed under wet conditions at 50 °C. Bailey’s blended mixes with and without shredded plastics were found to be clearly outperforming the corresponding MoRTH’s mixtures with and without shredded plastics.

Analyzing dilemma driver behavior at signalized intersection under mixed traffic conditions

Intersections are important node points in the road network, ensuring safe and efficient way of maneuvering the traffic. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) reported in year 2016 that the highest number of road accidents in India happened at intersections accounting for nearly thirty seven percent (37%) of the total crashes that took place. Even though traffic signals are considered to be the most effective way of controlling the traffic, more than 4300 lost their lives at signalized intersections in India. One of the main contributing factor in traffic signal related crashes is the presence of dilemma zone, where a driver becomes indecisive whether to pass or stop at the intersection on the yellow onset. Significant amount of research has been done on the dilemma driver behavior under homogeneous traffic conditions, however little or no research has been found on mixed traffic conditions, where vehicles do vary in physical and dynamic characteristics. The main motive of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the driver behavior in dilemma zone at signalized approaches in India under mixed traffic conditions. Field data was collected at five signalized approaches using video capturing technique to investigate the driver behavior. Frame by frame manual extraction resulted in 1054 driver responses at the yellow onset and binary logistic regression model is developed to represent the observed behavior. Distance from stop line, vehicle’s approach speed and type of intersection were found to be important factors in drivers stop/go decisions. Vehicle type, which is a characteristic of mixed traffic conditions is found to have a significant impact on the driver’s decision at the onset of yellow. The insights from this study findings can be used to enhance the safety and performance of signalized intersections in developing countries.

Use of emulsion for warm mix asphalt

Abstract Due to increase in energy costs and emission problems in hot mix asphalt usually used, it brought a great interest to the researchers to develop the warm mix technology for pavement constructions. Commonly known as warm mix asphalt (WMA), it is a typical method in the bituminous paving technology, which allows production and placement of bituminous mixes at lower temperatures than that used for hot mix asphalt (HMA). The WMA involves an environmental friendly production process that utilises organic additives, chemical additives and water based technologies. The organic and chemical additives are normally very costly and still involve certain amount of environmental issues. These factors motivated the authors to take up this technology using simple, environment friendly and somewhat cost effective procedure. In this study, an attempt has been made to prepare warm mixes by first pre-coating the aggregates with medium setting bitumen emulsion (MS) and then mixing the semi-coated aggregates with VG 30 bitumen at a lower temperature than normally required. After a number of trials it was observed that mostly three mixing temperatures, namely temperatures 110 °C, 120 °C and 130 °C were appropriate to form the bituminous mixes with satisfactory homogeneity and consistency and as such were maintained throughout this study. Marshall samples for paving mixes were prepared using this procedure for dense bituminous macadam (DBM) gradings as per the specifications of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) and subsequently Marshall properties of the resultant mixes were studied with the main objective of deciding the different parameters that were considered for development of appropriate warm mix asphalt. In this study it has been observed that out of three mixing temperatures tried, the mixes prepared at 120 °C with bitumen-emulsion composition of 80B:20E for DBM warm mix, offer highest Marshall stability and highest indirect tensile strength (ITS), while satisfying the other Marshall parameters. It is also seen that the optimum binder contents for warm mixes are 5.1% with 80B:20E bitumen-emulsion composition for warm mix, prepared at 120 °C. The tensile strength ratio and retained stability parameters are also found to be reasonably satisfactory in such warm mixes, thus prepared.

DEVISING A NEW TECHNIQUE TO REDUCE HIGHWAY BARRIER ACCIDENTS

In transportation sector, the roadway transportation rank high in travel and also in reportable accidents. Nowadays, there are various changes in road network and infrastructure developments done in our country. But according to the statistical report “Road Accident in India 2012” released by the Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) the reportable accidents, injury and fatality rates were in increasing order for the past decade up to 2011 and there is only a slight decline in the year 2012. When compared with other States and Union Territories, Tamilnadu tops two in road accidents and fatalities. In these accidents a considerable amount of accidents are due to vehicle-divider and vehicle-barrier collisions. This paper suggests and devises flexible median divider using suitable polymer material, so as to reduce the risk level during median divider accidents.

The quality of police data on RTC fatalities in India

BackgroundPolice records are the major source of data on road traffic collision (RTC) deaths in India.ObjectiveTo examine the utility and quality of police data on RTC deaths available from two...