Page 28 - TT July Issue for Digital Edition

ROAD SAFETY

iii) Glare Control: Lighting design should minimize
glare from luminaires to ensure driver comfort and
safety.
iv) Spacing and Mounting Height: Standards provide
recommendations for the spacing and mounting
height of light poles to achieve optimal illumination
and uniformity.
v) Energy Efficiency: While not explicitly mandated,
there is a growing emphasis on using energy-
efficient lighting solutions like LED fixtures on
National Highways.
It’s however important to note that these are general
guidelines. The final design and implementation of
lighting systems on NHs are determined by engineers
considering the specific characteristics of each
stretch, the approved detailed project report, and the
concession agreement.

Current Status of Street Lighting on
National Highways

Street lighting on National Highways in India
presents a mixed picture. A few important issues are: - Street lighting on National Highways
Extent of Coverage: in India faces a complex web of
challenges. Addressing these
a) Currently, not all National Highways in India
have street lighting. This is primarily due to poor issues requires a multi-pronged
planning, uncontrolled ribbon development, approach involving policy revisions,
budgetary constraints and prioritization based on better stakeholder coordination,
traffic volume and safety concerns. As a result, and embracing technological
focus is predominantly on high-traffic sections, advancements. This will ensure
particularly four-lane and six-lane highways. These efficient, sustainable, and secure
include areas near major cities, industrial corridors, lighting infrastructure on our Highways.
and critical junctions.
b) Many National Highways, especially two-lane ones – Lt. Col. Sunil Purohit
in rural areas, have limited or no street lighting.
This can significantly impact nighttime visibility and
safety for drivers. d) Budgetary Constraints: Limited resources allocated
Factors Influencing Lighting Decisions: for NH maintenance may restrict the expansion of
street lighting to all stretches.
a) Traffic Volume: Higher traffic volume is a major
factor influencing the decision to install street Current Challenges in operating and
lighting. Highways with heavier traffic flow are maintaining Street Lighting on National
prioritized for safety reasons. Highways:
b) Accident Rates: Accident-prone locations are often
targeted for improved lighting infrastructure to The prominent challenges highlight the gaps
enhance visibility and potentially reduce accidents. between policy and on-ground realities.
Scope Ambiguity and Cost Pressures
c) Infrastructure Projects: New highway construction
projects typically include provisions for street While the tendering system clarifies initial scope,
lighting in their design. demands for additional lighting post-bid create friction.

28 TRAFFICINFRATECH / July 2024 / www.trafficinfratech.com