The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has sanctioned a series of significant upgrades, focusing on the refurbishment of road signages and the improvement of road maintenance protocols across its jurisdiction. These initiatives, approved during a council meeting on Friday, underscore the NDMC’s commitment to modernising the city’s road network and ensuring that it adheres to the latest safety and visibility standards.
One of the key decisions made by the NDMC was the approval of a project to refurbish all road signages within its area, bringing them in line with the latest Indian Roads Congress (IRC) norms, specifically the IRC 67:2022 guidelines. These updated guidelines provide distinct specifications for urban road signages as opposed to those used on highways and expressways, with considerations for factors such as colour, font, size, and the type of reflective materials used. The new signages are designed to enhance visibility and improve safety, particularly in areas with varying traffic speeds.
Currently, the NDMC area contains 6,439 road signages, which were originally installed between 2009 and 2010 following the then-prevailing IRC 67:2001 standards. However, with the introduction of new IRC norms, these signages are now outdated. The council has identified the need for an additional 80 signages, particularly around schools, bringing the total expenditure for this comprehensive overhaul to approximately ₹18.07 crore. The NDMC plans to engage third-party contractors to execute this project, ensuring that the new signages are installed efficiently and in compliance with the latest standards. In addition to the signage refurbishment, the NDMC has also approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) to provide expert guidance on the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads within its jurisdiction.
This partnership will involve conducting visual condition surveys and road roughness measurements, which will inform the necessary maintenance and resurfacing measures. A specific focus has been placed on the North West Moti Bagh area, where roads have deteriorated significantly since they were last resurfaced in 2013. The CRRI’s involvement is expected to ensure that the most appropriate treatments are applied to these roads, enhancing their longevity and performance. Furthermore, the NDMC has approved the reconstruction of 39 roads, including prominent routes such as Sudhir Tyagi Marg, Road A block from Palika Bhawan to Ring Road, and Guru Gobind Singh Marg. This project will be carried out at an estimated cost of ₹4.96 crore, with a focus on using advanced design and technology to improve the quality and durability of these roads. NDMC staff will receive training in these new techniques, ensuring that future road maintenance is conducted to the highest standards.
Another critical component of the NDMC’s infrastructure upgrade plan is the enhancement of street lighting across the city. The council has approved the installation of 8,000 energy-efficient LED street light fittings, each equipped with individual control and monitoring capabilities. These lights will be integrated with the NDMC’s Command and Control Centre, allowing for real-time management and optimisation of street lighting, further contributing to the city’s sustainability goals. The NDMC’s comprehensive approach to upgrading road infrastructure and urban amenities reflects a broader strategy aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and enhancing the safety and efficiency of New Delhi’s road network. As these projects move forward, the collaboration with CRRI and the adoption of modern technologies are expected to set new benchmarks for urban infrastructure management in India.
