India's road network has grown to become the 2nd largest in the world, adding close to 34 Kms per day including state-of-the-art multi-lane national highways. As India progresses towards enhanced safety standards, high-tech vehicles equipped with ADAS features are increasingly becoming the norm rather than the exception. This evolution demands that road infrastructure and safety products evolve in tandem, fostering a synergistic ecosystem for safer and smarter mobility. From road signage to safety barriers, crash cushions, and terminals, the entire road infrastructure and safety solutions require a comprehensive overhaul to align with the changing dynamics of modern transportation.
“As our vehicles become smarter and more connected, so must our road infrastructure and supporting safety solutions. Gone are the days when every aspect of the road ecosystem was addressed in silos, leading to a fragmented mix of approaches. The need of the hour is a comprehensive strategy that integrates Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) and communication infrastructure at the core of road project design. This holistic approach will ensure seamless connectivity, enhanced safety, and a smarter mobility ecosystem,” says Ashwini Bagga, a Road Safety Expert.
He adds, “The vastness of India’s road network, coupled with challenges like maintenance, diverse terrains, and public awareness, makes the task cumbersome but not unachievable. We need to go back to the drawing board, bringing together all stakeholders to identify and implement the right solutions to support the next phase of growth in the transportation sector.”
Explaining that India has started to adopt more safer road side furniture such as impact attenuators, crash barriers/safety guardrails approach end terminals, motorcyclist protection devices and bridge parapets, Mahesh Chandra Garg, Chairman, Goodluck India Limited, says, “This furniture has been available in the global market, however the regulations and guideline were not supportive for the use of the same. In India, we still do not have IoT connected road side safety furniture.”
Garg further adds that performance tested equipment is being used now on the roads. “A full-scale crash test is conducted on the furniture where it is evaluated as per various global criterions. Natrax, first full-scale crash testing facility has opened in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh where companies in India can test their own locally designed furniture. Various guidelines like IRC 119 (Indian Roads Congress) are also under revision where safer equipment will be incorporated in the design of the roads.”
Traditionally, safety barriers and parapets were designed based on national specifications and engineering models without undergoing full-scale crash testing. These designs primarily catered to normal containment levels, such as passenger cars, and were not evaluated for vehicle impact and heavy vehicles, as well as performance under heavier or diverse traffic scenarios. However, with the evolving automotive landscape and improved road quality, there is a growing need to mandate the use of certified safety barriers that undergo rigorous full-scale crash testing. Such barriers ensure enhanced safety by accounting for the impact dynamics of various vehicles, including heavy vehicles, and adapting to modern traffic demands. “Globally more and more countries are adopting the use or European EN 1317 or US MASH and performance tested roadside furniture. Use or performance tested systems has reduced run off road accident by more than 28% in EU,” says Garg.
Reflecting on road signage that is a critical component of road infrastructure and safety solutions, Pawan Kumar Singh, Country Business Leader (Transportation & Electronics Business Group), 3M India Limited, says, “Road signs in India has transitioned from simple, text-based markers influenced by British standards during the colonial era to modern, internationally aligned systems. The most critical part of a road sign is the reflective material.”
Post-independence, the IRC introduced the first Manual on Road Signs in 1977, establishing standardised symbols and retroreflective materials for better visibility. Subsequent revisions in 2001, 2010, and 2022 brought greater alignment with global conventions like the Vienna Convention, incorporating tourism signs, urban safety signs, and provisions for high-speed roads. “Recent advancements include the use of Type XI retroreflective sheeting (evolution from Type I which uses glass bead technology in early era to Type XI sheeting uses full cube technology), digital printing technology, and emerging smart variable message signs for real-time traffic updates, reflecting India’s growing focus on road safety and technological innovation,” shares Singh.
A critical element in road signage that ensures visibility during both day and night is retroreflective sheeting. This technology works by reflecting a substantial portion of incoming light back toward its source, making the signs highly visible to drivers under various lighting conditions. This feature is particularly vital for ADAS-enabled vehicles, as their sensors can effectively detect and interpret these retroreflective signs, enabling timely responses and enhancing overall road safety.
“The growing consumer demand for safety features in vehicles is pushing the boundaries of road safety innovation. It's a two-way street – safer cars need safer roads, and vice versa. This exciting convergence of technology and infrastructure holds immense promise for a future where Indian roads are a haven for drivers and pedestrians alike,” says Rajat Mahajan, Partner, Deloitte India, adding that connected cars with ADAS functionality is becoming a norm, and that one of the prime reasons is the road infrastructure quality and breadth.
India's road network has grown to become the 2nd largest in the world, adding close to 34 Kms per day including state-of-the-art multi-lane national highways. “Despite such impressive road network, around eighty thousand people are killed in road crashes every year. More than 80% of the accidents happen due to driver negligence. Other major reasons are lack of road safety awareness and inconsistent road safety norms across national, and state highways,” says Mahajan.
While ADAS-enabled cars are set to play a pivotal role in minimizing driver error and reducing accidents, there is also significant consumer interest in features that provide real-time road safety updates. According to the Deloitte 2024 GACS report, 88% of respondents are willing to share personal information if it helps them receive road safety updates, highlighting a growing demand for smarter, connected safety solutions.
India has taken significant strides to enhance road safety infrastructure with innovative solutions like smart traffic signals that detect congestion and automatically adjust light timings, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing accidents. Some cities have gone a step further by implementing AI-powered systems to predict potential accident-prone zones, enabling proactive measures such as increased patrolling or enhanced signage to safeguard commuters.
Additionally, the government has introduced the Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD) to establish a standardised and accurate road accident data collection system nationwide. This initiative aims to identify patterns and causes of accidents, ultimately aiding in formulating data-driven strategies to improve road safety across the country.
“Improving visibility can boost road user confidence, enhance the overall user experience, and significantly improve safety,” says Singh, highlighting 3M's latest innovations in road safety. The all-weather road marking solutions ensure visibility under all weather conditions, while the Advanced Warning Pavement Marker enhances visibility and provides audible warnings in high-risk areas. Additionally, the Smart Variable Message Sign offers real-time traffic updates, including live travel times and traffic congestion information.
“Effective implementation of road signs and other traffic safety devices can enhance the safety. Mumbai – Pune Expressway & Old Mumbai – Pune Highway reported more than 50% reduction in road fatalities in last few years,” says Singh.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for certifications in the road infrastructure and road safety domain, similar to the stringent rules and certifications’ vehicles undergo, such as the BNCAP (Bharat New Car Assessment Program), GNCAP, and CMVR (Central Motor Vehicles Rules). These certifications would ensure that road infrastructure and safety solutions are aligned with evolving vehicle technologies and global benchmarks. Additionally, they would help fill the gap created by the lack of enforcement in implementing existing standards within the road infrastructure and road safety space.
