From the Editor’s Desk Towards Sustainable Action Plan for Safety of Road Users Dear Stakeholders, Road is a ‘public asset’ and every individual is a stakeholder. Road users’ perceptual degree of observance of self discipline is one of the paramount factors which contributes to the extent of severity of road accident. Nearly 80 percent of roads accidents are attributed to the human error of momentary judgement (primarily drivers and occasionally vulnerable road users i.e. pedestrians, cyclist, rickshaw/cart pullers) which is observed to be directly proportional to the degree of mental stress/anxiety of the road user. The primary human error of omission/commission is observed to be over speeding. Overloading, an economic constraint and deficient road geometry, mainly lack of setback/sight distance are among the other reasons causing accidents. In our country, over 70 percent victims of road casualty are venerable roads users. The alarming rate of road accidents in India, not only causing nearing 1.4 lakh deaths every year but also costing to public exchequer nearly what we are spending annually on education. The traffic scenario in India is unique and a cause of serious concern. The vast variance in geographical and socio- economic conditions (results perceptual variance); disproportionality of growth of human/vehicle population density and pace of road development (increasing traffic congestion); mixed nature of slow; fast and non-mechanized/ pedestrians traffic; limited resources to maintain sustainably essential road safety furniture are the state specific constraints which restrict us to replicate and adapt the best practices being followed by the developed world. For user point of view, road traffic can be divided into two categories (i) urban traffic and (ii) country side (non-urban) traffic. About two thirds of the road accidents occur on non-urban roads. The responsibility for development & maintenance and traffic management of roads within urban limits is within the domain of State Governments/Local Municipal Bodies, whereas the responsibility for development & maintenance and sustainability of free flow of traffic of non-urban NH stretches falls on the Central Government. It is regretful that in India, there are hardly any emphasis on research/studies to assess the behavioural aspect of different categories of road users, especially the vulnerable road users. Realizing the fact that more than 90 percent loss of lives in road accidents occur in developing world which has less than half of the world’s vehicles, the UN has declared a ‘Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020’. Hon’ble Supreme Court of India taking into cognizance the state of affairs on the traffic scenario, in the matter of a civil (writ) petition in its judgement dated 22.04.2014 has constituted a three-member committee under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan, Supreme Court of India to monitor the progress in the matter and directed the Government of India to expedite the necessary amendments by legislature in its “collective wisdom”. As a landmark initiative to provide emergency assistance to the accident victims during “Golden Hour” (within first 48 hours), the Government of India has already taken up a scheme of cashless treatment for accident victim(s) in the empanelled hospital (including trauma centers/super speciality hospitals) on (i) Gurgaon-Jaipur, NH-8 (ii) Vadodara-Mumbai, NH-8 and (iii) Ranchi-Mahulia, NH-33 sectors. A helpline, Toll free No.1033 is activated. Under the scheme, Emergency Medical Ambulances Service (EMAS) @ 20 km equipped with advance life support and fitted with GPS device and control room is provided by the insurance company. Further, in comprehensive overhauling of MV Act, the Government has drafted MV (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and put in public domain for suggestions (www.morth.nic.in). In order to take into cognizance the best practices in the world and to pool our collective wisdom, the IRC is organising an International Conference on “Road Safety Scenario in India and Way Forward” at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 29-30 November, 2014. I would like to appeal to all our fraternity to join in this event and endeavour and to share their experience and wisdom in this noble cause of saving avoidable loss of lives and injury due to road accidents and identify an implementable and sustainable Road Safety Action Plan. S.S. Nahar Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 25th September, 2014 Email : [email protected]
2 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, October 2014 From the Editor’s Desk Does Acts and Verdict(s) framed for public good reach the common man purposefully? Enhancing Public Awareness Dear Readers, on account of the fact that once life to 6 months, or with is lost, the status quo ante cannot be fine which may extend This has a reference to the landmark restored as resurrection is beyond the to Rs.1,000/- or with Verdict dated 28.08.1989 of the capacity of man. both. Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (DB) in the matter of a writ petition in public • This decision shall be published in 4. The basic question, interest filed by a human right activist all journals reporting decisions of whether the aforesaid Pt. Parmanand Katara on the basis of this Court and adequate publicity Verdict/Government directives framed newspaper report concerning the death highlighting these aspects should be for helping accident victims could reach of a scooterist, who was knocked down given by the national media as also the common man actually remained by a speeding car. through the Doordarshan and the All unanswered. I experienced a jerk (website: http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/ India Radio. when a social periodic program named imgs1.aspx?filename=7839) ‘Mumkin Hai’ anchored by one of the • The Code of Medical Ethics illustrious film stars was telecast on a TV 2. The Hon’ble Supreme Court had framed by the Medical Council was channel, where the help to road accident inter alia observed: rd approved on 23 October, 1970. victim was being discussed in detail. • The Petitioner prayed for directions This only reveals an unfortunate Possibly many of us may have viewed that every injured citizen brought state of affairs where the decisions the program. It was disheartening to for medical treatment should are taken at the higher level good see that there was hardly anyone in the instantaneously be given medical intentioned and for public good live telecast who was aware about the aid to preserve life and thereafter the but unfortunately do not reach the exemption from the legal formalities to procedural criminal law should be common man and it only remains a the person providing such a help to the allowed to operate in order to avoid text good to read and attractive to road accident victim pronounced by the negligent death. It is clear that there quote. highest Court of our land over 25 years is no legal impediment for a medical 3. Following the aforesaid Supreme ago. professional when he is called Court Verdict dated 28.08.1989, upon or requested to attend to an 5. The vital issue arises as to how to the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) was injured person needing his medical improve the implementation mechanism amended in 1994, to make it mandatory assistance immediately. There is also and what is the way forward to enhance on the part of both the driver/owner of no doubt that the effort to save the public awareness. the vehicle to take the accident victim person should be the top priority not to the nearest doctor, and the doctor to 6. In order to take into cognizance the only of the medical professional but treat the victim without waiting for any challenges being faced in enhancing even of the police or any other citizen formalities. Section 134 of MVA states road safety and to pool our collective who happens to be connected with that driver and/or the person in-charge of wisdom, the IRC in collaboration with the matter or who happens to notice the motor vehicle responsible for a road the World Road Association; the World such an incident or a situation. accident is required to take all reasonable Bank; Japan International Cooperation • on behalf of Union of India, it was steps to secure medical attention for the Agency (JICA); International Road submitted that there are no provisions injured person by conveying him to the Federation and ADB is organizing an in the Indian Penal Code, Criminal nearest medical practitioner or hospital, International Conference on “Road Procedure Code, Motor Vehicles Act unless it is not practicable to do so on Safety Scenario in India and Way etc. which prevents Doctors from account of mob fury or any other reason Forward” at Vigyan Bhavan, New promptly attending seriously injured beyond his control. Under Section 187 of Delhi on 29-30 November, 2014 persons and accident case before the MVA, whoever fails to comply with the (Saturday & Sunday). arrival of Police and their taking into provisions of the clauses of Section 134, 7. I would like to appeal to all our cognizance of such cases, preparation shall be punishable with imprisonment fraternity to join in this endeavour and of F.I.R. and other formalities by the for a term which may extend to 3 months, to share their experience and wisdom in Police. or with fine which may extend to Rs 500/- this noble cause of saving avoidable loss • There can be no second opinion or with both. If it is the second time for of lives and injury due to road accidents that preservation of human life is of the person concerned, then the penalty is and identify an implementable and paramount importance. That is so harsher. The imprisonment may extend sustainable Road Safety Action Plan. (S.S. Nahar) Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 21st October, 2014 E-mail: [email protected]
2 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, November 2014 From the Editor’s Desk Dedicated Safety Directorate in Highway Construction: A Way Forward
S.S. Nahar
Dear Readers, Road network in India is the second largest in the World. It plays a significant role in driving economic growth of the country, only flexible mode of transportation provide door to door service to passengers and freight, across the country. The traffic demands are rapidly growing without commensurate upgradation of road network consistent with modern times. Presently, Highway Safety Audit is disjointed efforts. It is considered to be inevitable to place a dedicated battery of officers and staff with right orientation and attitude to discharge the safety related functions to the desired level of service at each and every level of highway projects right from the conception of the project to the level of implementation at site and during operation as well. Safety of road users is becoming over-Arching concern globally and the trend is to statutorily ensure that safety is accorded highest priority. It is important to note that in the present scenario, it is ill-equipped to undertake such over-Arching measures for safety unless a clear dedicated line of funding including with the support of Government exchequer is created upfront, without such a programme, the overall road safety programme will be non-starter. It is therefore considered to present a strong case for urgent need for setting up a statutory dedicated Safety Directorate under the Government independent of Road Development Directorate General with the well defined objectives and functions having statutory powers keeping in view the goal of ‘zero tolerance’ of accidents. The structure of the contemplated Safety Directorate should have representation at the highest level of all key functions, special officers having expertise in Highway Safety Audit, persons having distinguished track record in road safety related research. The Safety Directorate comprised of Secretary level Director General, proposed three to four eminent road safety experts zone wise with full-fledged Secretariat at apex level and field units at regional level in line with Regional Offices of Road Directorate/Forest & Environment Ministry to ensure the site inspection and identification to road safety and elimination of risk.
(S.S. Nahar) Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 25th November, 2014 E-mail: [email protected]
2 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, December 2014 From the Editor’s Desk
Overview of Road Accidents and Users’ Behaviour in India
S.S. Nahar
Dear Readers,
Wishing you a very happy and prosperous ‘New Year 2015’.
Road accidents are avoidable human tragedy which create a serious adverse impact on the public health, economy and in turn the society as a whole.
It is revealed that about 70% of the fatal road accidents in India occurred in the eight States only namely Uttar Pradesh (12%); Tamil Nadu (11%); Andhra Pradesh (10%); Maharashtra (10%); Karnataka (8%); Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh (7% each state) and Gujarat (5%).
Out of total road accidents in India, one third occurs on NHs only whereas the percentage share of NHs in the total road network in India is merely 2%. In about 45% of the road accidents LMVs (cars/jeeps about 20% and two-wheelers/auto rickshaws about 25%) are involved. The balance 55% of road accidents is attributed to the HMVs (trucks/buses/tempos etc.).
Over 80 percent vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, users of two wheeler/autorickshaw) are killed in road accidents in India. Nearly 90% of the road accidents are attributed to the drivers (human) fault leaving only 10% due to other factors like poor road geometry, lack of safety elements, poor conditions of the vehicles and bad weather etc.
It is stunning to share serious and dubious distinction that about 50% road accident victims are of the age group of less than 40 years. This is severe stigma not only to the society as a whole but irreparable loss to the nation economy as well. Perhaps, none of us has realised to the desired degree, the result of our usual casual approach towards the warranted precautionary road safety provisions to avert the avoidable loss of lives, a heinous mishap at our part.
I sincerely appeal to all readers, let us make a conscious self commitment to be equally sensitive for the road safety and play a constructive role to ensure the mandatory inclusion of the warranted road safety provisions like ensuring minimum setback distance on curves, rectification of black spots, proper sign boards (preferably solar based)/retro-reflective road marking (including solar studs) at the vulnerable locations like inter-sections/junctions etc while preparing/implementing the road maintenance and development projects.
(S.S. Nahar) Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 24th December, 2014 E-mail: [email protected]
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, January 2015 From the Editor’s Desk “Government Initiatives Towards Zero Road Crash Fatalities Vision”
S.S. Nahar Dear Readers, Government of India has declared the current decade as the “Decade of Innovation for Inclusive Growth” and the U.N. has declared this decade as the “Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011- 2020”. The focus is now being shifted on the people and services for inclusive growth and the road safety. Globally, road crashes result in fatalities of 1.3 million a year and India alone accounts for 11 percent of the global road crashes which means one fatality on our roads every four minutes. The total socio-economic loss due to reported (Police) road accidents [on account of drunken driving; over speeding; mental stress and fatigueness; excessive VOC (Vehicle Operating Cost) due to extra wear and tears on bad roads (warrant much higher maintenance) and fuel wastage (loss of foreign exchequer); stray/wild animals movement across roads; overloading; drivers of commercial vehicle resulting drug trafficking, communicable diseases etc.] is estimated at 4% of GDP which indeed anticipated to be nearing double, dubious distinction. In order to reduce accidents and to achieve ultimate aim of zero road crash fatalities, the following key initiatives have been taken by the Govt. : i. Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014 in amendment to Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 as already been introduced in the Parliament. ii. Prompt and appropriate medical care during “Golden Hour”, and thereby reduce fatalities in road accidents. A Toll free No. 1033 and 24 x 7 x 365 Call Centre has been setup to receive reports of accidents, deploy nearest ambulance and alert local police authorities, hospital and Road Safety Volunteers. iii. Mandatory Road Safety Audit for externally aided and PPP Road Projects. iv. Programme on road safety training, education, driving instructions, traffic regulations aware- ness and improvement of both active and passive vehicle safety features and strict enforcement of Traffic regulations in State capitals and major cities. v. Programmes on setting up use-in vehicle’s Inspection and Maintenance centres. vi. Support IRC in updating of road safety codes and standards with technical assistance of World Bank. I sincerely look forward kind support in its “Collective Wisdom” to identify a Sustainable Road Safety Action Plan.
(S.S. Nahar) Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 16th January, 2015 E-mail: [email protected]
2 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, February 2015 From the Editor’s Desk
VEHICULAR DESIGN STANDARDS AND ROAD SAFETY
S.S. Nahar Dear Readers, Road Safety forms an integral part of road engineering; traffic management and public awareness; vehicular design standards and regulation thereof; medical care; insurance cover and compensation and research using modern technology and scientific approach particularly in crash investigations and human behaviour. To improve the entire transport system including enhancing road safety and awareness and bringing harmony in coordination among the different agencies, introduction of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in a mission mode is inevitable. The most important factor affecting the vehicular safety design is considered to be that energy of crash is related to square of velocity and therefore it is essential to improve both crash avoidance (active safety) and crash protection (passive safety) in vehicle design. The following crash avoidance/protection measures are recommended to be made mandatory to ensure the road safety: i) Intelligent Speed Adaption (ISA)/Speed governors for heavy/commercial vehicles in line with the enactment in European union countries through a directive mandated to all commercial vehicles greater than 3.5 tonnes. ii) Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) iii) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) iv) Forward/Reverse Collision Warning System v) Child Restraint System vi) Lane keeping Devices vii) Adaptive Cruise Control viii) Retrofitting vehicles with blind spot mirrors/cameras ix) Electronic stability while on Speed or Steering behaviour when driving through narrow curves x) Fatigue Warning xi) Driver’s seat belt reminders Retrofitment of under-run protection devices on in-use commercial vehicles (trucks, buses), observed to be essential. Besides, Inspector’s certification of vehicles for road worthiness warranted to be made automated so as to reduce the human intervention to the bare minimum level.
Place : New Delhi (S.S. Nahar) Dated : 24th February, 2015 Secretary General
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, March 2015 From the Editor’s Desk Some Essential Measures Warranted in Road Crash Prevention
S.S. Nahar Dear Readers, The severity of road crash primarily depends upon degree of over-speed (driver’s state of mind) and design of vehicle besides other contributory factors like road condition, weather, unexpected hindrance(s) etc. It is observed that in event of crash at speed of 30 km per hour or less, pedestrian have 90% chances of survival but in case of crash at speed of 45 km per hour or more, the chances of survival remain to be 50% or less. With the improvement of technology, it has been realized that apart of frame and material type, zoning is essential to enhance safety performance of vehicle. The crash worthiness of a vehicle depends upon the structural strength and restraint system. In case of rollover, the strength of cabin roof plays vital role. The restraint force per unit of weight (strength of roof) is the measure of the strength to weight ratio. Managing the release of kinetic energy of vehicle in the event of crash to minimize the intrusion is of vital importance in order to diminish chances of loss of life and property. In order to bring down the rate of fatalities, multiple air bags inside the vehicle, pre-tensioning devices in the seat belt lock and tightening the belt webbing and besides foolproof testing for frontal/side crash, rollover and whiplash of vehicles are recommended to be mandated. Besides, in order to ensure the positioning of vehicle within safe driving zone, provision of crash barriers and blinkers (preferably solar based) at hazardous locations like school, hospitals, zebra-crossings, inter-changes, blind curves, ramps to fly-overs/high embankments etc. are recommended to be mandated for identification through safety audit.
“A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society”. Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Place : New Delhi (S.S. Nahar) Dated : 25th March, 2015 Secretary General
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, April 2015 From the Editor’s Desk NEGLECT OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE, THE INDISPENSABLE PUBLIC ASSET
S.S. Nahar Dear Readers, Amongst the three foremost vogue responsible for the current state of the Indian road network, the first one is a gradual but persistent mode shift in India from rail to roads. The share of road as compared to the Railways is almost reversed after independence. The rail carried 85% of goods traffic and 51% of passenger traffic which has declined to 23% and 13%, respectively during last six decades. The second, with rising GDP, demand for automotive and freight travel has grown rapidly and consistently. In the first five decades, the overall size of the vehicle fleet in India expanded from 300 thousand to 12.5 million, a 42-fold increase and the size of the truck fleet grew from 82 thousand to 2.64 million, a 32-fold gain. With the economic liberalization in 1990s, the annual growth in road goods and passenger freight has been nearly 12% and 8%, respectively. The third, despite the stunning growth in road transport demand, investment in new highway capacity has been anemic. As a consequence, it is not only the socio-economic growth which has been adversely affected but India has also attained a dubious distinction of having 11% of the global road crashes. On an average, India is having one fatality at every four minutes on our roads. The socio-economic loss on account of road casualties alone (primary factors: over speeding incline to fuel wastage/loss of foreign exchequer as well; drunken driving; mental stress; fatigueness; overloading incline to high maintenance of vehicle/roads) apportioned to be nearly 4% of GDP. Our policy approach of redistribution resulted limited improvements in growth and poverty reduction with relatively little impact on income distribution. It is scary that momentum on robust, sustained growth and distribution policy approach is yet to take place in want of sustainable resolution of two chronic impediments namely acquisition of land, primarily the state subject and mode of investment (warranted to be in socialistic pattern) in harmony to the constitutional provision under Directive Principles of State Policy, the suggested way forward. Sincere efforts are indispensable to recognize the potential of Metro Man, Mr. Sreedharan in Highway Sector.
“ ”
Place : New Delhi (S.S. Nahar) Dated : 27th April, 2015 Secretary General E-mail: [email protected]
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, May 2015 From the Editor’s Desk ROAD TRANSPORT AND SAFETY BILL, 2014 AT A GLANCE - WAY FORWARD TOWARDS ZERO ROAD CRASH FATALITIES VISION
S.S. Nahar Dear Readers, Govt. of India with the objective of saving two lakh lives in the first five years and to increase national GDP by 4% by improving safety and efficiency of road transport has introduced the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014 in the Parliament in amendment to The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Following are some key initiatives proposed (gist only) in the Bill:
Provision(s) *The Motor Vehicle Act, Offence S. No. Regulation(s) 1988 (existing) Penalty (Violation) **The Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014(proposed) Safer Road User By Notification and traffic Excessive speed Fine upto Rs 1,000/- signs (Sec.* 112) (Sec.* 183) LMV: Fine Rs5,000/- to Rs12,500/- (on 1st offence - varying ranges); Fine Rs25,000/-; suspension of license (two weeks to six 1. Limits of Speed Excessive speed months) and compulsory training (on subsequent offence) By Notification and traffic (varying ranges) signs (Secs.** 201, 202, 203) HMV: Fine Rs10,000/- to Rs25,000/- (on 1st offence - (Sec.** 299) varying ranges); Fine @ Rs50,000/-; suspension of license (three weeks to six months) and compulsory training (on subsequent offence) On written consent only (Sec.* Sec.* 189 Imprisonment upto one month or Fine upto Rs500/- or both 189) Racing and Trials of 2. Fine Rs10,000/- (1st offence); Rs15,000/- Speed On written consent only Sec.** 315 (2nd offence); Rs25,000/- (subsequent offence) and (Sec.** 207) imprisonment upto two weeks Imprisonment upto six months or Fine upto Rs2,000/- or both. Permissible limit [30 mg/ Sec.* 185 If committed within three years, imprisonment upto two years 100 ml of blood (Sec.* 185)] or Fine upto Rs3,000/- or both Driving under the 3. influence of alcohol Fine Rs15,000/- on repeat upto Rs50,000/-or imprisonment and drugs Permissible limit [30 mg/ Sec.**301 (six months) on repeat upto three years; suspension of license 100 ml of blood (Sec.** 208)] (six months to one year/cancellation)
Mandatory except turban- Sec.*179 Fine upto Rs500/- wearing Sikhs (Sec.* 129) Wearing protective 4. Headgear Mandatory except turban- wearing Sikhs (Secs.** 186 Sec.** 309 Fine Rs2,500/- & 188) - - - Seat belt 5. Mandatory (Secs.** 194, 195 Sec.** 308 Fine Rs5,000/- & 198)
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, jUNE 2015 EDITORIAL
Mandatory Imprisonment upto three months or Fine upto Rs500/- or Sec.* 181 (Secs.* 3 & 4) both 6. Driving License Mandatory Fine Rs15,000/- to Rs25,000/- or imprisonment (three [Secs.** 62 & 63 Sec.**290 months) or both (automated & unified)] Fine upto Rs100/- (1st offence) & Mandatory to obey (Sec.* 119) Sec.* 177 Rs300/- (subsequent offence) st Mandatory Traffic Fine: Rs5,000/- (1 offence); 7. Signal Rs 10,000/- (2nd offence); Mandatory to obey Sec.**306 Rs15,000/- (3rd offence) & one month license suspension and compulsory training Compensation: Rs50,000/- (on death); Sec.* 140 Sec.* 140 Rs25,000/- (on permanent disablement) Liability without fault Fine: Rs 1,00,000/- and imprisonment four years (on death); 8. in certain cases Secs.** Rs3,00,000/- and imprisonment not less than seven years 302 & 324 (on death of child) Rs1,00,000/- and imprisonment two years (on injury) Logistics By issue of permit Fine: Min. Rs2,000/- + Rs1,000/- per Sec.* 194 (Secs.* 113, 114 & 115) Tonne excess + offloading charges 9. Limits of Weight Fine: Rs10,000/- (two-wheeler); By issue of permit Sec.** 304 Rs25,000/- to Rs 50,000/- (LMV owner/consignor); (Secs.** 215, 216 & 217) Rs50,000/- (HMV owner/consignor) Under notified Rules Fine: Rs1,000/- (1st offence); Sec.* 182A Construction and (Secs.* 109, 110 & 111) Rs5,000/- (subsequent offence) 10. Maintenance of As per Code Vehicles Sec.** 292 Fine: Rs5,00,000/- or imprisonment of three months or both (Sec.** 38) Fine: Rs2,000/-to Rs5,000/- (1st offence); Mandatory Rs5,000/- to Rs10,000/- + Sec.* 192 (Secs.* 39, 40 & 41) imprisonment upto one year 11. Vehicle Registration (subsequent offence) Fine: Rs25,000/- (1st offence); Mandatory Sec.** 294 Rs50,000/- (subsequent offence) (Secs.**85 & 88) Rs1,00,000/- (delivering without registration) Insurance Mandatory Imprisonment upto three months or Fine upto Rs1,000/- or Sec.* 196 (Sec.* 146) both 12. Insurance Fine: Rs10,000/- (two-wheeler); Mandatory Sec.** 305 Rs25,000/- (LMV); (Sec.** 229) Rs75,000/- (others) * Source: e-site :www.tn.gov.in/sta/Mvact1988.pdf ** Source: e-site: www.prsindia.org/downloads/draft-bills/ It is construed that means to realize the desired objective(s) warranted to be preventive in nature being virtually with no side effect. In pursuance to the spirit of preamble of our constitution and in recognition of indispensable Indian diversified socio-economic structure, the preventive approach becomes imperative. We are sincerely looking forward your worthy outlook, if any, a valued substance in our endeavor towards “collective wisdom” to identify a sustainable Road Safety Action Plan. “Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached” : Swami Vivekananda Place : New Delhi (Sajjan Singh Nahar) Dated : 27th May, 2015 Secretary General E-mail: [email protected]
INDIAN HIGHWAYS, jUNE 2015 5 From the Editor’s Desk Insertion of Social Cost, an Indispensable Prerequisite for Infrastructure Projects
S.S. Nahar Dear Readers,
Adverse impact of infrastructure projects on environment is an externality, which imposes a social cost and needs to be internalized. The cost at which projects are constructed do not reflect the real cost, which the Society pays in terms of adverse impact on human health, the natural environment and biodiversity. There is adverse impact of projects of environment in term of hazards to human health due to exposure to pollutions of various kinds, damage to eco system and biodiversity due to interference with the eco system, reduced opportunities to posterity due to faster depletion of resources, contribution to climate change and global warming caused by emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), loss of agricultural output due to degradation of land and shrinking arable area, loss of livelihood to persons and communities due to their displacement from project sites and involuntary relocation elsewhere, impaired social bonding due to severance of communities caused by projects, etc. The society as well as individuals suffer the costs of these externalities, but these are not factored in cost of projects, which, therefore, do not reflect their real cost. Similarly, the usage charges for the projects do not reflect the real price that needs to be paid for the use of the projects. Artificially reduced costs (and hence the price for their use) causes a spurt in demand for projects and multiplies the adverse impact on environment if the supply matches the demand. While the economists agree that these externalities have to be internalized in the project cost or project use charges a satisfactory model for this has not emerged, mainly because it is not merely a question of economics but also one of public policy, for example, reducing demand by increasing the cost or price may be counterproductive to growth.
An apt policy initiative for ensuring incentives and disincentives for mandatory use of such green technologies is warranted. It is candidly recommended that the project cost, unless includes social cost and cost of environmental safeguards is misleading and gives a false sense of economy hence needs to be declared unviable.
Place : New Delhi (Sajjan Singh Nahar) Dated : 22nd June, 2015 Secretary General E-mail: [email protected]
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, jUly 2015 From the Editor’s Desk An Attempt to pay Tribute to an Intellectual of Rarest Caliber endeavoured to make India a Global Power by 2020, Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, The People’s President
Dear Readers, ● Journey : 15.10.1931 (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu) – 27.07.2015 (IIM, shillong, Meghalaya) named Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam ● Edification : Aeronautical Engineer ● Academics/Vocation/ : Led ISRO’s indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle Prog. Eminent Scientist (SLV–III) which successfully injected the Rohini Satellite in the near earth orbit in July, 1980 and made India an exclusive member of Space Club. As Chief Executive of IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme) at DRDO responsible for developing AGNI and PRITHVI Missiles indigenously. ● Scientific Advisor/ : Led mission Pokhran-II nuclear tests which made India Principal Scientific a nuclear weapon State. Advisor to Govt. (1992-1999/2001) ● Vision/Dream : Piloted “India 2020 : A Vision for the New Millennium” a road map for transforming India into a developed nation by doubling the growth rate of GDP in integrated action on 5 core areas namely, agriculture; infrastructure (solar power, the key); education & health; IT and Strategic Technologies (nuclear/ space/defence) on construed strength of India’s core competence, natural resources and talented manpower (youth – missioned to igniting young minds by teaching and meeting, did till last breath). ● Faculty : Having unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from 30 universities and institutions ● Literary Pursuit : Household names ‘India 2020 : A Vision for the New Millennium’; ‘Wings of Fire’; ‘My Journey’ and ‘Ignited Minds – Unleashing the Power within India’
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, August 2015 EDITORIAL ● Statesman : Dedication for Welfare of Motherland and its people, his warmth humility, special love for children and youth made him people’s President, common man image, ever inspiring to people from all walk of life ● Last Wish : On his heavenly abode, no holiday rather to start working hard ● True Homage from IRC : In fulfillment of dream of the icon of nationalism read with the Fraternity to the Role observations of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Model of Patriotism in his “Mann ki Baat” Radio programme relayed on 26.07.2015 (Sunday) on ‘Road Safety Scenario’ whereas Hon’ble PM referring to remorseful situation of a scooter accident in Delhi which was left unattended for over 10 minutes, expressed serious concern over one fatality every four minutes and stated that Govt in order to provide prompt medical care during ‘golden hours’ (first 50 hours) and save the precious lives, a cashless treatment project with ambulance facility and a toll free number 1033 round the clock has already been started on ‘GQ sections’ besides endeavoring for new ‘Road Transport and Safety Bill’ coincidentally declaration of UN and GOI that the decade (2011-2020) to be observed as ‘Action for Road safety’ and ‘innovations for inclusive growth’, respectively, let us having right spirit pledge in endeavoring to ‘build road safety capacity’ at par with developed countries like Japan and China in turn to save avoidable and unaffordable socio-economic loss due to road accidents causing huge loss of GDP (reported @ 4%, actually estimated to be nearly double), a dubious distinction.
Place : New Delhi Sajjan Singh Nahar Dated : 28th July, 2015 Secretary General E-mail: [email protected]
INDIAN HIGHWAYS, August 2015 5 From the Editor’s Desk
BIOFUELS - A RAY OF HOPE IN PROVIDING ENERGY SECURITY
S.S. Nahar Dear Readers, 1. India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Energy is a critical input for socio-economic development. However, fossil fuel resources are limited which meets about 95% of the requirement for transportation fuels, and the demand has been steadily rising. The domestic crude oil is able to meet only about 23% of the demand, while the rest is met from imported crude. India’s energy security would remain vulnerable until alternative carbon neutral fuels to supplement petro-based fuels are developed based on indigenously produced renewable non-food feed stocks thus avoiding a possible conflict of fuel v/s food security. In biofuels (biodiesel and bio-ethanol), the country has a ray of hope in view of the tightening automotive vehicle emission standards to curb air pollution as well as a potential means to stimulate rural development and create employment opportunities. 2. ‘Bioethanol’ is produced from molasses a byproduct of sugar industry such as sugar containing materials, like sugar cane, sugar beet, sweet sorghum, etc. Five percent blending of ethanol with gasoline has already been taken up by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in 20 States and 4 Union Territories. In order to augment availability of ethanol, the sugar and distillery industry have been permitted to produce ethanol directly from sugarcane juice and sugar beet respectively. Bio-ethanol already enjoys concessional excise duty of 16%. 3. ‘Biodiesel’ is produced from Jatropha curcas plant seeds which are very rich in oil (40%). Jatropha curcas is being raised on degraded or wastelands i.e. unsuitable to agriculture. Biodiesel is exempted from excise duty. 4. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has already evolved a standard (IS-15607) for Bio-diesel (B 100), which is the Indian adaptation of the American Standard ASTM D-6751 and European Standard EN-14214. BIS has also published IS:2796: 2008 which covers specification for motor gasoline blended with 5% ethanol and motor gasoline blended with 10% ethanol. Rule 115E of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (7th Amendment), 2015 prescribes Mass emission standards for flex-fuel ethanol (E 85) and ethanol (ED 95) vehicles has been notified by the MORTH vide G.S.R. 412 (E) dated 19th May, 2015. 5. Draft notification on Rule 115G of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 2015 prescribes Mass emission standards for BIO-DIESEL (B 100) vehicles has been uploaded on MORTH Website (www.morth.nic.in) in inviting objections and suggestions from the public.
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, September 2015 EDITORIAL 6. Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act already allows conversion of an existing engine of a vehicle to use biofuels. Engine manufacturers would need to suitably modify the engines to ensure compatibility with biofuels, wherever necessary. 7. Intensive R&D work warranted to be undertaken in collaboration with Patanjali Yogpeet, Department of Bio-Technology (DBT), National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in the following areas: (a) Biofuel feed-stock production based on sustainable biomass with active involvement of local communities through non-edible oilseed bearing plantations on wastelands to include inter-alia production and development of quality planting materials and high sugar containing varieties of sugarcane, sweet sorghum, sugar beet, cassava, etc. (b) Advanced conversion technologies for first generation biofuels and emerging technologies for second generation biofuels including conversion of ligno-cellulosic materials to ethanol such as crop residues, forest wastes and algae, biomass-to-liquid (BTL) fuels, bio-refineries, etc. (c) Technologies for end-use applications, including modification and development of engines for the transportation sector based on a large scale centralized approach, and for stationary applications for motive power and electricity production based on a decentralized approach. (d) Utilization of by-products of bio-diesel and bio-ethanol production processes such as oil cake, glycerin, bagasse, etc. 8. Late Bharat Ratna Dr Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, staunch supporter of Jatropha cultivation for production of Bio-diesel said that out of the 600,000 Sqkm of wasteland that is available in India over 3,00,000 Sqkm are suitable for Jatropha cultivation. In fulfillment of wish of the great son of Bharat Mata Dr. Kalam to become self-reliance in energy security, indigenously produced bio-diesel/bio-ethanol is the ray of hope not only in providing energy security but also as potential means to boost rural economy, the backbone of the Indian economy in meeting their energy needs and providing job security specially to landless labourers. This is warranted to be launched as a nation mission in supplement to “Make in India” and “Swachh Bharat” flagship programs.
Place : New Delhi Sajjan Singh Nahar Dated : 26th August, 2015 Secretary General E-mail: [email protected]
INDIAN HIGHWAYS, September 2015 5 From the Editor’s Desk ROAD PROJECT IS UNVIABLE UNLESS IT INCLUDES INDISPENSABLE SOCIAL COSTS Dear Stakeholders, Roads and Road transport plays a critical role in social and economic development. The benefits of road infrastructure have traditionally been measured by performance criteria, like improved connectivity, travel time, speeds and fuel savings etc. The “users” are a heterogeneous mix of people of different socio-economic classes, with different needs and desires & differing needs of movement. There is a category of (non-users) of the project-people who are not the target group – who may experience an indirect impact of the project. This indirect impact is an externality of the project which is not included in the standard project cost. While they (non-users) may not be expected beneficiaries of the project, the dis-benefits accrued to them due to the project need to be assessed. International funding agencies like the World Bank and ADB advocate inclusion of social assessment in road transport projects and prioritize poverty alleviation as an objective. The projects funded by them have also focused on mobility and access needs of the poor. Hence, the project becomes important from the prospective of community benefits specially its vulnerable sections. The development of road infrastructure project imposes an enormous social cost in terms of adverse impact on human health, bio-diversity besides natural environment. To reflect the real cost of a project to society, we must consider the impact of the project on society which is an externality either positive (social benefits) or negative (social cost). The social costs include both the private costs and any other external costs to society arising out from the project. For example positive externalities could be in the form of improvement of technology and negative externalities could be in the form of pollution and destruction of ecology resulting an adverse impact on human health. Thus, when we evaluate a project (either of public or private funded) from the view point of the society (for economy) as a whole, it is called Social Cost Benefit Analysis (SCBA). SCBA is important especially for the developing countries where government plays a significant role in the economic development. The main focus of SCBA is to determine: (a) Economic benefits of the project in terms of shadow prices [the social costs in case of market failure (means where a big project is not affecting everyone but only a few) & where market prices unable to define them] (b) The impact of the project on the level of savings and investments in the society. (c) The impact of the project on the distribution of income in the society. (d) The contribution of the project towards the fulfillment of certain merit wants (self-sufficiency, employment, etc.) Non-inclusion of social costs in projects especially private funded resulted limited improvements in growth and poverty reduction with relatively little impact on income distribution contrary to the one of the constitutional goals to secure to all its citizens-justice, social and economical.
Sajjan Singh Nahar Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 27th September, 2015 E-mail: [email protected]
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, October 2015 From the Editor’s Desk SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE WITH INDISPENSABLE PARTNERSHIP OF STATE AGENCIES IS THE MOST VIABLE MODE OF PROCUREMENT OF MAJOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS
Dear Stakeholders, 1. unadventurously highway projects have since been procured on “Item Rate” mode. The responsibility for the indispensable prerequisites namely Right of Way (RoW) land free of encumbrances; shifting of utilities; removal of encroachment; environmental/forest clearances and law & order which are primarily state subjects remained to be with the authority/employer. 2. Over the decade, through Policy approach under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode of procurement of major highway projects in conglomeration of State Support Agreement (SSA) under National Highways Development Programme (NHDP), a flagship programme of Govt. of India, the concerted efforts towards the sustainable resolution of the indispensable prerequisites also could not succeed to the desired level expectations in arresting the time and cost overrun. 3. The third one, the Engineering Procurement Contract (EPC), a hybrid mode of procurement of highway projects under the extant policy approach in order to share the risk management of indispensable prerequisites with concessionaire by transferring the responsibilities of shifting of utilities and removal of encroachment on the part of concessionaire has yet to be tested the degree of success. 4. It is indeed warranted to identify the strengths and weaknesses (internal forces), opportunities and threats (external forces) of the stakeholders. The strengths and opportunities are positive forces that should be exploited to efficiently implement a project. The weaknesses and threats are hindrances that hamper project implementation. 5. Based on the experiences, it is warranted that formation of 100% owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a legal entity (usually a limited company/partnership) essentially taking on Board the concerned State Agencies and sound financial firm(s) [preferably international agencies like, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)/Banks] to overcome the chronic impediments like indispensable prerequisites and financial risk management for procurement and execution of the major highway projects on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis being in harmony to the constitutional provision under Directive Principles of State Policy, the suggested way forward. “Failure comes only when we forget our ideals and objectives and principles.” ----- Bharat Ratna, Jawaharlal Nehru
Sajjan Singh Nahar Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 27th October, 2015 E-mail: [email protected]
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, November 2015 From the Editor’s Desk Role of Road & Road Transportation Sector in Green house Gases (GHG) Mitigation: Suggested Way Forward
S.S. Nahar Dear Stakeholders, Considering requisite consumption of stone aggregates, bitumen, cement and steel, fully non-renewable minerals in such a large quantities in construction and maintenance of Road network in the country would likely to offer irreparable damage to the environment and contribute to global warming caused by GHG emission, it is envisaged that India should be the lead country in earning carbon credit by introducing some of inescapable following suggested way forward in addition to the policy initiatives taken by the Govt. which includes (i) introduction of bio-diesel & bio-ethanol fuel (ii) the recent decision for implementation of Bharat Stages (BS) – V & VI emission norms for vehicles w.e.f. 2019 & 2023 respectively, a year ahead the road map laid in the Auto Fuel Vision & Policy, 2025 and (iii) use of waste plastic in bituminous mix shall be the default mode for Periodical Renewal (PR) works with in 50 kms periphery of urban areas having population more than 5 lakhs: 1. It is warranted to mandate the diesel engine fitted vehicles to be phased out with clean (bio/ethanol) fuel in time bound manner in compliance with National Biofuel Policy. 2. It is envisaged to mandate vehicle inspection and driving training on regular interval and phase out/dispose of or recycle old vehicles once reach warranted maximum life prescribed for the catalytic converter at the time of giving the type approval by the testing agency. 3. The imposition of new Green Tax or Environment Cess in observance to the directives of the Honorable Supreme Court issued recently in the matter of commercial vehicles entering in the National Capital and in synergy with stakeholders on similar line of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under The Companies Act, 2013 as well GST Bill. 4. It is warranted to fully align automotive standards compatible to the UNECE (UN Economic Commission for Europe: WP29) including that of crash tests and introduction of ‘Bus Body Code’ and ‘Truck Code’ with mandatory life saving features like Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Photograph of complete built up truck alongwith number of Original Equipment (OE) supplied leaf springs should be entered in the RC Book at the time of registration and no modification be allowed at the time of issuing renewal fitness certificate. It is proposed to mandate for the manufacturer of two-wheelers to ensure inbuilt life saving features essentially helmet for driver and pillion rider in order to curb brain injuries which have no full treatment. Helmet standard should be aligned with UN ECE Standards. Motor cycle more than 150 cc should be fitted with ABS. it is envisaged to introduce the new technology of V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) and V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure) communication and “pedestrian impact protection” compulsory and “alcolocks” in cars/buses to check drunken driving. 5. In order to bring traffic discipline (curb over speeding/loading/theft) in turn to save wastage of fuel and reduce road accidents, it is warranted to create a dedicated Unified
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, December 2015 EDITORIAL Highway Patrol Force (UHPF) to start with over 24,000 kms 4/6 laned NHs under NHDP and built up gradually. 6. In order to save human health and damages to eco-system and bio-diversity, It is inevitable to enact an effective National Policy on Substance production and Use (Alcohol and Drugs) in tune with WHO Global Strategy and in collaboration with Internationally recognized NGOs like Patanjali Yogpeeth. 7. In order to save wastage of fuel due to congestions, it is warranted to mandate the development/ upgradation of road network aiming to channelizing fast and slow moving traffic besides dedicated pedestrian-cum-cycle track in urban conurbation to start with high density corridors. 8. IRC’s initiatives to introduce cleaner, less polluting construction, use recycled wastes and minimize drawing of natural resources from the environment get reflected in its recently published documents viz: (A) Environment Management Plan (EMP) (IRC:SP:108-2015) is a statutory requirement for road projects beyond a size of 100 km based on the principles like less energy intensive technology by reclaiming the damaged or unserviceable pavement materials by milling, mixing fresh materials with reclaimed materials, and producing mixes (either in-situ or in plant) (“IRC:120-2015: Recommended Practice for Recycling of Bituminous Pavements”); substituting the crushed rocks with low embodied energy clean/waste alternative materials (IRC:37-2012: Design of Flexible Pavements) (B) Economy in cement and steel consumption by producing high strength concrete and modified design procedures for concrete road bridges. “IRC:SP:70-2005: Guidelines for the Use of High Performance Concrete (HPC) in Bridges”. In this technology silica fume with a foaming agent as viscosity modifier is added @10% by weight in replacement of cement, in concrete mix, as a result, strength of concrete increases nearly 70%. This is fast construction technology besides economical as less consumption of stone aggregates and cement hence saving in time and energy. The second one is “IRC:SP:71-2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Pre-tensioned Girder of Bridges”. The fast construction technique is widely adopted for construction of metro track, expressways, etc. being safer (light structure); economical (less use of stone aggregates) and environment friendly (less polluted). Taking clue from the practice in Japan for Self Consolidated Concrete (SCC) whereas mechanical consolidation is eliminated, the state-of-art technology in precast segmental structures, IRC has formulated “IRC:SP:62-2014: Guidelines for Design and Construction of Cement Concrete Pavements for Low Volume Roads”. However, for road carrying very high volume of commercial traffic, “IRC:118-2015: Guidelines for Design and Construction of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP)”, having low life-cycle cost has been published. IRC has strived upon another environment friendly new cost-effective technology for construction of concrete road bridges. The new “IRC:112-2011: Code of Practice for Concrete Road Bridges” is based on the ‘limit state design’ concept as opposed to the ‘working stress design’ principles in the earlier version. The code permits design and production of very high strength concrete approaching almost 100 MPa, nearly twice as much as that permitted under the previous versions. The code also provides for use of blast
INDIAN HIGHWAYS, December 2015 5 EDITORIAL furnace slag upto 50% by weight in replacement of cement in construction of concrete piles in coastal regions. This brings economy in consumption of cement and steel, two of the most polluting manufactured construction materials resulting reduction in carbon dioxide emission and consumption of energy. (C) Use of fly ash in construction Taking advantage of IRC initiatives in formulation of Guidelines for promoting the use of fly ash in road embankments (IRC:SP:58-2001), MoEF issued an amendment to their fly ash notification which read as: “No agency or person or organization shall within a radius of hundred kilometers of thermal power plant undertake construction or approve design for construction of roads or flyover embankment with top soil, the guidelines or specifications issued by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) as contained in IRC specification No. SP:58 of 2001 shall be followed”. (D) Use of warm mix asphalt technology Most bituminous mixes are produced at a very high temperature (nearly 160ºC), mainly because bitumen is very viscous at low temperatures and cannot coat the aggregates unless heated to high temperatures. There are technologies available, which can facilitate the coating at low temperatures by increasing the surface area of bitumen (foaming) or by reducing the surface tension at the aggregate bitumen interface with use of certain additives, thereby making the mixing possible at much lower temperature (typically 110ºC), saving energy and releasing less pollutants in the atmosphere reducing GHG emission and hence earning carbon credit. IRC has institutionalized the new environment friendly technology in new code namely “IRC:SP-101-2014: Interim Guidelines for Warm Mix Asphalt”. (E) Further, as an endeavor towards cost effective environment-friendly maintenance of bituminous pavements during adverse climate, IRC formulated “IRC:116-2014: Specifications for Readymade Bituminous Pothole Patching Mix Using Cut-Back Bitumen”, a mix capable of being stocked for at least six months without stripping. Besides, “IRC:SP:100-2014: Use of Cold Mix Technology in Construction and Maintenance of Roads Using Bitumen Emulsion”. (F) Gap-graded bituminous mixes using crumb rubber With the twin aims of which are to improve the pavement design as well as utilize the rubber waste in construction rather than disposing it into landfills and use land resources for disposal of waste or by disposing it by the crude method of burning, which is highly polluting, taking clue from the practices in Japan, IRC has developed standards and formulated the guidelines under the code named as “IRC:SP:107-2015: Guidelines for Gap Graded Wearing Course with Rubberised Bitumen-Rubber”. Use of these wastes in bituminous construction is extremely environment friendly and makes economic sense as well (because of higher performance, durability and less maintenance needs).
This issues in dedication to “The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 21 or CMP 11, scheduled to be held in Paris from November 30 to December 11”.
Sajjan Singh Nahar Place : New Delhi Secretary General Dated : 29th November, 2015 E-mail: [email protected]
6 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, December 2015 From the Editor’s Desk THE REPORT OF PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON “NATIONAL AUTO FUEL POLICY” WARRANTED IMPLEMENTATION IN A TIME-BOUND ACTION PLAN
S.S. Nahar Dear Stakeholders, recommend the Govt. to take a decision on the levying of cess (Sulphar Cess on The Parliamentary Standing Committee BS-III Fuel and Special Fuel Upgradation on ‘Petroleum and Natural Gas’ under the Cess on all Gasoline and Diesel sold in Chairperson ship of Shri Pralhad Joshi India) for insuring required funds to the has considered the two vital public policy tune of Rs 80,000 crore for fuel instruments viz. Auto Fuel Policy 2003 and upgradation projects of Oil Marketing Auto Fuel Vision and Policy 2025 at the Companies (OMCs). disposal of the Govt. (M/o. P&NG) to address (ii) Pollution Under Check (PUC) System ‘Growing Vehicular Pollution in the Country’, and adopted the Report on “National Auto Fuel With the alarming rise of pollution levels Policy” on 6th May, 2015. The gist of significant becoming a major public health hazard in recommendations is as under: Indian cities, the Committee emphasized that existing PUC system for reduction of (i) one Country – One Fuel Norm pollution in in-use vehicles should be The Committee observed that Bharat replaced with efficient computerized Stage-IV quality fuels (maximum Sulphur mechanism for all categories vehicles for content upto 50 ppm motor spirit and high ensuring better compliance, help to identify speed diesel) have so far been introduced polluting vehicles. only in 26 highly polluted cities for four (iii) Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) wheelers only is warranted to be System and Vehicular Retirement Policy implemented in the entire country by In order to ensure ‘strict fitness regime’, the scheduled programme of April, 2017. Committee recommend to reduce the This would not only improve the effective periodicity of mandatory I&M and implementation of mandatory fuel certification of private vehicles from the efficiency norms in the country, but also existing 15 years under the provision of remove the confusion on low awareness Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, besides the Govt. among public about the availability and (MoRT&H) to invoke the powers under usage of right quality of fuel in the Section 59 of MV Act, 1988 to fix an age market. However, the implementation of limit for retirement of vehicles without any ‘One Country – One Fuel Norm’ requires delay by taking into consideration various massive logistics exercise for upgradation parameters like, mileage clock, emission of oil refineries, therefore, the Committee levels, age of vehicles or other suitable
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, January 2016 EDITORIAL criteria. developing methodology and labelling (iv) Promotion of CNG, other Alternate Fuels programme for passenger cars into five and Fuel Economy Standards (Star Rating categories i.e. one star to five stars under System) the support and guidance of Bureau of The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Petroleum already evolved a standard (IS-15607) for Conservation & Research Association Bio-diesel (B 100), which is the Indian (PCRA). adaptation of the American Standard ASTM (v) Road Safety Audit and Mass Transport D-6751 and European tandard EN-14214. Systems BIS has also published IS: 2796: 2008 The Committee observed that the which covers specification for motor mandatory Road Safety Audit would play a gasoline blended with 5% ethanol and very significant role in improving the fuel motor gasoline blended with 10% ethanol. efficiency as well as emission levels of Rule 115E of the Central Motor Vehicles motor vehicles and would also reduce Rules (7th Amendment), 2015 prescribes vehicle operation costs and a well-planned Mass emission standards for flex-fuel mass public transport system in a holistic ethanol (E 85) and ethanol (ED 95) approach for ensuring the last mile vehicles has been notified by the MORTH connectivity can bring a lot of benefits like, vide G.S.R. 412 (E) dated 19th May, 2015. lower pollution levels, decongestion of roads, Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act already less consumption of fossil fuels, lower allows conversion of an existing engine of a vehicle to use biofuels. Engine accidents and cheaper than personal manufacturers would need to suitably vehicles. modify the engines to ensure compatibility This is warranted to be launched as a nation with biofuels, wherever necessary. mission in supplement to “Make in India” and The Committee observed that the Govt. must “Swachh Bharat” flagship programs, in fulfillment give high priority for covering more and of dream of the Great Son of Bharat Mata more areas under CNG; ensure the Dr. Kalam, the Late President of India. availability of aforementioned alternate fuels in the entire country and the Sajjan Singh Nahar mandatory declaration of fuel economy Secretary General standards by automobile manufacturers by E-mail: [email protected]
Place : New Delhi Dated : 30th December, 2015
INDIAN HIGHWAYS, January 2016 5 From the Editor’s Desk RISK OF FAILURE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING AND FORENSIC ENGINEERING
S.S. Nahar Dear Stakeholders, causing personal injury or damage to property. The Nature of failures in Civil Engineering may be The consequences of the failure are dealt with by categories (a) structural; (b) Foundational and the law of product liability. The subject is applied (c) Geoenvironmental hazards. The failure may most commonly in civil law cases, although it may occurred during the construction as well as during be of use in criminal law cases. Generally, the the service life of the facility, often when subjected purpose of a forensic engineering investigation to unusual or unanticipated load condition. Failure is to locate cause(s) of failure with a view to improve may involve loss of serviceability as distinct of performance or life of a component, or to assist a collapse. Failure is an extreme form of damage which court in determining the facts of an accident. It can itself constitutes a material, non trivial change in also involve investigation of intellectual property the safety, serviceability, appearance or reparability claims, especially patents. Besides forensic of the constructed facility. The Sources of failure engineering helps in avoiding future failures of may include Fundamental conceptual errors, civil engineering structures thereby saving a lot design errors/omissions, fabrication/manufacturing of natural materials, cement and potential energy defects, construction defects, materials defects and required for their manufacturing or getting into the or operational errors. In the case of bridges or dams, shape of their use. the vulnerability of the structures to war attack are Early examples of such forensic engineering have considered. Also, some disposition to allow for the been the investigation of bridges failures such as the rapid destruction of bridges for strategic purposes Tay rail bridge disaster in Scotland in 1879 and the are also considered. Dee bridge rail accident of 1847 across the river Dee Use of new technologies involve new risks. In in England. Although it is well established discipline case of bridges, optimization was achieved by overseas, it almost new in India amongst engineers. increasing the span, through (i) an optimization It is warranted that any disaster at construction site of a given technique and (ii) the development of or completed structure, investigation committee novel techniques (use of steel, reinforced concrete, to include forensic engineering experts to analyze prestressed concrete, high performance concrete). the specifics of the lapse, the study, reports and Whereas masonry bridges had a rather long lifespan analysis are shared with the general public as being based on the use of natural geological material practice in most of the developed countries abroad. working in compression due to arching effect, In India there more than 40 engineering institutions with a negligible role of binding material, new which cover Forensic Science and many of them technologies are associated with other physico- have been introducing forensic engineering. chemical action that are not completely known at Sajjan Singh Nahar the beginning. Secretary General Forensic engineering is the investigation of E-mail: [email protected] materials, products, structures or components Place : New Delhi that fail or do not operate or function as intended, Dated : 29th January, 2016
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, February 2016 From the Editor’s Desk ENACTMENT OF NATIONAL POLICY ON USE OF AYURVEDA, AN ALTERNATIVE TO USE OF SUBSTANCE (ALCOHAL & DRUGS), LEECH (ALCOHAL) & TERMITE (DRUGS) TO THE SOCIETY
S.S. Nahar Dear Stakeholders, world-wide. The prevalence of drugs and alcohol Geographically, India is located close to the major and its role in rural accidents have been the objects poppy growing areas of the World, with “Golden of research. The study carried out in Postgraduate Crescent” on the North-West and “Golden Institute of Medical Education and Research, Triangle” on the North-East. These make India Chandigarh has shown that majority of injured vulnerable to drug abuse, particularly, in poppy drivers were motor-cyclists, who had not worn growing areas and along the transit/trafficking helmets and mostly were in early thirties. Over all routes having target groups such as commercial sex 54% of injured drivers were positive for alcohol workers, transportation workers and street children and/or drug use. Under Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and in the North-Eastern States/border areas the traffic regulatory authorities are penalizing the and Opium growing regions of the Country. The drunk drivers by the way of roadside breath alcohol problem is acute in the State of Punjab in North- testing with no protocols for drug screening. West and Manipur in North-East. It is inevitable to save avoidable and The vulnerability of the modern society plays a unaffordable socio-economic loss caused due catalytic role in promoting the consumption of to road accidents out of which nearly 40% of substances. The fast changing social milieu is fatal road accidents occur under the influence mainly contributing to the proliferation of drug of intoxication/tobacco and consumption of abuse. The problem of alcoholism and drug abuse alcohol whereas 2/3rd of these casualties occur in is a social malaise and warranted to be dealt the age less than 40 years. It is, therefore, warranted holistically by targeting all spheres of human to support: activity. Under the welfare approach whereas the supply (i) the judgement of Hon’ble High Court of reduction is under the purview of the enforcement Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh in its th agencies with the Department of Revenue as the Order dated 18 March, 2014 in the matter of Nodal Agency, the demand reduction strategy is CWP (PIL) No.25777 of 2012 between under the domain of Social Sector and the Union Arrive SAFE Society of Chandigarh, a NGO Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. and NHAI & others regarding removal of Section-71 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Unauthorized Liquor Vendors (ULVs) along Substances Act, 1985 empower the Govt. to NH-1 (Panipat – Jalandhar Section), against establish centres for identification, treatment which the appeals have since been filed by of addicts and supply of narcotic drugs and the States of Punjab and Haryana separately psychotropic substances. in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India vide Alcohol and drug use have been identified SLPs (C) No. 8267/2014 & 8971/2014 as important risk factors of road accidents respectively.
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, March 2016 EDITORIAL (ii) The judgement of Hon’ble High Court of Article 21 read with Article-47 (Under Part-IV Rajasthan at Jaipur in its Order dated titled “Directive Principles of State Policy”) of 23rd March, 2015 in the matter of CWP (PIL) the Constitution of India which directs the State No. 12547 of 2012 and CWP No.2047 of 2014 to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of between Arrive SAFE Society of Chandigarh, living and to improve public health as among its a NGO and Union of India & others regarding primary duties and in particular, to endeavour location of Liquor Shops beyond a distance of to bring about prohibition of consumption 150 meter both sides from the center of except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating National and State Highways passing through drinks and drugs, which are injurious to health country (non-Urban) as well as Municipal and as well as consistent with the Policy of localities in reference to the Rajasthan Central Government and its directions which are Excise Rules 1956 besides publicity and binding on the State Government under Section advertisement of liquor/beer has been 74A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic completely prohibited for avoiding easy Substances Act, 1985, besides in support of the availability and consumption being a matter of aforementioned judgements of Hon’ble High Court serious public concern. of Rajasthan and in confirmation to the Govt. Policy on “Make In India”, a flagship program (iii) The judgement of Hon’ble High Court of of the Govt., it is indispensable to enact national Rajasthan at Jaipur in its Order dated policy on use of ayurveda, an alternative to use th 30 June, 2015 in the matter of CWP (PIL) of substance (alcohal & drugs), leech (alcohal) & No. 4201 of 2015 between Arrive SAFE termite (drugs) to the Society being a pragmatic Society of Chandigarh, a NGO and Union preventive measure rather than extant policy of India & others regarding the mandatory approach of curative measure as win-win compliance to carry out the execution of the strategy in replacement of State Excise Policies. directives of the Central Govt. which is based on the recommendations (that the provision It is therefore proposed that the National Centre for of poppy straw to addicts was not a medical Drug Abuse Prevention (NC-DAP) under the aegis of the National Institute of Social Defence, New necessity) of the expert committee comprised Delhi which is mandated as a Centre of Excellence of the Drugs Controller General of India; the in collaboration with Patanjali Yogpeeth, a Narcotics Commissioner; Doctors from flagship project of Yog Guru Baba Ramdev AIIMS, Delhi; PGIMER, Chandigarh; and the sister NGOs/institutions of National/ RMLH, Delhi; reps. of the State of UP, MP, International repute, like Nehru Yuva Kendra Rajasthan and Punjab constituted to Sangathan (NYKS); National Sample Survey examine whether providing poppy straw to Organisation (NSSO); United Nations Office on addicts can be regarded as medical use in Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International terms of Section 8 of the Narcotic Drugs and Labour Organisation (ILO), may take the lead in Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The the mission to implement policy on use of Ayurveda appeals have since been filed by the States as an alternative to use of substance (alcohal & of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh separately drugs). in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India vide SLPs (C) No. 24900/2015 & 24901/2015 Sajjan Singh Nahar respectively. Secretary General E-mail: [email protected] In larger public interest, and to save the citizens, particularly, young persons, protecting their Place : New Delhi fundamental right to health guaranteed under Dated : 23rd February, 2016
INDIAN HIGHWAYS, March 2016 5 From the President’s Desk ROAD MAP FOR CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ROAD DEVELOPMENT IN NER AND DISTURBED AREAS
Dear Friends, The existing road network in many areas of our country is grossly inadequate keeping in view our strategic infrastructural development requirements and also in disturbed areas due to Maoist problems. It will take many more years, before the infrastructure in the North East is upgraded to what is required. During natural disasters and operational emergency situations, road infrastructure plays a vital role. Infrastructure development of the Northeast can be regarded as one of those untouched issues which have now come into the reckoning in a big way. Better connectivity, awareness through advertisements and education has helped to improve the prior picture of these hinterlands. Every region of the Northeast being so geographically diverse from the other, does throw up its set of unique problems that needs immediate attention and change, to unleash the full potential. The efficiency level in the business ground is surrounded by many issues that have become a matter of concern among distributors and resellers of the region. All stakeholders have to sit together and plan and execute time bound capacity building exercise on the fast track methodology. At present, we have enough technical manpower but its distribution in many organizations have disconnects leads to majority of such technical manpower either grossly underemployed or overburdened. The LA, FC, Shifting of utilities, local law and order issues and the specific local issues needs to be dealt on priority. There is no dearth of construction materials but its control and regulation with local body, community and State Govt affects the timely required quality. Limited working seasons is also a major issue, therefore, timely sanctions and decisions are essential. The gap in required/available numbers of skilled manpower needs to be bridged on highest priority. All the issues and concerns for inadequate existing capacity and reasons for delay all are well known to all us. All the stakeholders need to come together and thrash out these issues/concerns and resolve these in order to increase the capacity. Therefore, it is proposed that Govt. of India, State Govts., Local Regulatory Bodies, Revenue, Police, PMF, Forest, Mining, Contractors, Vendors, Road User Engineers and all Engineering Govt./PSUs come together with an appropriate institutional mechanism and well defined and executable working methodology with continuous and timely monitoring by all the stakeholders. A standing empowered Committee consisting of all stakeholders needs to be constituted in order to develop the mutually acceptable institutional mechanism.
With Warm Regards,
Yours sincerely, Dr. S.S. Porwal, VSM Dated: 24.02. 2016 E-mail: [email protected]
6 INDIAN HIGHWAYS, March 2016 From the Editor’s Desk
Setu Bharatam Programme A step towards ultimate need of the People, Safety Harmonized with Surety
Prime Minister Shri Narendra carry out conditions survey and Modi launched the Setu Bharatam inventorization of all bridges on programme for building bridges for National Highways in India by using safe and seamless travel on National Mobile Inspection Units and till now Highways, in New Delhi on 4th inventorization of 50,000 bridges has March, 2016. Speaking on the been done, he stated.Shri Gadkari occasion he said that in order to stated that first cycle of the survey is satisfy the aspirations and long felt expected to be completed by June needs of people it is necessary to 2016 and this data base will be the bring in a qualitative change and a comprehensive, largest of its kind besides will also help in integrated approach in developing infrastructure in smoothening the movement of Over-Dimension and the country. Over-Weight consignments on National Highways. Speaking on the occasion Road Transport & National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Highways and Shipping Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari in June, 2011 in confirmation to the guidelines of informed that in order to prevent the frequent Ministry of Railways, taken a landmark policy accidents and loss of lives at level crossings, 208 decision vide circular no. 72/2011 dated Railway Over Bridges (ROB)/Railway Under 20.06.2011 (F. No. 11041/218/2007-Admn) Bridges (RUB) will be built at the level crossings at (Initiated by the undersigned as CGM/ROB) a cost of Rs. 20,800 crore as part of the programme. for fast track construction of ROBs/RUBs on NHDP The State wise details of 208 ROBs includes whereas “Comprehensive Policy Guidelines of Andhra Pradesh – 33; Assam – 12; Bihar – Recommended Procedure for Fast Track 20;Chattisgarh – 5; Gujarat – 8; Haryana – 10; Construction of ROBs/RUBs on NHDP and Himachal Pradesh – 5; Jharkhand – 11; Karnataka Expeditious clearances/approval of ROBs/ – 17; Kerala – 4; Madhya Pradesh -6; Maharashtra RUBs GAD/Structural Design & Drawing/ – 12; Odisha – 4; Punjab – 10; Rajasthan – 9; Tamil TAD/CRS/Speed Restriction/Traffic Block/ Nadu – 9;Utarakhand – 2; Uttar Pradesh – 9 and Signing Agreement/Depositing of Charges West Bengal – 22. Eleven consultant firms have etc.” The substance of the guidelines was to bring been appointed for preparation of the Detailed harmony with the policy guidelines of Ministry of Project Reports (DPR) and 64 ROBs are likely to Railways on three vibrant issues of technical be sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs. 5600 parameters (Design); Safety and minimization of crore by this financial year i.e. 2015-16. In addition Railways Blockage/ Traffic Restriction and to this, about 1500 old and distressed bridges will accordingly it was decided that pile foundation also be improved by replacement/widening/ and composite steel girder cum RCC slab strengthening in a phased manner at a cost of about superstructure of ROBs (upto 36 meter Rs. 30,000 crore. The Indian Bridge Management span)shall be adopted normally. The Cable Stayed System (IBMS) has also been established aiming to Bridges shall be preferred mode for span larger
4 Indian Highways, April 2016 From the Editor’s Desk than 36 meter i.e. for station yards/multiple linesbeing highway construction confirming to cutting edge also environment friendly and ensure fast environment friendly green technology and focusing construction which avoid erection of piers in between on safe and sure transport system aiming of zero railway tracks. road crash fatalities and hence contribute to the economic growth and quality of life, has recently Recognizing the gravity of the complexity of upgraded the IRC Codes predominantly applicable attaining approval of Railways to the design and for fast track construction of ROBs/RUBs namely drawing and construction of ROBs, in persistence (i) IRC:78:2014 ‘Standard Specifications and to the NHAI landmark initiative for fast track Code of Practice for Road Bridges-Foundation construction of ROBs, Ministry of Road Transport and Substructures’(ii) IRC:22:2015 ‘Standard and Highways has entered into a MOU with Ministry Specifications and Code of Practice for Road of Railways on 10th November, 2014 Bridges-Composite Construction’ and (iii) Indian Roads Congress (IRC), in its ‘Guidelines for Stayed Bridges and Structures’ endeavoursto fulfill the commitment for assurance envisaged to be finalized during the of the use of standard specifications uniformly forthcoming 207thmid term Council Meet throughout the country to promoteexcellence in scheduled to be held in June, 2016 --- Sajjan Singh Nahar, Secretary General E-mail: [email protected]
Indian Highways, April 2016 5 From the Editor’s Desk
Let National Capital Breathe: Proven ‘Sreedharan, Metro Man’ in Highway Sector is Indispensable to Meet the Deadline Set by the Apex Court for Construction of Delhi Peripheral Expressway
elhi Western and Eastern Peripheral The 53km Manesar-Palwal section of the DExpressway each 135km long were Expressway,an access controlled, six-lane, divided originally envisioned in 2003 as Build Operate road with 1.5 metre wide paved shoulder on each Transfer (BOT) project to construct access controlled side has been built at a cost of Rs 457.81Crores. four lane expressway. The Western Peripheral The road will provide uninterrupted high speed link Expressway or Kundli-Manesar–Palwal (KMP) for traffic, especially commercial traffic from Expressway is passing through Haryana State and Haryana to neighboring states. It will also decongest the construction agency is Haryana State Industrial road traffic through Delhi by allowing bypass of traffic and Infrastructure Development Corporation not destined for Delhi. The construction of (HSIIDC). Since Delhi would benefit from rerouting remaining 82 km stretch of KMP Expressway of the vehicular away from it, Delhi state agreed to between Kundli and Manesar is envisaged to be bear 50 per cent of the land acquisition cost of the completed in next two years. expressway. The Western Peripheral Expressway The 135 km long Eastern Peripheral project was awarded to KMP Expressways ltd. with Expressway (EPE) declared as NE-2 involves commercial operations supposed to begin in June construction of six lane expressway with access 2009 which was revised to 2013. Slow progress control. NHAI is the executing agency. NHAI moved forced the Government of Haryana to terminate the the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (SCI)with an contract and pay KMP Expressways and lenders Rs interlocutory application seeking police protection 1,300 crore as termination payment. Finally after from unwarranted obstruction from miscreants and intervention of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its vested interests, Hon’ble SCI in its Order dated Order dated 30thJanuary 2015, the project was 31.03.2016 directing the Director Generals of revived and new bids were invited. It was also Police of States of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to decided to upgrade the expressway to a six lane ensure all requisite protection to NHAI Officials expressway. and Contractors to carry out their duty to construct the EPE has fixed the deadline for completion of EPE work by July, 2018.In order to expedite the construction of EPE work, NHAI, in order to comply with the directives of the Hon’ble SCI has planned to monitor the project in real time basis with military precision to facilitate speeding up of the construction work. All the five contractors appointed for the EPE work namely M/s Sadbhav Engineering, M/s Jai Prakash Associates, M/s Ashoka Buildcon, M/s Oriental Structural Engineers and M/s Gayatri Projects have mobilized their resources including manpower and machinery.
4 Indian Highways, May 2016 From the Editor’s Desk
Under Phase-I, the Delhi Metro Rail Though DMRC will account for nearly 15% of Corporation (DMRC) has completed 65 km long commuter trips in the Capital when Phase-III is Metro Line Network in 2006. The Phase-I consist complete, the Metro Network covering 350 km. of 3 Corridors namely (i) Dilshad Garden –Rithala Issues of last mile connectivity, of poor feeder bus (22.06km); (ii) VishwaVidyalaya-Central Secretariat services still remain which is nearly 25% of (10.84km) and (iii) Indraprastha-Dwarka (32.10km). commuter trips as yet. Under Phase-II, DMRC has added 125 km long DMRC for being the Model Shift Project is Metro Line Network in 2010. The Phase-II consists the only Rail System in the world which could get of 10 Corridors namely (i) Shahdara – Dilshad United Nations 6.3 Lakh Carbon Credits worth about Garden (3.09km); (ii) Indraprastha – Noida Sec 32 Rs.47 crore annually for the seven years in perpetuity (15.07km); (iii) Yamuna Bank –ISBT (6.17km); (iv) and with the increase in number of passengers, this Vishwavidyalaya – Jahangir Puri (6.36km); (v) figure shall increase. Nation owes to Metro Man. Inderlok –Mundka (18.36km); (vi) Central Secretariat – HUDA City Centre (27.58km); (vii) Among the other modes of Mass Transit Dwarka Sector 9 - Dwarka Sector 21 (2.76km); (viii) Networks, viability of either mode like Bus Rapid Airport Express Line (22.70km); (ix) AnandVihar – Transit (BRT) {Carrying capacity upto 30,000 people Vaishali (2.57km)and (x) Central Secretariat – per hour per direction traffic (phpdt)}; Mono Rail Badarpur (20.16km). In Phase-III, Metro has (Carrying capacity upto20,000 phpdt) best suited for entered deep into National Capital Region (NCR) narrow streets because of manoeuvre curves better and envisaged to expand network by additional 160 or Light Rail Trains (LRT) could even run on street km which consists 13 Corridors namely (i) along with road traffic, could be ascertained. Mukundpur –GokulPuri (56km); (ii) Janakpuri West However, Odd-Even Formula is not a –Kalindikunj (34km); (iii) Central Sectt.- Kashmere sustainable solution being detrimental to the interests Gate (9.3km); (iv) Jahangir Puri–Badli (4.5km); (v) of ‘have nots’ but certainly reinforce public discipline. Dwarka–Najafgarh (4.3km); (vi) Mundka – Bahadurgarh (11.18km); (vii) Badarpur –Faridabad Let us solemnly resolve to endeavour to achieve (13.90km); (viii) Gokulpuri – Shiv Vihar (2.5km); (ix) a temperature rise below 1.5 Degree Celsius, this Escorts – Ballabhgarh (3.2km); (x) Dilshad Garden day, coincides with Earth Day and signing of the - Ghaziabad (9.60km); (xi) Kalindikunj – Botanikal historical Paris Agreement of Climate Change at the Garden (3.96km); (xii) Noida City Center – Noida HQ of UN in New York by the 175 Countries Sector- 62 (6.67km) and (xiii) Badli – SirsaPur including India. (1.06km). *** Sajjan Singh Nahar Place: New Delhi Secretary General Dated: 22nd April, 2016 E-mail: [email protected]
“Ambedkar is my Father in Economics. He is true celebrated champion of the underprivileged. He deserves more than what he has achieved today. However he was highly controversial figure in his home country, though it was not the reality. His contribution in the field of economics is marvelous and will be remembered forever..!” Professor Amartya Sen Nobel Laureate (1998)
Indian Highways, May 2016 5 From the Editor’s Desk
Act East Policy A Step towards reducing the isolation of the North East region by improving all round connectivity
Prime Minister Shri Indian Roads Congress (IRC), in its Narendra Modi addressing endeavours to fulfill the commitment for assurance the Plenary Session of the of the use of standard specifications uniformly North-Eastern Council throughout the country to promote excellence in (NEC) in Shillong on highway construction confirming to cutting edge 27thMay, 2016 has said that environment friendly green technology and focusing the North East is the gateway on safe and sure transport system aiming of zero to South East Asia and taking road crash fatalities and hence contribute to the advantage of this, we are economic growth and quality of life, has recently opening up both road and rail routes to our upgraded the IRC Codes predominantly applicable neighbouring countries in order to boost the for fast track construction of Roads (preferably economic development of the region. He said that a cemented) and Bridges in heavy rain fall and hill specialised highways construction agency for the areas like NER namely (i)IRC:SP:106-2015 North East - the “National Highways and ‘Engineering Guidelines on Landslide Mitigation- Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. Measures for Indian Roads’;(ii) IRC:SP:62-2014 (NHIDCL)” - that was incorporated on 18th July ‘Guidelines for Design and Construction of Cement 2014 aimed at upgradation of NHs and Strategic Concrete Pavements for Low Volume Roads’; (iii) Roads including interconnecting roads in parts of IRC:SP:42-2014‘Guidelines for Road Drainage’; the country which share international boundaries with (iv)IRC:75-2015 ‘Guidelines for the Design of neighboring countries. The company is implementing High Embankments’ ; (v) IRC:78:2014 ‘Standard 34 projects including construction of three new Specifications and Code of Practice for Road bridges on Brahmaputra River in the North Eastern Bridges-Foundation and Substructures’(vi) States covering a length of 1001 kilometres at a total IRC:22:2015 ‘Standard Specifications and Code cost of over Rs. 10,000 crore, he said. of Practice for Road Bridges-Composite Construction’ and (vii) Guidelines for Cable Keeping in view the special land and weather Stayed Bridges and Structures’, a new code (a conditions of this area, as most of the North East first of its kind in any country) envisaged to be areas get a lot of rainfall and are also prone to natural finalized during the forthcoming 209th mid term calamities and land-slides, there is a need to be Council Meet likely to be held in August , 2016. careful in using appropriate technologies in the construction of roads in this area, Prime Minister *** said.
Sajjan Singh Nahar Place: New Delhi Secretary General Dated: 28th May, 2016 E-mail: [email protected]
4 Indian Highways, June 2016 From the Editor’s Desk
YOGA, An Invaluable Gift of India to the World in Turn to Warrant Sound Body and Mind, thus Safe Mobility
rime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Code(IRC:SP:44-1996), Code of Practice for Pcelebrated the 2nd International Yoga Road Signals(IRC:67-2012), Code of Practice Day on 21st June, 2016 at Chandigarh. for Road Markings(IRC:35-2015),Road Safety Addressing the gathering at iconic Capitol for Children(IRC:SP:32-1988),Guidelines for Complex, the Prime Minister said that yoga is Variable Message Signs( IRC:SP:85-2010) and not about what one will get, but it is about what Guidelines for Traffic Safety Barriers(IRC:119- one can give up. He said that with zero budget, 2015) etc. yoga provides health assurance, and does not With the active support of Patanjali discriminate between rich and poor. Yogpeeth and like minded NGOs, it is Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian warranted to create reason based mass tradition. It embodies unity of Mind and Body; awareness preferably in vernacular media Thought and Action; Restraint and Fulfillment; through “marketed social media Harmony between Man and Nature and a campaigns” on “target groups” aiming Holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Yoga towards 3 S “Surakshit & Suhana Safar” (Safe is not about exercise but to discover the senses and Sure Journey) for example creating of oneness with ourselves. awareness among school children to wear helmet mandatory while driving two-wheeler since It is inevitable to save avoidable and rd unaffordable socio-economic loss caused due 1/3 of the injuries are brain injuries which have to road accidents and deaths occurred as a no full treatment hence warranted to be the result of Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) best prevented. since nearly 40% fatal road accidents occur On the yoga day, let us pledge to make under the influence of intoxication/tobacco and yoga an integral part of our daily life, insuring consumption of alcohol have significant impact unity of mind and body ; thought and action on deaths occurred as a result of NCDs including and endeavor towards enactment of an cancers, cardiovascular disease and liver effective National Policy on Substance Use cirrhosis whereas 2/3rd of these casualties occur (Alcohol and Drugs) in tune with WHO Global in the age less than 40 years. Strategy; in collaboration with Union Ministries In its endeavors aiming at effective of Social Justice and Empowerment; Health and transport system targeting zero road crash Family Welfare; Food Processing Industries and fatalities and contribute to the economic growth active support of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Social and quality of life, the IRC has framed the Activists and NGOs to ensure ourselves the IRC Codes namely Road Safety Audit safe mobility, economic growth in turn better Manual(IRC:SP:88-2010), Highway Safety quality of life. ***
Do we Know, the foresightfulness of Dr B R Ambedkar, the Principal drafter of the Indian Constitution, who had refused to draft Article 370, which was eventually drafted by Gopalaswami Ayyangar, a former Diwan to Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir and a Minister without portfolio in the Union Cabinet of India.
Sajjan Singh Nahar Place: New Delhi Secretary General Dated: 21st June, 2016 E-mail: [email protected]
4 Indian Highways, July 2016 From the Editor’s Desk Indian Roads Congress PRESERVATION OF ROAD ASSETS, Founded : December 1934 U.S. EXPERIENCE It is imperative that if any society or a nation desires to march forward on the path of INDIAN HIGHWAYS growth, development and advancement, it should have an Volume: 44 Number: 8 AUGUST 2016 ISSN 0376-2756 efficient road transport system ‘in place’. The neglect of preemptive maintenance of road Contents... assets is self defeating as one 4. News Box – Shri Nitin Gadkari’s U.S. visit rupee spent in maintenance saves two to three rupees 6. Unresolved Grievances Bothering You? in Vehicle Operating Costs (VOC). The hallmark of maintenance strategy is ‘consistency’ in order to 7. Errata to IRC:112-2011 ensure safe and convenient travel, preservation of investment, compatibility with the environment. 8. Important Announcement for Authors & Revised During his recent US visit, Union Road Transport Advertisement Tariff & Highways and Shipping Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari 9. Important Announcement – New Membership Fee/ took a coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles Form (800 km hilly terrain) to gain a first-hand experience. He was informed that most of California’s Technical Papers highways are more than a half-century old and 11. Execution of Post Tensioning of Tendons for carry nearly half of the nation’s goods traffic. Concrete Structures and Subsequent Cement Shri Gadkari witnessed widening of hard shoulders Grouting in Sheathing Duct and installation of drainage, relocation of utility, and realignment of local road intersections along the route by Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharya he travelled along with a team of senior officials from his ministry.The minister was informed that maintenance 27. Estimation of Work Progress on Highway staff works day and night to keep the highways clear Construction Projects and safe for all motorists. They do patching pavement, by Atahar Parvez replacing signs, striping lanes, clearing vegetation, removing trash and graffiti - with utmost precautions 31. Utility Issues and Use of Sub Surface Utility for the safety of workers. Engineering for Road Projects It is, therefore, inexorable to treat the by K.K.Pahuja maintenance as ‘comprehensive plan-activity’ under PMS (Pavement Management System), a tool to 41. Important Announcement – Revision of the optimize the ‘cost-benefit’ relationship to confront Subscription Charges from Institutions/ with the ultimate need of safety harmonized with Organisations towards IRC Periodicals (Indian surety. Highways & Quarterly Journal) *** Cover Photo : The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing the US-India Business Council (USIBC), in Washington on July 11, 2016
Publisher & Editor: S S Nahar, Secretary General, IRC Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Headquarter: Secretary General, Indian Roads Congress, Sector-6, R K Puram, Kama Koti Marg, New Delhi-110 022. Phone: 91 11 26185303, Fax: 91 11 26183669. Cover and Typesetting: Darpan Video India. Printed at: I G Printers Pvt. Ltd., 104, DSIDC Complex, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-I, New Delhi-110020.
No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the Secretary General, IRC. The responsibilty of the contents and the opinions expressed in Indian Highways is exclusively of the author/s concerned. IRC and the Editor disclaim responsibility and liability for any statements or opinion, originality of contents and of any copyright violations by the authors. The opinions expressed in the papers and contents published in the Indian Highways do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or IRC. EDITORIAL
THE GLARING EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS
It is only the adequate/safer means of accessibility and rapid mobility which, besides stimulating economic growth, literally pave the way for improved health care, housing, clothing, food, recreation, pulling down barriers of isolation, promoting culture, homogeneity and national integration. It is only the ‘road transportation’ which can penetrate into the remotest interior. In India more than half of the unorganised workers are employed as construction labourers. The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS Ltd.) hailing from a rural pocket in Malabar region of Kerala comprised of over 2000 labourers engaged on daily basis, is a Construction Society estd. in 1925 and registered under Cooperative Societies Act. The management of the biggest labour contract society is run by 10 Board of Directors elected @ 5 years’ interval are essentially to have worked as ‘construction worker’. The key to success of the Society is the two best practices i.e. ‘decision makers being the executers’ and ‘collective authority’, having at present the capital share of Rs 34.22 crore which includes Rs 1.73 crore from individual members and balance from the State Govt. In the 87 years, the Society has not lost even a single day of work due to labour problem and members worked daily & paid weekly wages better than Govt. wages. The major completed civil projects include Calicut NH Bypass, number of CRF road works, Edasherrykadavu Bridge and other NH improvement works.The procurement of civil contracts under various modes are therefore warranted to be reviewed especially in view of the experiencesgained in implementation of flagship programme of NHDP expressly Phase-II and onwards predominantly under implementation following the global economic practices under PPP Mode,for over a decade. • In pursuance to the spirit of preamble of our constitution and in recognition of indispensable Indian diversified socio-economic structure, the proactive and preventive strict traffic enforcement approach becomes imperative. The Kerala Highway Patrol System which was introduced in May 2003 with objectives of traffic enforcement, medical aid and crime detection. It has 30 Base Police stations all along the highways in Kerala is the glaring example. At present a total of 44 Highway Patrol Police well-equipped with first aid, wireless sets and highway alert number (allotted to the specific area) in addition to general highway alert number 9846100100 are in operation 24x7. This has resulted in reduction of fatality drastically. These two systems adopted by Kerala state are the glaring examples of success and warranted to be followed.
- Sajjan Singh Nahar
4 Indian Highways, September 2016 4 EDITORIAL
Tokyo Lesson: Let Delhi Breathe
India has the World’s highest death rate from chronic respiratory /cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, asthma etc. attributed to the worst air quality. The most vulnerable population is the children accounted for half of the estimated 1.5 million deaths every year. The air quality in Delhi is the worst of the any major city in the world. Major sources of Air Pollution includes fossil fuel (Coal, Diesel, Petrol) run inefficient motor vehicles; Coal fired power plants and industries; biomass and charcoal/coal based indoor smoke besides dust storms. WHO Air quality model confirms that 92% of the World’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed “WHO 2005 Ambient Air Quality Guidelines” limits aimed at achieving the lowest concentration of Particulate Matter with a diameter
of less than 2.5 or 10 micrometers/ (PM2.5, PM10) possible suspended in the Air to the maximum threshold as under:
PM2.5 PM10 10 microgram per cubic meter annual mean 20 microgram per cubic meter annual mean 25 microgram per cubic meter 24-hour mean 50 microgram per cubic meter 24-hour mean
Besides, there are serious risks to health not only from exposure to PM2.5/ PM10, but also from exposure to ozone (O3),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), WHO guidelines provide the safe levels upto the maximum threshold as under:
Ozone (O3) at ground level and not in Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the major Sulfur dioxide (SO2) SO2 is a the upper atmosphere, formed by sources are combustion processes colourless gas with a sharp odour. It is formed by the reaction with sunlight (heating, power generation, and engines produced from the burning of fossil (photochemical reaction) of pollutants in vehicles and ships). It cause asthma fuels (coal and oil) and the smelting
such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) from and lungs problems. of mineral ores that contain sulfur. vehicle and industry emissions and When combines with water, it forms volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sulfuric acid, the main component of emitted by vehicles, solvents and acid rain which is a cause of industry. As a result, the highest levels deforestation. It affects the respiratory of ozone pollution occur during periods system. of sunny weather. It cause breathing problems. 100 microgram per cubic meter 8-hour 40 microgram per cubic meter annual 20 microgram per cubic meter 24- mean mean hour mean 200 microgram per cubic meter one hour 500 microgram per cubic meter 10 mean minute mean
During last week of September, 2016, air quality of Delhi has dipped upto the level of 230 microgram per cubic meter. It is construed to the inevitable to learn the lesson from Tokyo Model based on commitment and responsibility and embark upon the sustainable action plan like “battle of waterloo” with mutual pledge treating it as National Mission keeping it out side the ambit of political claims/counterclaims in order to save our future, the priceless lives of our own children from the clutches of slow poison cobra (highly polluted air).
Indian Highways, October-2016 5
Under the construed immediate action plan it is inevitable to: (i) speed up the replacement of indoor biomass and charcoal based household fuel with clean and environment friendly fuel in order to reduce emission of smoke which constitute nearly half of the ambient air pollution. (ii) accelerate the pace of incineration of municipal sewerage and waste by converting waste to wealth taking clue of Pune Waste Plant, as an alternative source of energy. (iii) fast-track cleaning/water training River Yamuna and surrounding in the municipal extent. (iv) expedite the augmentation of fleet of CNG run buses/taxis in replacement of old and inefficient vehicles in order to reduce outdoor emission (lions share) of polluted air. (v) fast-track shifting of polluting industries under PPP mode with mutual transparency and accountability between industry, regulators and public to create new and dynamic incentives for pollution abatement and (vi) last but not least, in addition to aforesaid “curative measures” the policy initiatives by the Government for warranting the change in life style making Yoga as mandatory curriculum specially in school in co-operation with Pitanjali Yogpeeth and like minded NGOs in order to strengthen the individual’s immune system as “preventive measure”. Under the long term measures it is observed to be inevitable to: (i) fast-track expansion of Delhi Metro to account for over two third of commuter trips to the Capital in line with Tokyo Model, one of the thickly populated metropolitan. (ii) expedite the pace of completion of Western and Eastern Peripheral access controlled, six-lane Expressway each 135km long in order to reduce the pollution and decongest road traffic through Delhi by allowing bypass of traffic not destined for Delhi and (iii) depending upon viability fast-track implementation of Model Shift Projects of Mono Rail and Light Rail Trains (LRT). In order to mobilization of additional resources, if any, it is construed that the reforms in the CSR under the Companies Act, 2013 and imposition of green cess could be ascertained.
Sajjan Singh Nahar Secretary General, IRC
Indian Highways, October-2016 From the Editor’s Desk KEY POLICY INITIATIVE: A BOOST FOR TRAINING OF WORKMEN IN HIGHWAY SECTOR
eveloped infrastructure is a huge scarcity of skilled workmen to be engaged for the Dprovides strong backbone workers and practice of project will be taken up by the for sustainable Socio- Economic certification as an empowerment concerned Project Head/ Development of a nation and criteria is practically missing. This Executive Engineer, who shall highways being the most important has a profound effect on the ensure that the training is to be infrastructure sector, forms the overall performance and quality of organized by Contractor/ arteries of economic development. quality of construction. The key Concessionaire through the Construction industry is the third focus therefore needs to be on Authorized Training Centres largest employer in India after building capabilities of the under the Directorate General of agriculture and manufacturing. It construction industry to deliver Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill employs more than 4.22 crore the desired results and to cope up Development and workers. Highway sector is highly with the envisaged work plans and Entrepreneurship, GOI. The process oriented. With such a deliver the infrastructure projects Contractor/Concessionaire shall huge planned investment on Road on time and with quality. Lack of endeavor to higher at least 10% and Bridges, even a marginal this potential would mean trained workmen as per National increase in skill level is expected additional cost, lack of durability Skill Qualification Framework to yield improved output and and substantial reduction in our (NSQF). Under the policy quality of the Highways leading to competitive position with respect guidelines, the tender document savings in initial cost, maintenance to international player. accordingly stands amended for costs, safety and fuel efficiency. The Ministry of Road procuring highway projects However, the low skills of the Transport and Highways, Govt. of costing Rs 100 crore and above construction sector workers lead India taking major initiative that with immediate effect. For on to lower productivity and poor aims at not only to improve the going projects, the same may be quality of output. quality of the highways but also incorporated by entering into the An estimation of unskilled generate employment, has Supplementary Agreement. This workers engaged in the embarked upon a policy would not only upgrade the skill , November-2016 construction sector constitute to guidelines issued on 18.10.2016 of unorganized and unskilled be 85% of the workforce. Such which envisages that “for the workforce engaged in a huge number of unskilled major highway projects costing Rs construction sector but would workers is an indicator of lack of 100 crore and above, the skill provide opportunity to earn better attention. It also indicates that there development/upgradation of wages and live with dignity. Sajjan Singh Nahar [email protected] INDIAN HIGHWAYS
4 4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS From the Editor’s Desk ‘SURGICAL STRIKE’ ON ‘CORRUPTION’ The global experiences have “The Problem of the Rupee: been that the de-legalization of the Its Origin and Its Solution”, currency remained a one-time published in 1923, indeed overnment, in awe move measure and the unaccounted explored the problems of in order to ensure that accumulation of money started unaccounted accumulation of G unaccounted accumula- building up all over again. This money. Dr Ambedkar had tion of money is not siphoned off has been India’s experience too underlined the need for via alternative channels like gold with the 1978 episode when the adopting a ‘flawless or property, de-legalised Rs 500 10000, 5000 and 1000 rupee methodology’ to ensure the de- and Rs 1000 currency notes w.e.f. notes were de-legalized. legalisation of currency serves midnight of 8th November, 2016. However, this time can be different the real objective to nab those The fact that the pace of for several reasons. In 1978, the dodging the system and help infrastructure growth is directly value of currency de-legalized was the common man. He strongly proportional to the socio- less than 2 percent of what was in advocated that the purchasing economic development of the circulation as compared to nearly power of Rupee should be Nation and highways being the 85 percent this time round. stabilised and that it should be most important, forms the arteries Second, the significant advances the foremost motto of the of economic development. in Information Technology over Nation. The fluctuation in Nothing indeed will stabilise the the last 40 years will facilitate more the purchasing power of Rupee Rupee unless we stabilise its effective audit trail of cash, making leads to devaluation along general purchasing power. That it difficult for hoarders to with increase in inflation exchange standard concerns itself countenance a determined Govt. which ultimately affects the only with symptoms and does not Third, the enactment of the Goods common man. His economic go to the disease: indeed, it and Services Tax (GST) Act vision is still relevant not only aggravates the disease. The Govt. 2016, one of whose chief in the Indian contest but also determined to place the Indian characteristics self-policing, globally. currency system on a sound should reduce the scope for We have both the challenge footing. In order to serve the unaccounted accumulation of and opportunity of making this very purpose of getting money. However, the restrictions time, different. Let us having Holy unaccounted accumulation of of money exchange imposed on Spirit as pledge allegiance in our money out of circulation, it is the District Central Cooperative endeavours to transform India as therefore, inevitable to have Banks (DCCBs) and Primary super power by doubling the an effective surgical strike on Agricultural Credit Societies growth rate of GDP by 2020 as a the source of generation and made it worse for the people in true homage to our role models retention of the unaccounted the rural part of India. of patriotism and icons of accumulation of money in The ‘Economic Vision’ of nationalism. ‘Bharat Ratna’ Dr B R order to plug the loopholes Sajjan Singh Nahar responsible thereof. Ambedkar evolved in his book [email protected] FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
VERDICT ON PROHIBITION WAKE-UP CALL FOR ENACTMENT OF POLICY ON USE OF INTOXICATED SUBSTANCES
ndia has a road network of accounted for 28.8% and Safety,aiming to reduce 5.5 million km, the second 23.6% respectively. Pedestrian road fatalities by 50% by Ilargest in the world. At 1.66 road users accounted for 53% 2020. km of roads per square km of and two-wheeler drivers in the Bearing in mind the land, the quantitative density tune of 28% are the victims galloping trend in road accident of India’s road network is higher of fatal road accidents.The and devastating consequen- than that of Japan (0.91) and thirteen States namely ces, the Hon’ble Supreme US (0.67), and far higher than Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Court of India (SCI), in a three- that of China (0.46), Brazil Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, judge bench of Chief Justice (0.18) and Russia (0.08). Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra T.S. Thakur and Justices Dr. Highways consisting of Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, D.Y. Chandrachud and L. 1,00,087 kmNational Highways Telangana, Chhatisgarh, West Nageswara Rao, on 15th of and 1,67,109 km State Bengal and Haryana together December, 2016, in the matter Highwaystogether accounted accounted for 86.7% of all road ofCivil Appeal Nos.12164-12166 for less than 5% of road accidents in the Country. India of 2016 {Arising out of SLP (C) network and responsible for alone accounts for 11% over Nos.14911-14913 of 2013} filed 52.4% of the road accidents. of the Global Road Crashes the across the Country seeking a Rural areas are more prone to highest in the World, a dubious direction to amend excise laws road accidents, accounting for distinction. In the year2015, to ensure that no liquor is sold 61.0% of total road we had over half a million road along side highways, has accidentfatalities. Drivers’ fault accidents (5,01,423) resulting directed and ordered: has been the single most 1,46,133 fatalities.This means All states and union responsible factor,accounted loss of 17 lives on an average territories shall forthwith cease for 77.1% of total road every hour in our Country. The and desist from granting accidents.India has 160 million total socio-economic loss due licences for the sale of liquor registered motor vehicles to road accidents is estimated along national and state consisting 110 million two/three @ 4.0% of Gross Domestic highways; wheelers (70%); 25 million cars Product (GDP). India is (16%) and 12 million signatory to the UN Brasilia The prohibition commercial trucks (6%). The Declarationthat the decade contained in (i) above shall share of two wheelers and cars 2011-2020 to be the Decade extend to and include stretches including jeeps and taxis is of Action for Road of such highways which fall within the limits of a municipal
4 INDIANINDIAN HIGHWAYSHIGHWAYS JANUARYJANUARY 20172017 corporation, city town or local The problem of boozing socio-economic loss caused due authority; and drug abuse is a social to road accidents out of which The existing licences malaise and acute in the State nearly 40% of fatal road which have already been of Punjab in North-West and accidents occur under the renewed prior to the date of Manipur in North-Eastdue to influence of intoxication/ this order shall continue until the their location close to the major tobacco and consumption of term of the licence expires but pappy growing areas of the alcohol whereas two third of no later than 1 April, 2017; world. The dilemma is these casualties occur in the thatsupply reduction is age less than 40 years. All signages and under the purview of the advertisements of the The Arrive SAFE India, a enforcement agencies with the availability of liquor shall be NGO dedicated to Road Safety Department of Revenue as prohibited and existing ones founded by Harman Singh the Nodal Agency whereas the removed forthwith both on Sidhu, who has been confined demand reduction strategy national and state highways; to a wheelchair for the past 20 is under the domain of Social years following a car crash, is No shop for the sale of Sector and the Union Ministry possibly the first person to drag liquor shall be (i) visible from a of Social Justice & the state of Punjab and national or state highway; (ii) Empowerment. Section-71 of Haryana to court in December, directly accessible from a the Narcotic Drugs and 2012 through CWP (PIL) national or state highway and Psychotropic Substances Act, No.25777 of 2012 regarding (iii) situated within a distance 1985 empower the Govt. to removal of Unauthorized Liquor of 500 metres of the outer supply of narcotic drugs and Vendors along NH-1 (Panipat edge of the national or state psychotropic substances. – Jalandhar Section). Mr Sidhu highway or of a service lane Alcohol and drug use have has already surveyed about along the highway. been identified as important risk 60,000 km and feels still a long All States and Union factors of road accidents world- way to go before any territories are mandated to wide. The prevalence of drugs perceptible change ought to be strictly enforce the above and alcohol and its role in rural seen on the ground. directions. The Chief accidents have been the It is therefore, contempl- Secretaries and Directors objects of research. The ated to enact national policy on General of Police shall within one study has shown that majority use of Ayurveda as an month chalk out a plan for of injured drivers were motor- alternative to use of substance enforcement in consultation cyclists, who had not worn (alcohol& drugs) being a with the state revenue and helmets and mostly were in pragmatic preventive measure home departments. Responsi- early thirties. Over all 54% of as win-win strategy in bility shall be assigned inter alia injured drivers were positive for replacement of State Excise to District Collectors and alcohol and/or drug use. Under Policies In collaboration with Superintendents of Police and Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, the Patanjali Yogpeeth of Yog other competent authorities. traffic regulatory authorities are Guru Baba Ramdev in order Compliance shall be strictly penalizing the drunk drivers by to protect fundamental right to monitored by calling for the way of roadside breath health guaranteed under Article fortnightly reports on action alcohol testing with no 21 read with Article-47 of the taken. protocols for drug Constitution of India. These directions issue screening. under Article 142 of the It is inevitable to save Constitution. avoidable and unaffordable Sajjan Singh Nahar [email protected]
INDIAN HIGHWAYS JANUARY 2017 5 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY- FOREMOST STRATEGY AHEAD
ndia alone accounts for 11% over of the Global Road Crashes Ithe highest in the World, a dubious distinction. In the year 2015, we had over half a million road accidents (5,01,423) resulting 1,46,133 fatalities. This means loss of 17 lives on an average every hour in our Country. The total socio-economic loss due to road accidents is estimated @ 4.0% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). India is signatory to the UN Brasilia Declaration that the decade 2011-2020 to be the Decade of Action for Road Safety,aiming to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2020. In order to reduce the number of road accidents and devastating “ The jurisdiction of consequences, Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has since the State Police been taking key initiatives, the significant among those includes being restricted to rectification of accident black spots, protection of good Samaritans, the State provision for accident victims during Golden Hour construction of flyovers, boundary only, it underpasses, providing road markings, traffic signage, stiffer penalties, permitting electronic enforcement (e-Challan and m-Parivahan), becomes difficult organising Workshops in each State, community participation through at time for the corporate houses(under the Corporate Social Responsibility) and NGOs, Police to ensure campaigns through social media such as Twitter, Facebook besides uninterrupted flow generate alerts and send it to be broadcast by AIR. Government also at of traffic on NHs. the threshold to extend the Highway Advisory System(HAS) that it had launched last year as a Pilot Project on Delhi-Jaipur Highway. The ” Government reiterated the commitment to reduce the road accidents during the week-long celebrations to mark the 28th Road Safety Week observed from 9th to 15th January, 2017. The general phenomena of primary contributing factors to road crashes reveals that 72% crashes are attributed to human error; 18% to road characteristics and 10% to vehicle condition which assert that strict and vigorous enforcement of traffic regulations is paramount in averting road accidents. The vital question of implementation of effective mechanism indeed made awkward to observe the fate of landmark Verdict dated 28.08.1989 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the matter of Pt. Parmanand Katara on the matter of ‘Good Samaritans’ (website: http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/imgs1.aspx?filename=7839) and the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) (ref. Section 134 read with Section 187) was amended in 1994 accordingly.
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS FEBRUARY 2017 The subject matter of roads other than highways • Patrol (Enforcement) Sub-unit [Traffic declared by or under Law made by Parliament to be management; curbing drug traffic/ National Highway (NH), traffic thereon, and vehicles unauthorized liquor vendors (ULVs)/ other than mechanically propelled vehicles falls entry of stray/wild animals etc.] inState list in the Seventh Schedule of the • First Aid/Para–Medical Sub-unit (post- Constitution. The regulation of road traffic and accident medical care and prevention of offences including road accidents thereon are being communicative diseases) investigated and enquired into by the local Police in • Traffic Engineering Sub-unit (Road accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Safety Audit) Procedure, 1898. The National Highways are spread • out over a large part of the country. The jurisdiction Revenue Sub-unit (to ensure Right of of the State Police being restricted to the State Way free of encumbrances) boundary only, it becomes difficult at time for the Police In order to reduce the causalities, huge loss of to ensure uninterrupted flow of traffic on NHs. In Forex reserves (due to reduced mileage) and order to invest powers of investigation and prosecution increase in Vehicle Operating Cost (VOC) due of offences (including to extra wear and tear, it is illegal encroachment of proposed to mandate NH land) related to NHs in tamperproof ”speed the Central Govt. Force in governor” in motor the same manner as in the vehicles confirming to Railway Protection Force optimum economic speed under the provisions of (range 50-80 kmph) the Railway Protection starting with commercial/ Force Act, 1957 and public vehicles and leverage Excise and Customs, Radio-frequency besides appointment of Identification (RFID) tags Commissioner of Highway & check time to distance via Safety in the same mapped toll plazas starting manner as in the with trunk routes. Railways Act and the Railway (Punitive Charges for Besides, stringentaudit of overloading (at Overloading of Wagon) Rules, 2007, in addition to the origination point), dedicated Pedestrian-cum-Cycle Govt. initiatives stated above, the following foremost Track (in urban conurbation) and ‘marketed social obligatory strategy is warranted to be put in place media campaigns’ on target groups, etc are the by an Act/ Amendment of Parliament in order to have warranted action plan. visible improvement in road safety: In fulfilment of dream of the icon of nationalism, To start with over 30,000 km NHs upgraded under Swami Vivekananda, whose 154th Birth Anniversary NHDP, it is proposed to create a dedicated Unified was celebrated on 13th January, 2017, as a true tribute Highway Patrol Force (UHPF) with following to him, let us pledge to work together honestly in order ‘integrated sectoral mobile sub-units’ under the to save avoidable and unaffordable socio- administrative control of the envisaged Road economic loss due to road accidents. Transport and Traffic Regulatory Authority of India: – Sajjan Singh Nahar [email protected]
“Arise! Awake! And stop not until the goal is reached.” “Like me or hate me, both are in my favour. If you like me I am in your heart, if you hate me I am in your mind.” ….Narendra Nath Datta (Later, acquired the name Swami Vivekananda)
INDIAN HIGHWAYS FEBRUARY 2017 5 From the Editor’s Desk
VERDICT ON DE-REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES A WAY-FORWARD FOR SCRAPPAGE SCHEME
The Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles huge quantity of oil consumption and in turn (MHCVs) constitute just 2.5% of the total fleet save billions of public exchequers in oil import but contribute 60% of the pollution. Besides, 2. The scheme would result in reduction the over decade older vehicles constitute 15% in Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydro Carbons of the total fleet but pollute 10-12 times more (HC) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions to than a new vehicle because of drastic change in the extent of 18% and Particulate Matter (PM) pollution norms. emissions upto 24% Bearing in mind the acute level of vehicle 3. It aims at incentivising people retire pollution and devastating consequences, their old vehicles the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) vide its Orders dated 4. The incentives are expected to 18.07.2016 and 20.07.2016 in O.A. The scheme reduce the cost of new vehicle on 21 of 2014, Vardhman Kaushik would create an average 8-12% V/s Union of India has directed a win-win 5. It would encourage that diesel vehicles older than 10 public transport to shift to newer years to be deregistered in NCR situation for all and higher capacity buses which of Delhi. stakeholders will also help decongest roads It is inevitable to reduce emissions 6. It would make the overall and the priority is to get old fuel- dynamics of commercial vehicle guzzling and polluting commercial trade more vibrant vehicles (trucks/buses) off the roads. Taking 7. This would attempt to stoke growth clues of similar scrappage schemes implemented within the economy and boost sales of across the globe in countries like UK, US, automobile manufacturers leading to higher Germany, France, Spain, China and Indonesia, production capacity utilisation and their Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernization support to the Government Programme (V-VMP) is the way-forward inevitablyto be implemented in phased manner, 8. The scheme would generate huge the first being the medium and heavy vehicles amount of steel scrap annually and in turn which are just 1.2 million. The scheme would reduce steel import burden create a win-win situation for all stakeholders in 9. The scheme would rather provide view of following warranted merits: a platform to the Government to generate 1. The scheme has a potential to reduce additional revenue the vehicular emission by 25-30% and saving
4 indian highways MARCH 2017 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
G S T A BOOST TO ROAD INDUSTRY
he Goods and Services Tax (GST) The roadways are going to get better with Tregime in India is in the final stages of GST. The interstate movement of goods culmination and the GST Council has decided will be facilitated properly. It will save the 1st July, 2017 as the date of commencement of unproductive time wasted in the movement GST. of goods. It will get smoother than ever. The National Highways which account for most By amalgamating a large number of Central of the interstate movement of goods will and State taxes into a single tax, it would help. The huge tax compliance mitigate cascading or double procedure will be scrapped. taxation in a major way and The GST law will be pave the way for a common the biggest reform in the The transmission of goods national market. The Goods area of Indirect Taxes in will be better but the and Services Tax will thus the history of independent aviation,mining, electricity help in the realization of the India and power are bound to get objective of “One Nation, One costly. Furthermore, railways Tax” and improve the Ease of Doing Business are partially taxable as of now but it may climate in the country besides it would make change once GST comes into force. Indian products competitive in the domestic and international markets and to increase Cement constitutes the backbone of in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the infrastructure sector and is bound to be country by 1-2%. This in turn will lead to the improved once the GST is rolled out. It will creation of more employment and increase in be benefited from the reduced cost of logistics productivity. and in turn leading to falling in the prices of cement. The GST regime will lead to a reduction in tax evasion as a result of the computerization of The roll-out of GST will definitely prove to the taxation process. This tax, because of its be a game changer and will reduce the prices transparent and self-policing character, would of various items by avoiding tax on tax and be easier to administer. This will in turn lead ensuring seamless transfer of goods from one to increase in revenue collection for the region to another among others. Centre and the States. Sajjan Singh Nahar [email protected]
4 INDIAN HIGHWAYS APRIL 2017
Indian Highways April 2017.indd 4 3/25/2017 8:28:50 PM