Roads are the lifeline of modern societies. Roads ensure smooth movement of people and goods. They ensure economic growth and connect communities across the nation.
In a country like India which is diverse and populous the road network plays an important role in development of society and economy.
India’s road network has second-largest in the world after the United States with around 5.9 million kilometers as of 2021.
This extensive network has various types of roads. These roads are playing the important role in fulfilling transportation needs of the nation
You can download Classification of roads in India with their characteristics PDF from here
Classification of Roads based on Weather Condition
There are two types of Roads based on Weather Condition
A) All Weather Roads
B) Fair Weather Roads
A) All Weather Roads:
All weather roads are designed and constructed to sustain all types of weather throughout the year. They ensure smooth and continuous transportation in all climatic conditions. These roads are constructed to resist Rain, snow, heat and other environmental factors.
Characteristics of All Weather Roads:
- Surface Durability: All weather roads have durable surface which can sustain heavy traffic without fail. Also, it can handle adverse weather conditions without significant deterioration.
- Drainage Systems: These roads have a good drainage system to drain all water in rainy seasons. It prevents the water logging and maintain good road conditions I rainy season.
- Grading and Slopes: Proper Grading and Slope is provided to all weather roads to allow efficient runoff of rainwater. This will prevent roads from pooling or erosion.
- Materials: To ensure the strength and durability of roads high quality materials are used for construction of the roads. These materials include asphalt, concrete and well-compacted gravels.
- Signage and Markings: To ensure visibility and safety of drivers the proper signage, road markings and reflective materials on all-weather roads.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance and repair work is carried out on all-weather roads to repair any damage caused by heavy usage or weather.
B) Fair Weather Roads:
Fair weather roads are designed and constructed to be suitable for favorable weather conditions. These roads are primarily used in dry seasons or mild climates. These roads are not able to handle extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall and snowfall.
Characteristics of Fair-Weather Roads:
- Surface Condition: Fair weather roads have less durable road surface than all-weather roads. These road surfaces are not suitable for extreme weather conditions.
- Limited Drainage Systems: Proper drainage systems are not provided to the fair-weather roads. In the rainy season this can lead to a water logging problem.
- Gravel or Unpaved Surface: Fair weather roads have unpaved or graveled surface. It is challenging to use these roads in wet and muddy conditions.
- Maintenance Frequency: Fair weather roads require more frequent maintenance and repair works to ensure the usability of the road.
The classification of roads on the basis of weather conditions may differ across the regions and countries, depending on the specific climate and geographical factors.
This classification helps to understand the suitability of roads in different weather conditions to ensure efficient and safe transportation.
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Classification of Roads based on Carriageway
There are two types of Roads based on Carriageway
A) UN-Paved Road
B) Paved Roads
A) Unpaved Roads:
Unpaved roads are also known as dirt roads or gravel roads. These roads do not have a paved surface. These roads are typically made of compacted earth, gravel, or other natural materials.
Unpaved roads are commonly found in rural and remote areas where construction of paved roads are not cost effective.
Characteristics of Unpaved Roads:
- Surface Material: Surface of unpaved roads made of soil, gravel, crushed stone or combination of these materials. The surface is usually loose and may erode with weather and usage.
- Maintenance: Unpaved roads require regular maintenance to repair issues such as potholes, washouts and erosion caused by weathering conditions and usage.
- Dust and Mud: Because of earth and graveled surface these roads generate dust during dry periods and become muddy and slippery during rainfall.
- Lower Speed Limits: Due to rough surface the speed limit is lower as compared to paved roads.
- Accessibility: Unpaved roads are limitedly accessible in some weather conditions such as rainy season. It is also less accessible to vehicles with low ground clearance.
B) Paved Roads:
Paved roads are roads which have smooth and solid surfaces. These paved surfaces are made up of asphalt, concrete, or interlocking paving blocks.
These roads are designed and constructed to provide durable surface for various types of vehicles.
Characteristics of Paved Roads:
- Surface Material: Surface of Paved roads are made up of asphalt, concrete, or interlocking paving blocks to provide a smooth and stable driving experience.
- Increased Durability: Paved roads are designed to sustain heavy traffic with longer lifespan. The paved roads have less wear and tear as compared to unpaved roads.
- Better Traction: The solid surface of paved roads provides better traction to vehicles which reduces the risk of skidding and accidents.
- Reflective Markings: To improve visibility on paved roads they are marked with lane lines, crosswalks and other reflective markings.
- Maintenance: To ensure the optimal condition of paved roads they require regular maintenance. These include resurfacing, crack sealing, and periodic repairing works.
Classification of Paved Roads:
There are two main types of Paved Roads
A) Asphalt (Bitumen) Roads
B) Concrete Roads
A) Asphalt (Bitumen) Roads:
Asphalt roads or bitumen roads use asphalt as the primary material for the road surface. This type is a common type of paved road which is mostly used for road construction. Asphalt road uses a mixture of aggregates and a binder called bitumen, which is a sticky, black, and viscous substance for making of its top surface.
Characteristics of Asphalt Roads:
- Smooth Surface: Asphalt roads provide a comfortable and smooth driving surface. It reduces vehicle tyre wear compared to rougher surfaces.
- Quick Construction: Asphalt roads can be constructed relatively quickly compared to Concrete roads because the asphalt mixture can be easily laid and compacted.
- Noise Reduction: The dense surface of asphalt roads helps in reducing road noise generated by vehicles.
- Flexibility: Asphalt roads have a certain level of flexibility. This flexibility allows them to sustain minor ground movements and temperature fluctuations without significant damage.
- Cost-Effective: Asphalt is a cost-effective material for road construction as compared with concrete. Because of its cost effectiveness it is a popular choice for various road projects.
B) Concrete Roads:
Concrete roads are a type of paved road that uses concrete as the primary material for the road surface. Concrete is a composite material made of cement, Sand, aggregates and water. Sometimes some concrete admixtures are added to gain some special properties and to create a strong and rigid structure.
Characteristics of Concrete Roads:
- Longevity and Durability: Concrete roads are highly durable with longest lifespan compared to other types of road surfaces. They can sustain heavy traffic and resist damage from weather, heavy loads, and wear.
- Strength: Concrete roads have high compressive strength which allow them to bear heavy loads without fail.
- Low Maintenance: Concrete roads generally require less maintenance compared to asphalt roads. They have a lower chance of developing potholes or undulation. It will reduce the need for frequent repairs
- Reflectivity: The light grey colored surface of concrete roads offers better visibility, especially during nighttime driving.
- Initial Cost: Concrete roads have higher initial construction costs compared to asphalt roads. This is because of the materials and construction process involved in construction of Concrete roads.
During the construction of road, the type of pavement depends on factors such as traffic volume, climate conditions, available budget and local preferences. Both types of paved roads play a critical role in providing safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.
Classification of roads based on the carriageway can also include additional categories such as single-lane roads, dual-carriageway roads, or multi-lane highways. These terms describe the number of lanes and capacity of traffic flow.
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Classification of Roads based on Nagpur Road Development Plan
What is Nagpur Road Plan?
To develop the road infrastructure in India the gov took a conference of all engineers in Nagpur in 1943.
This is the first 20-year road development plan. The conference is held in Nagpur, that’s why the plan is named Nagpur Road Development Plan.
Click here to know more about Nagpur Road Development Plan.
The plan aims to streamline road development and maintenance strategies across the country.
The following are the classifications under the Nagpur Road Plan:
1)National Highway
2)State Highway
3)Major District Road (MDR)
4)Other District Roads (ODR)
5)Village Roads
1) National Highway:
National Highways are the highest category of roads in India. They connect major cities, states and important economic and cultural centers throughout the country.
National Highways are numbered with a prefix “NH” followed by a number. If a National Highway is in North-South direction then its number is even. Like Pune -Bengaluru highway is “NH04” and it is in East- Waste direction the it is odd number.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the Authority who developed maintain National Highways.
2) State Highway:
State Highways primarily connect important cities, district headquarters, tourist destinations and industrial areas within a particular state.
State Highways are numbered with a prefix “SH” followed by a number.
Public Works Department (PWD) or the State Highway Department of respective states construct and maintain the State Highways.
3) Major District Road (MDR):
Major District Roads (MDR) connect major towns and Taluka headquarters within a district. They Provide connectivity and access to rural areas.
District’s PWD or the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) of respective districts construct and maintain the MDR.
4) Other District Roads (ODR):
Other District Roads (ODR) connect smaller towns and villages within a district. ODRs provide connectivity to remote areas and serve as feeder roads for MDRs.
These roads are also maintained and developed by the district’s PWD or the DRDA.
5) Village Roads:
Village Roads are local roads that provide connectivity within rural areas, linking villages and agricultural fields. They are primarily used for local transportation and agricultural activities.
Village Roads are maintained and developed by the respective village panchayat or local bodies.
The Nagpur Road Plan provides a hierarchical structure for road development, maintenance, and funding allocation based on the importance and traffic volume of the roads.
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Classification of Roads as per Lucknow Road Development Plan or Third 20-Year Road Development Plan
Lucknow Road Development Plan, which is also known as Third 20-Year Road Development Plan, has classified roads mainly in 3 different types.
- Primary System
- Expressway
- National Highways (NH)
- Secondary System
- State Highways (SH)
- Major District Roads (MDR)
- Tertiary System
- Other District Roads (ODR)
- Village Roads
Primary System:
The Primary System refers to the highest category of roads in a road development plan. These roads typically connect major cities, economic centers, and important transportation hubs within a country or region.
They serve as major corridors for long-distance travel and have high traffic volumes.
Primary System has contains 2 types of roads:
- Expressway
- National Highways (NH)
Secondary System:
The Secondary System includes roads that connect smaller towns, regional centers, and important tourist destinations. These roads support inter-regional and intra-regional travel, providing access to areas not directly served by the primary system. Secondary roads generally have lower traffic volumes compared to primary roads but still require appropriate design, maintenance, and safety measures.
Tertiary System:
The Tertiary System consists of local and rural roads that provide connectivity within specific areas, such as villages, remote communities, and agricultural regions. Tertiary roads are typically lower in traffic volume and serve as feeder roads to the secondary system. They facilitate local transportation, access to amenities, and agricultural activities.
The classification of roads into primary, expressway, secondary, and tertiary systems help in prioritizing road development and allocating resources based on the importance, traffic flow, and connectivity requirements of different regions. It ensures a balanced and efficient road network that caters to the diverse transportation needs within a country or region.
Classification of Urban Roads
Urban roads are roads located within urban or metropolitan areas and serve as vital transportation arteries for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. These roads are classified based on their functions, capacity, and design considerations.
Here are common classifications of urban roads:
Arterial Roads:
Arterial roads are major roads that connect different parts of a city or metropolitan area. They handle a significant volume of traffic, including through traffic and vehicles traveling longer distances.
Arterial roads are designed to provide efficient movement of vehicles, often with multiple lanes, controlled intersections, and traffic signal systems. They play a crucial role in connecting different neighborhoods, commercial areas, and transportation hubs within urban areas.
Collector Roads:
Collector roads function as intermediaries between arterial roads and local roads. They collect and distribute traffic from local streets and connect them to the arterial road network.
Collector roads help improve the efficiency of traffic flow by collecting traffic from residential areas and directing it to arterial roads. They often have a lower capacity than arterial roads but still accommodate moderate traffic volumes.
Local Roads:
Local roads are typically residential streets, neighborhood roads, or roads within commercial or industrial areas. These roads provide access to individual properties, homes, and local destinations. Local roads generally have lower traffic volumes and are designed with lower speed limits and various traffic calming measures to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and residents.
Pedestrian Streets or Pedestrian Zones:
Pedestrian streets or zones are road sections designed primarily for pedestrian use. These roads prioritize pedestrians over vehicular traffic, often restricting or completely banning vehicle access during certain times or altogether.
Pedestrian streets are typically located in commercial areas, city centers, or areas with high pedestrian activity. They create a pedestrian-friendly environment, allowing for safe walking, shopping, and socializing.
Specialized Roads:
Specialized roads within urban areas may include roads designed specifically for certain purposes, such as bus lanes, cycle lanes, or roads with specific design elements to accommodate alternative modes of transportation. These roads aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of specific modes of transportation and promote sustainable mobility within urban areas.
Classification of Rural Roads
Rural roads are roads that are primarily located in rural or non-urban areas, connecting villages, agricultural lands, rural communities, and other remote areas. These roads play a crucial role in providing essential transportation infrastructure in rural regions.
Rural roads can be classified based on various factors, including their functions, connectivity, and construction standards. Here are common classifications of rural roads:
Primary Rural Roads:
Primary rural roads are major roads that connect different rural areas, towns, and important transportation hubs. These roads serve as primary corridors for transportation within rural regions and may also connect rural areas to urban centers.
Primary rural roads generally have higher traffic volumes and require better construction standards and maintenance compared to other rural roads.
Secondary Rural Roads:
Secondary rural roads are roads that provide connectivity between smaller towns, villages, and rural communities within a specific region. These roads may serve as connectors between primary rural roads and local roads.
Secondary rural roads accommodate lower traffic volumes compared to primary roads and are designed to cater to local transportation needs.
Feeder Roads:
Feeder roads are rural roads that provide access to agricultural lands, remote settlements, and other specific locations. These roads play a vital role in supporting agricultural activities, enabling farmers to transport their produce and equipment.
Feeder roads are typically narrower and may have lower construction standards compared to primary and secondary rural roads.
Gravel Roads:
Gravel roads are unpaved roads that use a surface material of compacted gravel or crushed stone. These roads are commonly found in rural areas and are often used in regions where it may be impractical or cost-prohibitive to construct paved roads.
Gravel roads provide basic connectivity and are suitable for lower traffic volumes.
Village Roads:
Village roads are local roads within rural areas that provide connectivity within and between villages. These roads are usually narrow and primarily serve as access roads for residential areas, community facilities, and agricultural lands.
Village roads are essential for local transportation needs and may have lower traffic volumes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the classification of roads plays a crucial role in road development, planning, and management. Whether it’s based on factors such as weather conditions, carriageway, traffic volume, or specific regional plans like the Nagpur Road Plan, these classifications help determine the design, maintenance, and functionality of roads.
Understanding the various classifications allows transportation authorities and planners to allocate resources effectively, prioritize infrastructure improvements, and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. From major highways and expressways that connect cities to local roads serving rural communities, each classification serves a specific purpose in the transportation network.
By considering the unique characteristics and requirements of different road types, stakeholders can make informed decisions about construction standards, capacity enhancements, safety measures, and maintenance strategies. This ultimately contributes to the development of a robust and well-connected road network that supports economic growth, enhances connectivity, and improves the overall quality of transportation for both urban and rural areas.
FAQ’s
What are the 6 types of roads in India?
The six types of roads in India are as follows:
- Expressways: Expressways are high-speed, controlled-access roads that allow smooth and efficient movement of traffic between major cities.
- National Highways (NH): These are major highways that connect different states and cities and are managed by the central government.
- State Highways (SH): State Highways connect important cities and towns within a state and are managed by the respective state governments.
- District Roads: These roads connect various villages and towns within a district and are maintained by the district administration.
- Major District Roads
- Other District Roads
- Village Roads: Village roads provide connectivity to remote villages and are usually maintained by local Panchayats or rural development authorities.
- Border Roads: These roads are constructed and maintained by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and serve to improve connectivity in border areas.
What are the different classifications of roads?
Roads can be classified based on various factors, including their purpose, capacity, location, and development standards. Some common classifications include:
a. National Highways (NH)
b. State Highways (SH)
c. District Roads
d. Village Roads
e. Expressways
f. Urban Roads
g. Rural Roads
h. Border Roads
i. Feeder Roads
j. Arterial Roads
k. Collector Roads
l. Local Roads
What is 6 road grade?
It seems there might be some confusion or a misinterpretation in this question. “6 road grade” is not a standard term in the context of road classification or engineering. If you meant something else or have additional context, please provide more information, and I’ll be happy to assist further.
What are the two main types of roads?
The two main types of roads are:
a. National Highways (NH): These are major roads that connect different states and are managed by the central government.
b. State Highways (SH): State Highways connect important cities and towns within a state and are managed by the respective state governments.
Why do we classify roads?
Road classification is essential for several reasons:
a. Planning and Development: It helps in efficiently planning and developing road networks based on traffic demand and connectivity needs.
b. Funding and Resource Allocation: Governments allocate funds and resources based on the classification to ensure the proper maintenance and development of roads.
c. Maintenance and Management: Different categories of roads require different levels of maintenance and management, and classification helps in organizing these efforts.
d. Safety and Traffic Management: Classification aids in setting appropriate speed limits, traffic regulations, and safety measures for each type of road based on their usage and capacity.
What is WBM road?
WBM stands for Water Bound Macadam. It is a type of road construction method in which the load-bearing coarse aggregates are interlocked through a mixture of stone dust and water. The interlocking provides strength and stability to the road surface. WBM roads are commonly found in rural areas and serve as cost-effective solutions for low-traffic volume roads.
What is Class 1 roads?
The term “Class 1 roads” does not have a universally standardized meaning, and its interpretation might vary based on the country or region.
If you have a specific context or country in mind, please provide more information, and I’ll do my best to address it accurately.
