The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released a new set of standardized guidelines aimed at improving the safety and consistency of India’s high-speed national highway network. As the country continues to expand its expressway infrastructure, these regulations are intended to ensure that all future projects adhere to uniform design and safety protocols.

A primary focus of the new policy is the mitigation of hazards caused by stray animals. The guidelines mandate the construction of physical barriers or walls along high-speed corridors to prevent cattle from wandering onto the road, a frequent cause of accidents on existing highways. Additionally, the policy addresses traffic flow and safety at junctions by requiring the implementation of safer, more intuitive exit designs. These exits are intended to reduce the risk of collisions caused by sudden lane changes or inadequate deceleration space.

While the guidelines provide a framework for future construction, the document emphasizes that these measures are essential for maintaining high speeds safely. By standardizing these features, the government aims to reduce the variability in road quality across different states. The guidelines are expected to be integrated into the planning phase of all upcoming national highway projects, ensuring that safety infrastructure is built into the road from the outset rather than added as an afterthought.