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Highway Lights: Myth vs. Reality
11 Jun
Summary
- National highways illumination follows specific safety guidelines, not continuous lighting.
- Lights are strategically placed at high-risk zones like toll plazas and junctions.
- Full highway lighting is deemed economically inefficient and environmentally unsustainable.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has addressed public misconceptions regarding the illumination of national highways. Contrary to the popular assumption that entire highway lengths should be lit, NHAI clarifies that continuous lighting is neither mandatory nor practical according to current infrastructure norms.
The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines dictate that illumination is provided strategically at locations critical for safe vehicular movement. This targeted approach prioritizes safety without incurring unnecessary expenses.
Lights are typically installed in high-risk or high-activity areas, including toll plazas, interchanges, flyovers, bus bays, and accident-prone sections. This ensures enhanced visibility where vehicle interaction and pedestrian movement are most concentrated.
NHAI emphasizes that illuminating entire highways would be economically inefficient and environmentally unsustainable due to significant energy consumption and maintenance costs. Modern highways also incorporate reflective signage and advanced safety features to aid night driving in unlit areas, balancing efficiency with user safety.
