Amidst challenges faced by mountain regions in India, including landslides and traffic congestion hampering economic development, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has joined forces with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to devise five comprehensive guidelines for enhancing hill road infrastructure. The main focus of these guidelines is to ensure high-quality and sustainable road projects in hilly regions such as the North Eastern Region, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, fostering improved road networks and stimulating economic growth.
The guidelines cover a range of aspects related to hill road development. They include technical specifications and best practices for road planning, encompassing alignment, geometric design, and drainage. Additionally, the guidelines address slope protection and embankment construction using advanced technologies like soil nailing and geosynthetics. For the construction of tunnels on arterial roads in hilly areas, specific emphasis is given to alignment, design, and construction methods.
Furthermore, the guidelines offer insights into the construction of mountain bridges utilising advanced technologies such as cable-stayed and arch bridges, facilitating smooth movement between valleys, rivers, and cliffs. Lastly, there is a strong focus on the operation and maintenance of mountainous highways, encompassing traffic management, pavement condition, and drainage. These guidelines aim to ensure that road projects in hilly regions adhere to the highest standards, ultimately enhancing safety, connectivity, and economic development in these areas.
