PUNJAB ENGINEERING COLLEGE

REPORT

Road Markings and Traffic Signs in

Chandigarh Sector-31

BY – Bhaumik Sethi TO- Dr. Adhinarayana

SID-23102031 Prof. Transport Engg.
 Table of Contents

A. Introduction
B. Objective
C. Need for Study
D. Methodology
E. survey
F. Review of Past Reports
G. Types of Road Markings
7.1. Lane Markings
7.2. Pedestrian Crossings
7.3. Stop Lines
7.4. Speed Bumps
H. Traffic Signs
8.1. Regulatory Signs
8.2. Warning Signs
8.3. Information Signs
I. Recommendations
J. Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Recommendation
K. Conclusion
L. References
 INTRODUCTION

Chandigarh, the first planned city of independent India, is globally

renowned for its urban planning, which was conceptualized by the
famous French architect Le Corbusier. The city is organized into well-
defined sectors, with each sector functioning as a self-contained
neighborhood. Sector 31 is an locality in Chandigarh, Chandigarh
Capital Region, India.
Sector 20 (3.91 Km), Sector 33 (3.93 Km), Sector 49 (4.42 Km),
Sector 27 (4.45 Km), Chandigarh Airport Area (5.98 Km) are the
nearby areas to Sector 31.

Traffic management in Chandigarh, including Sector 31, relies heavily

on clear road markings and the strategic placement of traffic signs.
Road markings like lane dividers, zebra crossings, and speed bump
indications are necessary to ensure the proper movement of vehicles
and pedestrians
However, with time, road markings fade, and signs can become less
visible due to weather conditions, vandalism, or obstruction by trees
and parked vehicles. This has been a recurring issue in many sectors
of Chandigarh, including Sector 31, where the aging infrastructure
requires timely intervention for maintenance and repair. Furthermore,
as traffic volumes continue to rise, driven by the growing population
and the expansion of nearby commercial and educational
establishments, the importance of well-maintained road markings
and signage becomes even more pronounced.
This report aims to assess the current state of road markings and
traffic signs in Sector 31, with a focus on their visibility, condition, and
compliance with standard traffic regulations. By evaluating the
effectiveness of these elements, we can identify areas where
improvements are needed to enhance road safety and traffic flow in
this key sector of Chandigarh.
 Objective

The primary objective of this study is to assess the current state of

road markings and traffic signs in Chandigarh’s Sector 31,
focusing on their visibility, condition, and compliance with the
latest traffic regulations and standards. The report aims to:
1. Evaluate the Effectiveness of Road Markings:
Analyze the condition and effectiveness of road markings
such as lane dividers, pedestrian crossings, stop lines, and
speed bump markings in guiding vehicular and pedestrian
traffic. The goal is to determine if these markings are clear,
visible, and functional in ensuring smooth traffic flow and
safety for all road users.
2. Assess the Condition of Traffic Signs:
Examine the placement, visibility, and condition of
regulatory, warning, and information signs across Sector 31.
The study aims to evaluate whether these signs are
appropriately located, clearly visible, and well-maintained to
serve their intended purpose.
3. Identify Areas for Improvement:
Identify specific areas where road markings and traffic signs
are faded, damaged, obstructed, or insufficient. The study
seeks to highlight zones, especially around schools,
residential blocks, and intersections, where enhanced
signage or improved road markings are needed to ensure
road safety.
 Need for Study

Sector 31 is an essential hub for residential, academic, and

commercial activities, making it a high-traffic zone. A systematic study
of road markings and traffic signs is crucial for several reasons:
1. Traffic Safety Concerns: With the presence of schools,
colleges, and hospitals, pedestrian safety is a priority. It is
essential to assess whether existing road markings and signs
adequately guide and protect both pedestrians and drivers.
2. Wear and Tear: Daily usage, weather conditions, and time lead
to the gradual fading of road markings and damage to
signboards. A study is needed to evaluate the current condition
and identify areas requiring immediate attention.
3. Urban Planning and Development: As Chandigarh continues to
grow, ongoing infrastructure development requires constant
updates to road markings and signage. A study will help ensure
that any new roads or intersections comply with updated traffic
regulations.
4. Community Feedback: Residents and frequent visitors often
report issues such as lack of proper signage or faded markings.
Incorporating community feedback into the study will allow for a
more comprehensive assessment of traffic management needs.

This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of traffic regulation and

ensure that Chandigarh’s commitment to road safety and urban
management remains strong.
 Methodology

The study follows a systematic approach involving:

1. Field Observations:
Surveys were conducted at key locations within Sector 31,
including intersections, residential areas, and school zones.
Road markings and traffic signs were assessed for their
condition, visibility, and compliance with traffic rules.
2. Photography and Documentation:
Photographs were taken of road markings (such as lane
dividers, zebra crossings, speed bumps) and traffic signs
(including regulatory, warning, and information signs). Visual
documentation supported the evaluation of the clarity and
maintenance of these features.
3. Public Feedback:
Informal feedback was gathered from local residents and
friends in Sector 31, addressing common concerns such as
visibility of traffic signs, the need for clearer road markings,
and pedestrian safety issues.
4. Comparison with IRC Standards:
The current status of road markings and traffic signs was
compared with the IRC standards for road safety and urban
traffic management.
 Survey

A field survey was conducted in Sector 31 to assess the current

state of road markings and traffic signs. The survey focused on the
following:
4.1. Field Survey
1. Road Markings:
Key areas like lane dividers, pedestrian crossings, stop lines,
and speed bumps were inspected for their visibility and
condition. Some markings, particularly pedestrian crossings
and lane dividers, were found to be faded and require
repainting.
2. Traffic Signs:
Regulatory, warning, and informational signs were reviewed
for visibility and correct placement. Issues such as
obscured signs due to overgrown trees or parked vehicles
were noted.
3. Traffic Flow:
Observations of traffic patterns during peak hours showed
congestion near schools and intersections, with unclear
road markings contributing to confusion.

4.2. Public Feedback

A brief public survey was conducted, involving 50 respondents
(residents, commuters, and pedestrians), to gather opinions on
the state of road infrastructure:
 Visibility of Road Markings: 45% of respondents noted that
lane dividers and pedestrian crossings were often unclear or
faded.
  Traffic Sign Visibility: 35% of participants mentioned
difficulty spotting traffic signs due to obstructions.
 Pedestrian Safety: 50% expressed concerns about the lack
of clear pedestrian crossings in high-traffic areas.
This survey helped identify key areas that need immediate
attention, providing actionable insights for improving traffic safety
in Sector 31.
 Review of Past Reports

Past studies and reports on road infrastructure in Chandigarh

highlight recurring issues related to the deterioration of road
markings and the need for regular maintenance. In previous
surveys conducted by the Chandigarh Traffic Police and the
Municipal Corporation, the following key points were observed:
 Fading Markings: Many zebra crossings and lane dividers
faded quickly due to weather conditions and high traffic
volume.
 Obstructed Signs: Overgrown vegetation and unauthorized
parking often obstructed visibility of important traffic signs,
leading to confusion among road users.
 Pedestrian Safety: Insufficient pedestrian crossings near
busy intersections was a major concern highlighted by
previous reports, particularly in areas with schools and
colleges.
This report builds upon the findings of these previous studies
while incorporating up-to-date observations and
recommendations
 Types of Road Markings

7.1. Lane Markings

 Presence: Lane markings are present on major roads but are
starting to fade in certain areas, especially near
intersections.
 Condition: Moderate; requires repainting in high-traffic
zones to maintain clarity and ensure proper lane discipline.
7.2. Pedestrian Crossings
 Presence: Zebra crossings are well-marked near schools
and intersections but require repainting.
 Condition: Good in some areas; faded in others, especially
near government schools and the marketplace.
7.3. Stop Lines
 Presence: Visible at intersections and traffic lights.
 Condition: Many stop lines are fading and need to be
repainted for better adherence.
7.4. Speed Bumps
 Presence: Yellow-marked speed bumps are strategically
placed near schools and residential blocks.
 Condition: Generally well-maintained, but a few need new
reflective paint to improve nighttime visibility.
 Traffic Signs

8.1. Regulatory Signs

 Stop Signs: Present and visible at intersections.
 No Entry Signs: Clearly installed where one-way traffic is
enforced.

8.2. Warning Signs

 Pedestrian and School Zone Signs: Prominent near schools
but occasionally obscured by trees or parked vehicles.

8.3. Information Signs

 Directional Signs: Found at key locations, directing to Panjab
University and markets.
 Parking Signs: Present near commercial areas but require
updating to reflect any changes in parking zones.
 Recommendations

 Repainting of Faded Markings: Immediate action is needed

to repaint lane dividers, pedestrian crossings, and stop lines,
especially near high-traffic areas.

 Improved Visibility of Signs: Trees and other obstructions

near signboards should be trimmed regularly to improve
visibility.

 Additional Pedestrian Crossings: Install more pedestrian

crossings near school zones and intersections.

 Speed Bump Markings: Ensure reflective paint on speed

bumps for better visibility during night-time driving.
 Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Recommendations

According to the IRC:35-2015 guidelines for road markings and

IRC:67-2012 for traffic signs, the following standards should be
followed in Sector 31:

 Road Markings:
o Lane markings should be repainted at least once a year
to maintain clarity.
o Reflective paint must be used on all speed breakers
and pedestrian crossings to ensure visibility during low
light conditions.
o Stop lines must be at least 150 mm wide and located
1.5 to 3 meters from the edge of intersections.

 Traffic Signs:
o Signage must adhere to minimum height and
positioning standards (not less than 2.5 meters from
the ground).
o Traffic signs must use retro-reflective sheeting for
better night visibility.
o Placement of signs should be such that they are visible
from a distance of at least 100 meters, in accordance
with IRC recommendations.
 Conclusion

The evaluation of road markings and traffic signs in Chandigarh's

Sector 31 underscores a critical need for maintenance and
improvement to enhance safety and efficiency. Both the current
study and past assessments reveal persistent issues such as
faded lane markings and obstructed traffic signs, which pose
significant challenges for both drivers and pedestrians. Despite
the initial planning and implementation of road safety measures,
the deterioration over time has compromised their effectiveness.
The feedback gathered from local residents and commuters
aligns with previous findings, indicating a shared concern
regarding the visibility and clarity of road markings, especially
near high-traffic areas like schools and markets. Furthermore, the
lack of regular maintenance has exacerbated these issues,
highlighting the importance of instituting a structured upkeep
plan. By addressing these long-standing problems and adhering
to the standards set forth by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC),
Chandigarh can significantly improve its traffic management and
road safety measures. Implementing consistent repainting
schedules for road markings and ensuring that traffic signs
remain unobstructed are essential steps towards fostering a safer
environment for all road users in Sector 31. Overall, this report
advocates for immediate action to revitalize the road
infrastructure, thereby contributing to a more organized and
secure urban transportation system.
 References

1. Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Guidelines:

o IRC:35-2015 – Code of Practice for Road Markings.
o IRC:67-2012 – Code of Practice for Road Signs.
o IRC: SP:GG-2013 – Manual on Traffic Control Devices for Urban
Roads.
2. Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Reports:
Past assessments of road infrastructure and traffic management in
Sector 31 by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, highlighting
recurring issues related to road markings and traffic signs.
3. Chandigarh Traffic Police Data:
Yearly road safety reports from the Chandigarh Traffic Police, which
document traffic patterns, accidents, and areas requiring improvement
in road infrastructure.
4. National Transport Development Policy Committee (NTDPC) Report:
NTDPC, Government of India (2014) – India Transport Report: Moving
India to 2032. This document discusses national traffic safety standards
and road infrastructure requirements.
5. Local Public Feedback:
Informal survey responses from residents, pedestrians, and daily
commuters in Sector 31 regarding their experiences with road markings
and traffic signs.
6. Previous Studies on Urban Traffic Management:
Various research papers and studies on road infrastructure in
Chandigarh, focusing on the importance of regular maintenance and
IRC-compliant road markings and signs to ensure urban road safety.