Lok Sabha Question No. 2254 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Gradient issues on Roads in Hilly Areas
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Rajmohan Unnithan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2254 ANSWERED ON 14/03/2023

## GRADIENT ISSUES ON ROADS IN HILLY AREAS

## 2254.   SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether as per the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) current norms, the gradient allowed for the works is currently 1 unit of vertical length in 10 units of horizontal length which disqualifies these hill roads to be covered under PMGSY and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government noticed about this gradient issues on roads in hilly areas which are built and monitored under PMGSY;
- (c) whether it will be considered to relax the PMGSY norms so that any roads in the hilly regions can be included in the project in the future; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

- (a)        The gradient applicable for hill roads constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)  ( IRC:SP:20 (Rural Roads Manual) / Hill Road Manual IRC:SP:48) are given below:

| Types of Longitudinal Gradient (except hairpin bends)   | Mountainous Terrain   | Steep Terrain   |
|---------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------|
| Ruling Gradient                                         | 5%                    | 6%              |
| Limiting Gradient                                       | 7%                    | 8%              |
| Exceptional Gradient*                                   | 10%                   | 10%             |

| Gradient (Hairpin Bends)   | Gradient (Hairpin Bends)   |
|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| Maximum                    | 2.5% (1 in 40)             |
| Minimum                    | 0.5% (1 in 200)            |

For  existing  roads,  the  existing  vertical  curves  up  to  limiting  gradient  may  be  considered acceptable.  Gradients  steeper  than  limiting  gradient  but  upto  exceptional  gradient  in  short stretches  could  also  be  considered  acceptable  unless  there  is  evidence  of  site-specific problem.  The  existing  hair  pin  bends  may  be  considered  acceptable  unless  there  is  sitespecific problem and evidence of complaints from users, history of crashes.

(b) to (d):   During 2010, geometric design standards were reviewed by the Expert Committee constituted  by  Ministry  and  it  was  decided  that  the  gradient  1  in  10  is  already  relaxed (previously 1 in 12.5 as per IRC SP:20:2002) and no further relaxation should be allowed. If the  gradient  is  steeper  than  the  above  prescribed  norms  then  it  will  adversely  impact  road safety.

The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for works under PMGSY are required to conform to the above  requirements.  In  addition,  the  National  Quality  Monitors  and  the  State  Quality Monitors check above requirements during their site visits.

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