AP towns set for smart road makeover with lane markings, signages

Vijayawada: In a move to reform urban mobility with a target to cut down road accidents and bringing traffic discipline to cities, the state govt has launched a statewide programme to standardise road lane markings, zebra crossings, kerb painting and scientific traffic signages. The project was initiated simultaneously across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This is expected to transform the visual and functional landscape of municipal roads with a focus on pedestrian safety, smoother traffic movement and globally benchmarked urban infrastructure standards.The project was kick-started following the instructions of the chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. The govt asked all commissioners of corporations and municipalities to immediately launch the works using municipal general funds and road maintenance grants. Principal secretary S Suresh Kumar directed officials to take up the works on priority and ensure strict adherence to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) safety standards.“Under the programme, all ULBs will execute standardised centre lane and side lane markings, edge lines, stop lines, zebra crossings and black-and-yellow kerb painting. Authorities have also been asked to install mandatory, cautionary and informatory traffic signages at key locations including schools, hospitals, market areas and major junctions. Minor road defects, potholes, damaged kerbs and drainage issues must be rectified before road marking works begin,” said Suresh Kumar.He said that the initiative is not merely an infrastructure upgrade but part of a larger effort to reshape urban road culture in the state. Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu stressed that modern urban development should focus not only on road construction but also on safety, commuter convenience, aesthetics and traffic discipline. He observed that properly marked roads and scientific signages are critical for reducing confusion, improving pedestrian visibility and ensuring safer mobility systems in rapidly growing urban centres.Municipal administration minister Narayana asked the officials to issue a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) in line with IRC:35, IRC:67 and IRC, SP:118-2018 norms. He wanted that the SOPs should include technical specifications, retroreflective standards, quality checks, traffic management protocols and geo-tagged photographic documentation for every road stretch before and after execution.Subsequently, principal secretary asked the field level officials to prioritise arterial roads, high-density corridors, junctions and school zones during the first phase. The govt plans continuous monitoring of the programme to ensure visible transformation of urban roads within a fixed timeline.