How Can AI Road Surveys Improve Lane Width Design as per IRC 72?

Designing safe and efficient roads is one of the biggest priorities in road asset management India. Among the critical elements of roadway design, IRC 72 lane width standards play a major role in ensuring smoother traffic flow, reducing accidents, and accommodating the growing variety of vehicles on Indian highways and urban roads. With the growing adoption of AI-based road survey technologies and digital road monitoring systems, highway authorities and city planners are now able to measure, analyze, and optimize lane widths with higher precision.

This blog explains how AI pavement monitoring tools, combined with the guidelines of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC 72: 1982 – Guidelines on the Design of Roadway Widths for Various Classes of Roads), can transform digital lane monitoring in India and support better compliance with safety regulations.

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Importance of Lane Width as per IRC 72

According to IRC 72, lane width is one of the most important parameters for road design. The standard provides recommendations based on the class of the road and the expected traffic volume. For example:

• National highways and state highways generally require wider lanes to accommodate heavy vehicles and reduce side friction.
• Urban roads require careful balancing between available land, pedestrian space, and vehicle safety.
• Rural roads need optimized lane widths to ensure safe two-way movement even with limited right of way.

Maintaining proper lane width is critical to reduce vehicle side collisions, improve driver comfort, and enhance roadway safety. Non-compliance with IRC 72 often leads to bottlenecks, unsafe overtaking, and increased accident risks.

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Role of AI-Based Road Survey in Lane Width Analysis

Traditional lane width surveys relied on manual measurements and periodic inspections. These were time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error. Today, AI-based road survey tools are revolutionizing how lane design is monitored. Using cameras, LiDAR, and AI algorithms, surveys can now capture:

• Precise measurement of lane widths across long stretches of highways.
• Detection of non-uniform lane segments where sudden width changes pose risks.
• Identification of worn-out markings, faded edges, and shoulder encroachments.
• Integration with digital road monitoring systems for continuous updates.

This automation not only ensures better accuracy but also enables compliance with IRC 72 in a cost-efficient and scalable way.

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How AI Pavement Monitoring Tools Enhance IRC 72 Compliance?

AI pavement monitoring tools allow engineers to go beyond just surface inspection. They can now evaluate the lane width in relation to pavement condition, rutting, cracks, and edge failures. This integration ensures that road authorities get a holistic picture of lane safety.

For example:

• Detecting if a lane has narrowed due to pavement edge wear.
• Monitoring whether encroachments or debris have reduced usable lane width.
• Identifying stretches where shoulder damage is impacting effective roadway width.

By combining digital lane monitoring India with IRC 72 standards, planners can ensure that both geometric design and pavement durability are aligned.

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Digital Road Monitoring for Safer Traffic Movement

Digital road monitoring systems are particularly useful for highways with mixed traffic. By capturing vehicle flow data, AI can help in determining whether the current lane width is sufficient for safe operations. When traffic density increases, authorities can assess the need for lane widening or re-striping.

The continuous monitoring of traffic movement also supports road safety audits, ensuring that accidents due to lane mismanagement are reduced.

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Why RoadVision AI is the Best AI Road Asset Management Company in India?

With the growing demand for intelligent road design, choosing the best AI road asset management company in India is crucial. RoadVision AI provides cutting-edge AI-powered solutions for:

• Lane width compliance with IRC 72.
• Pavement condition surveys using automated sensors.
• Road inventory inspections for accurate lane geometry.
• Traffic surveys to monitor lane utilization.
• Case studies showcasing successful deployments across India.

By integrating all these capabilities, RoadVision AI ensures that authorities can meet regulatory standards while optimizing safety and cost.

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Conclusion

The guidelines of IRC 72 lane width are central to safe and efficient road design in India. With the advancement of AI-based road survey methods and AI pavement monitoring tools, compliance with these standards has become more accurate and proactive. This ensures better traffic flow, reduced accidents, and optimized infrastructure investment.

RoadVision AI is revolutionizing road infrastructure development and maintenance with its innovative solutions powered by computer vision AI. By leveraging advanced technologies, the platform conducts comprehensive road condition monitoring and traffic surveys, enabling early detection of surface issues like potholes and cracks for timely repairs and enhanced roads. Through traffic congestion analysis, RoadVision AI provides data-driven insights to address traffic congestion challenges and optimize road usage. With a focus on building smarter and more efficient road infrastructure, RoadVision AI ensures full compliance with IRC Codes, helping engineers and stakeholders reduce costs, minimize risks, and improve road safety and transportation efficiency.

To ensure your road projects meet the highest safety standards, it is essential to partner with experts. Book a demo with the best AI road asset management company in India today and explore how AI can transform your road design strategies.

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FAQs

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Q1. What is the recommended lane width as per IRC 72?

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As per IRC 72, lane width recommendations vary by road type. Highways typically require 3.5 meters per lane, while rural and urban roads may have reduced widths based on land availability and traffic.

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Q2. How do AI road surveys support lane width design?

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AI road surveys use automated cameras, sensors, and algorithms to measure lane widths with precision, identify variations, and ensure compliance with IRC 72.

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Q3. Why is digital lane monitoring important in India?

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Digital lane monitoring allows continuous assessment of lane usage, traffic density, and pavement condition, helping to maintain safer and more efficient roads.

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