IRC 012- 2009: Guidelines for Access, Location, and Layout of Roadside Fuel Stations and Service Stations

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The establishment of motor-fuel filling stations has undergone significant evolution since the initial guidelines were published in 1954 and 1962. These documents were later revised and merged into a comprehensive guideline titled "Recommended Practice for Location and Layout of Roadside Motor Fuel Filling and Motor Fuel Filling-cum-Service Stations," published as IRC: 12 in 1983.

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In response to the increasing speed of vehicles and the pressing need for enhanced road safety, the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways (MOSRT&H) revised the norms for the location, layout, and access to fuel stations along National Highways in October 2003. These updated norms were developed in consultation with the Ministry of Petroleum and oil companies, ensuring a collaborative approach to road safety and fuel station accessibility.

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Basic Principles

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The primary objective of these guidelines is to ensure the free flow of traffic along highways while minimizing interference from vehicles accessing fuel stations. Safety is paramount, and the guidelines aim to protect both road users and fuel station patrons.

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Scope

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These guidelines apply to all types of fuel stations—petrol, diesel, and gas—along various road categories, including National Highways, State Highways, Major District Roads, and Rural Roads. The guidelines cover both urban and rural stretches, accommodating different terrains, including plain, rolling, and hilly areas.

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General Conditions of Siting

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1. Integration with Rest Areas: Fuel stations should ideally be part of a rest area complex that includes amenities such as parking, toilets, restaurants, and repair facilities. This integration enhances user experience and safety.
2. Future Road Improvements: The location of fuel stations must not interfere with future road improvements or nearby intersections.
3. Favorable Highway Conditions: Fuel stations should be situated where the highway alignment is favorable, avoiding sharp curves and steep grades. Adequate sight distances for safe traffic operation are essential.
4. Distribution Along Corridors: Fuel stations should be evenly distributed on both sides of highways to prevent vehicles from cutting across traffic. Separate stations may be required for vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
5. Distance from Intersections: To ensure safe traffic weaving, fuel stations must be located a minimum distance from intersections, as specified in the guidelines.

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Minimum Distances

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Non-Urban (Rural) Stretches

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• Plain and Rolling Terrain:some text
  • Intersection with NHs/SHs/MDRs: 1000 m
  • Intersection with Rural Roads: 300 m
• Hilly/Mountainous Terrain:some text
  • Intersection with NHs/SHs/MDRs: 300 m
  • Intersection with other roads: 100 m
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Urban Stretches

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• Plain and Rolling Terrain:some text
  • Urban areas with populations of 20,000 to 100,000: 300 m (3.5 m carriageway) / 100 m (less than 3.5 m)
  • Urban areas with populations over 100,000: 100 m
• Hilly and Mountainous Terrain: 100 m for all road categories.

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Distance Between Fuel Stations

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• Plain and Rolling Terrain:some text
  • Undivided carriageway: 300 m
  • Divided carriageway: 1000 m
• Hilly/Mountainous Terrain and Urban Stretches: 300 m for both undivided and divided carriageways.

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Plot Size for Fuel Stations

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The minimum plot sizes for fuel stations vary based on terrain and road type:

• Undivided Carriageway (Plain/Rolling Terrain): 35 m x 35 m
• Divided Carriageway (Plain/Rolling Terrain): 35 m x 45 m
• Hilly/Mountainous Terrain: 20 m x 20 m
• Urban Stretches: 20 m x 20 m

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Access Layout

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Access to fuel stations must be designed with deceleration and acceleration lanes to ensure safe entry and exit. The guidelines specify minimum lengths and widths for these lanes, as well as requirements for separator islands and buffer strips to enhance safety.

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Key Access Layout Features:

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• Deceleration Lane: Should be a minimum of 70 m in length and 5.5 m wide, allowing vehicles to slow down safely before entering the fuel station.
• Acceleration Lane: Must be at least 100 m long, facilitating a smooth merge back into traffic after refueling.
• Separator Island: A separator island should be provided to prevent right turns into the fuel station, enhancing safety for all road users.

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Drainage

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An adequate drainage system is crucial to prevent surface water from flowing onto the highway or causing waterlogging. Fuel stations must be constructed at least 300 mm below the shoulder level of the highway, with proper drainage arrangements to manage surface water effectively . The drainage system should ensure that water is collected and directed away from the highway, utilizing suitable underground drainage solutions.

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Enforcement of Right of Way and Building Lines

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Fuel pumps must be located beyond prescribed building lines to comply with safety regulations. The layout of fuel stations should consider future road widening, and if necessary, additional land must be acquired to accommodate access roads, service lanes, and other infrastructure.

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System for Signs and Markings

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A comprehensive system of signs and markings is essential for guiding highway users. This includes:

• Informative Signs: Indicating the distance to the nearest fuel station, placed at strategic points along the highway.
• Pavement Markings: Clear markings to regulate traffic flow, including chevron markings at entry and exit points.

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Implementation Procedure

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and oil companies are responsible for ensuring that applicants for new fuel stations receive a copy of these guidelines. This allows them to assess their compliance with the requirements regarding location, access layout, and signage. The applicant must submit a detailed layout plan that adheres to the prescribed standards.

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The Highway Agency may require a license agreement between the oil company and the agency, along with a suitable license fee. Non-compliance with these norms, including the maintenance of access lanes, drainage systems, and traffic control devices, may result in penalties or de-energization of the fuel station. In cases where multiple fuel stations are clustered, responsibility for compliance will be jointly assessed by the highway authority and the oil companies involved.

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Conclusion

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By adhering to these guidelines, fuel stations can be effectively integrated into the highway system, enhancing safety and accessibility for all road users. The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Petroleum, and oil companies ensure that the establishment of fuel stations meets the evolving needs of road safety and traffic management. These guidelines not only facilitate the smooth operation of fuel stations but also contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of the highway network.

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