IRC Code 35:2015 is the revised version of India's official road marking standard, originally introduced in 1970.
The code establishes uniform practices for:
Its primary objective is to ensure that road users encounter consistent and recognizable markings regardless of location.
Road markings serve as:
On high-speed highways, urban corridors, and complex intersections, these markings play a crucial role in reducing driver confusion and improving operational safety.
Road markings contribute directly to:
Improved Traffic Flow
Clearly defined lanes help organize vehicle movements and reduce congestion.
Enhanced Road Safety
Markings provide visual guidance that reduces lane departure incidents, intersection conflicts, and pedestrian accidents.
Better Night-Time Visibility
Reflective markings improve driver perception under low-light conditions.
Consistent Road User Behaviour
Standardized markings create predictable driving environments that reduce errors and improve compliance.
Modern AI road safety assessment India solutions increasingly use pavement marking condition data to evaluate roadway safety performance.
Material selection significantly influences the durability and effectiveness of road markings.
Thermoplastic Road Markings
Thermoplastic markings are the most commonly used permanent pavement marking solution in India.
Key Features
Common Applications
Today, AI road asset monitoring India platforms help monitor thermoplastic marking performance and identify maintenance requirements proactively.
Paint systems are generally used where lower durability requirements exist.
Advantages
Limitations
These markings are often used for temporary diversions, construction zones, and low-volume roads.
Cold-applied plastics provide long-lasting performance without requiring heating during installation.
Suitable Applications
Benefits
Preformed Adhesive Tapes
Preformed tapes are factory-manufactured markings applied directly to the pavement surface.
Benefits
Common Uses
Colour consistency is essential for driver recognition and compliance.
White Markings
Used for:
Yellow Markings
Used for:
Blue Markings
Typically designate:
Green Markings
Used for:
Red or Purple Markings
Often indicate:
Standardized colour usage improves roadway readability and reduces confusion.
IRC Code 35:2015 categorizes road markings into seven major groups.
1. Longitudinal Markings
These markings run parallel to traffic movement.
Examples include:
These markings help maintain lane discipline and regulate overtaking.
2. Transverse Markings
These markings are placed perpendicular to traffic flow.
Examples include:
They help regulate vehicle behavior at intersections and crossings.
3. Hazard Markings
Hazard markings alert drivers to potential risks.
Examples include:
These improve driver awareness and reduce collision risks.
4. Block Markings
Block markings identify specific safety zones.
Examples include:
These markings improve pedestrian safety and visibility.
5. Arrow Markings
Arrow markings provide directional guidance.
Examples include:
They assist drivers in making correct lane choices before intersections.
6. Directional Markings
Text-based pavement markings reinforce roadside signage.
Examples include:
These improve message recognition and traffic control effectiveness.
7. Facility Markings
Facility markings define dedicated roadway spaces.
Examples include:
They improve road space management and operational efficiency.
Visibility is one of the most important performance requirements under IRC Code 35:2015.
Preview Distance Requirements
Road markings must remain visible long enough for drivers to perceive and react safely.
The code recommends maintaining sufficient preview distance based on operating speeds.
Retroreflectivity Requirements
Glass beads embedded in road markings improve night-time visibility by reflecting vehicle headlights back toward drivers.
Benefits include:
Using AI roadway visibility analytics, authorities can measure reflectivity performance and identify markings requiring maintenance.
Road studs complement pavement markings in low-light conditions.
White Studs
Used along lane lines.
Red Studs
Indicate road edges.
Yellow Studs
Mark median boundaries.
Green Studs
Identify exits and service lanes.
Proper placement improves guidance and road safety.
IRC Code 35 emphasizes regular inspection and maintenance to preserve marking effectiveness.
Key inspection parameters include:
When performance falls below acceptable thresholds, repainting or replacement becomes necessary.
Modern AI lane marking detection systems can automate this process, significantly reducing manual inspection efforts.
The future of road marking maintenance is increasingly data-driven.
Advanced technologies now support:
Automated Road Inspections
AI road marking inspection India solutions automatically identify faded or damaged markings.
Computer Vision-Based Analysis
Computer vision road markings technology analyzes lane visibility and condition in real time.
Visibility Monitoring
AI roadway visibility analytics evaluate reflectivity performance and compliance levels.
Traffic Behaviour Assessment
AI traffic analysis systems help determine how pavement markings influence driver behavior and roadway safety.
Smart Infrastructure Management
Automated smart road infrastructure platforms integrate marking data with broader road asset management systems.
These technologies help agencies maintain compliance while improving operational efficiency.
Organizations that comply with IRC Code 35 gain several advantages:
Compliance also supports modern asset management and smart transportation initiatives.
IRC Code 35:2015 provides the foundation for consistent, visible, and effective road markings across India's transportation network. By standardizing marking materials, colours, classifications, visibility requirements, and maintenance practices, the code helps improve safety, traffic efficiency, and driver confidence.
As India's road infrastructure continues to evolve, integrating technologies such as AI road marking inspection India, and AI roadway visibility analytics is transforming how authorities manage pavement markings. These solutions enable proactive maintenance, improved compliance, and more efficient asset management.
Road markings may appear simple, but they remain one of the most powerful tools for improving road safety and ensuring a predictable, reliable transportation system for millions of road users every day.
Q1. What is IRC Code 35:2015?
IRC Code 35:2015 is the Indian Roads Congress standard that governs the design, materials, application, and maintenance of road markings across India.
Q2. Why are road markings important?
Road markings improve traffic flow, provide lane guidance, increase visibility, and enhance road safety for all users.
Q3. Which road marking material is most durable?
Thermoplastic road markings are generally considered the most durable option due to their strong adhesion, high reflectivity, and long service life.
The Autonomous Road Engineer
AI-powered road condition monitoring, asset management, & infrastructure intelligence helping agencies move from reactive maintenance to predictive road management.
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