DRAFT IRC:98 “GUIDELINES ON

ACCOMMODATION OF UTILITY SERVICES

ON ROADS IN URBAN AREAS”
(Third Revision)

(By H-8 Committee)

INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS

 CONTENTS

S.No. Description Page No.

1. Introduction 1

2. Scope 2

3. Guidelines 7

4. Road Opening Protocol 35

5. Precaution while Opening/Trenching 39

Appendix I 41

Appendix II 46

Appendix III 51

Appendix IV 55

Appendix V 63
 IRC:98-2023

GUIDELINES ON ACCOMMODATION OF UTILITY

SERVICES ON ROADS IN URBAN AREAS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Due to upgradation of communication technology and with the advent of optic
fiber cables to provide customer connectivity service most service providers are
preferring to lay cables below the ground. The need for revision of guidelines was has been
under the considerationof Urban Roads, Street and Transport Committee (H-8), since
2019.

1.2 Relocation of utilities due to infrastructure projects like widening of roads

to multiple lane facilities, construction of flyovers, urban street projects, subways,
monorail, metro rail, etc. have put greater stress on accommodation of utilities at right
location within the right of way of urban roads covering present scenario of
urbanization.

1.3 In the recent past, codes and supplementary guidelines have either been
revised or are under revision.In view of the changes and modifications in the associated
codes and guidelines andother parameters it has become necessary to revise IRC:98.

1.4 The Urban Road, Street & Transport Committee (H-8) was reconstituted with
the following personnel:
……………… Convenor (till ……………….)
…………………. Co-Convenor, Convenor (w.e.f. 3…………)
…………………. Member Secretary
Members
…………………………

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 IRC:98-2023

Corresponding Members
……………………………

Ex Officio Members
President, IRC (……………)
DG (RD) & Sp. Secy., MORTH/ (………..)
Secretary General, IRC

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1.5 The erstwhile Committee discussed the revision and finalized few clauses with the
addition of some new sections based on the works carried out in India in the past
decade under the convenorship of Dr. Manoranjan Parida. The draft was prepared
and presented by a Sub group comprising of Shri Vikas Thakar, Dr Ganesh Babu,
Shri Dinesh Kumar, Shri Babu and the entire draft was prepared and finalized in
March 2023.
1.6 The revised draft was approved by HSS Committee in its meeting held on
……………… and the Executive Committee on ……………authorized Secretary
General IRC to place the same before the Council. The revised draft document
was approved by the council in its ……………..meeting held on …………………….
at ……………… for printing by the IRC.

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2 SCOPE

2.1. These guidelines are intended for use by the authority responsible for roads in
the urban limits vested with powers to regulate the location, design, installation and
maintenance of public utility services laid or proposed to be laid within the right of way
of urban roads. The objective is to provide a uniform approach, based on mutual
interests of the utility agencies and the road authority, which will minimize interference
between the operations of various agencies and also to ensure safe and smooth traffic
flow by reinstating the trenches after installation or after completion of ducting works.

2.2. Utility Services on Roads in Urban Areas shall be provided based on the following
principles:

 Adequacy: Adequate to take the scalable load based on the future demand;
resource adequacy is the ability of a utilities' reliable capacity resources (supply)
to meet the end user demands at all hours. The factor that affects supply is the
availability of sufficient dispatchable capacity resources in order to meet the
demand.
 Constructability: Construction of utilities at various stages/ phase wise
development to be achieved easily with minimal destruction of the road section
 Maintainability: Maintenance of the utilities or space for loading vehicle for
material transport and gantry for lifting provisions to be maintained instead of
destruction of road section.
 Safety: Surveillance System for maintaining the safety of the Utility Network and
Roads.

Construction/Installation of poles, pillars, advertisement towers, bill boards,

transformers, cables, pipe, drain, sewer, canal, railway line, tramway, metro rail, mono
rail, telephone boxes, repeater stations, street, path or passage of any kind on Urban
Road land or across, under or over shall not be under taken by any person/agency/
organization without prior permission in writing, by officer designated by Urban Road
Authority in the format prescribed by such authority.

The person/agency/organization shall give an undertaking that the cost of removal/

shifting shall be borne by them. Further it shall be deemed to have agreed by the
person/agency/organization to whom permission is given will shift/remove at his/their
cost within the time stipulated by road authority. In case the service owner fails to
shift/remove the service in reasonable time on a notice by the Urban Road Authority,
who will be free to enter and remove/burry the service at the cost of the person/
agency/organization and any consequent damage/loss shall be the responsibility of the
person/agency/organization.

Well defined and online “Dial Before You Dig” system need to be established between
the utility agencies and road authorities for proper maintenance of the Right of Way.

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Multilevel memorandum of understanding (MOU) approach with utility and road
authorities will facilitate the cooperation and coordination process. In a typical situation,
a high-level MOU sets forth general principles and the intent of both parties to work
cooperatively. This MOU is normally signed by all Utility partners along with Road
authorities. To ensure the MOU is a living document, it may include attachments and
other agreements that discuss specific issues, such as standards, specifications, and
general procedures for resolving conflicts by preparing these documents. The MoU
objectives include establishing roadside allocations and recommended practices for
providing utility services; fostering coordination; encouraging the use of agreed-on codes
and practices for excavation, backfilling, and roadway reconstruction; and minimizing
the impact of excavations. Membership includes utility owners, local government and
road authorities, light rail operators, other government agencies, consultants, and other
groups interested in utility issue.

2.3 Accommodation of utility services in urban areas shall be categorized as:

2.3.1 Open trenching

Open trenching shall be carried out wherever service provider with option for others, will
lay the lines once only for that category of service and second trenching is not allowed
for that particular service. This shall not apply to local streets.

2.3.2 Ducts under existing roads

Ducts under existing roads is intended for, when the road is excavated more than once.
A suitable duct arrangement shall be designed for present and future services to be
installed in the urban road land and duct shall be designed accordingly.

2.3.3 Ducts under new roads

Ducts under new roads is intended for, when duct (wet and dry) is installed at
construction stage itself which is being followed in many new layout formation in the
country.

2.3.4 Box pushing under existing roads

Box pushing technology is safe for construction in major traffic areas and busy junctions.
In this technique, RCC boxes separated in segments are cast outside and pushed
through heavy embankments of rail or road by jacking system.

2.4. These guidelines are intended for existing as well as new roads where laying of
new service or relocation of existing service along/across the roads is proposed. These
guidelines also cover relocation due to widening of right of way, construction of grade
separators/elevated roads/metro/mono projects.

2.5. Utility agencies have various degrees of authority to install their lines within the
right-of-way of roads. These guidelines are not intended to alter or infringe on such
powers, but are suggested in the interest of developing and preserving safe operation
of the road facility with least interference to it by the utility services, thus ensuring least
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inconvenience to the road users during the installation of such services and after
reinstatement of road to its original operational & functional condition.

Photo 1A: Open Trenching Photo 1B: Ducts under Existing roads

Photo 1C: Ducts constructed with Photo 1D: Box Pushing under existing roads
New Roads

`
2.5.1 The utility agencies are:
I. Water supply, Sewerage network and underground drainage under respective
Local/ State/Central Governments
II. Electricity cables by Electricity Authority under respective Governments, Private
Companies in charge of supply and maintenance.
III. Telecommunication lines/cables under BSNL/MTNL – Government of India
undertaking
IV. Optical Fiber cables of different private agencies approved/authorized by
Government of India.
V. Gas line by government or private agencies authorized by Government of India

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As roads are essential, so are Water, Sewer, Electricity, Gas and Telecommunications.
Each of these service providers (other than private agencies laying OFC) have their own
acts approved by State Government/Central Governments. For planned implementation
of Utilities, efficient actions include:

 Integrate right-of-way acquisition and utility coordination in an alliance contract

approach.
 Enhance cooperative relationships with property owners to facilitate timely
property acquisition.
 Promote visualization techniques to communicate anticipated project impacts to
property owners.
 Develop a framework to establish proficiency of right-of-way and utility
professionals in core disciplines.
 Promote incentive-based reimbursement for utility relocations.
 Pursue strategies to facilitate corridor preservation.
 Promote the use of a multiple-level MOU structure among transportation and
utility interests.
 Develop GIS-based right-of-way project and asset management systems.
 Promote the use of best practices in utility coordination during the construction phase.

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3 GUIDELINES

3.1 Planning
3.1.1 For new roads, there should be advanced planning to earmark the position of
each utility line expected along the road and provide space therefore in such a manner
that it does not interfere with other services or safe operation of the road. For this
purpose formal meetings and consultations with the concerned utility agencies should
be held by the road authority to arrive at mutually acceptable locations for thevarious
utilities. Combining more than one service using common utility duct or multi utility duct
shall be the norm due to its advantage of installation and maintenance. In case of new
formations, new layouts, prior meetings with utility agencies may be held to assess their
requirements to provide additional width in ROW for ducts, totally avoiding utilities
underneath the carriageway. An MOU between road authority and service provider
covering the rights and responsibilities of each shall be drafted and executed to ensure
successful laying of utility lines without affecting traffic and quality standards of the
restored pavement after opening and laying services.
For all new roads and roads proposed for widening arterial/sub arterial/feeder roads in
urban areas duct shall be provided compulsorily. In respect of existing roads whereopen
trenching is restrained due to limited ROW, ducts shall be provided.
3.1.2. For existing roads, proposals for new utility line should be carefully examined
by the road authority to ensure that the existing service lines and future infrastructure
development needs like widening, grade separators, mono-metro rail, requiring
relocations leading to avoidable expenditure. Such locations shall be provided with
common utility ducts or multi utility ducts taking into consideration existing and
proposed utilities to be accommodated.
3.1.3. While forming new layouts the concept of common utility duct or multi utility
duct shall be implemented along with service drops to respective properties/plots, so
that during construction/completion of structures, services can be tapped inside the
property itself avoiding repeated road opening by property owners. The service drop
shall be for all services which will greatly reduce hardship to service providers, service
receivers and road authority.
3.2 Considerations to Satisfy Specific Locational Requirements of Utility Lines
3.2.1 Utility lines can be grouped under the following five categories, each having
distinct characteristics:

i) Sewer and drainage lines

ii) Water supply lines

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iii) Electricity cables
iv) Telecommunication cables and Optic fiber cables
v) Gas pipelines and those carrying combustible materials

Some utility lines have interactive characteristics with other lines, and as such their
relative location warrants careful consideration. Some others, e.g., telecommunication
lines have certain specific requirements of laying as prescribed by the concerned
authority. All these are brought out in the following paragraphs.
3.2.2. Sewer and drainage lines have generally gravitational flow and are laid at
substantial depth, the actual depth depending on the topography of the area. They
normally require deeper and wider trenches for installation, and are provided with
manholes at intervals. Because of the presence of manholes which get choked due to
discarded materials there is possibility of overflow, and it is preferable to avoid laying
sewer lines underneath the carriageway as for as possible. However, due to limitation
of ROW, sewer lines can be laid preferably at the edge of carriageway, where ROW is
more than 24 m, same can be laid along both the edges of the carriageway to facilitate
service connection to properties on both sides.
In case of existing manholes (a protective concrete transition shall be provided from
asphalt surface to manhole as a strengthening measure for durability.) during overlay/
surface renewal of carriageway the existing manholes can be covered with sand,
subsequently sand can be removed and manhole can be raised avoiding digging of
newly laid surface later to trace the manhole and to prevent damage to manhole during
laying of overlays, Photo 2 and Fig. 1.

Photo 2: A Manhole Buried during Overlay Being Opened

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Fig. 1 Sand Filling Over Existing Manhole before Providing Overlay

Tertiary Drains shall be in the form of open channels or pipelines provided at the
extreme edges of the right-of-way.
3.2.3 Water supply lines carry water under pressure, and any leakage causes damage
to road pavement. These lines should not be close to sewer lines to avoid
contamination in case of any leakage or pipe burst. Water and sewer lines must be a
minimum of 2 to 3 m apart for standing and addressing the problem; and when water
line crosses a sewer line, the clear space shall be 1m or more.
3.2.4. Electricity cables are of different types, namely, lighting cables (LT), and high
tension (HT) cables. These cables should not be close to water supply lines to avoid
short circuit. HT cables should not be laid in the proximity of telecommunication cables
and optic fibre cables because of possible electrical interference due to induced
voltage. Also, all types of service lines and cables should be away from the tree line to
avoid possible entrapment and dislocation by tree roots. All Electrical Cables shall be
1.0 m away from waterline.
3.2.5 The privatization of telecom, power, gas and other utilities has put immense
pressure on urban roads. Multi utility ducts or common utility ducts are easy solutions
for urban roads, excepting sewer lines all other services can be accommodated in
utility ducts which criss cross across the city and opening of road will be totally
minimized. Gas mains and other pipelines carrying combustible materials should be
away from electricity cables, as they are sources of heat and should be located at
extreme ends of right-of-way.
3.2.6 Whenever any OFC and/or any telecommunication cable agency is given
permission to lay lines, it shall be by common utility duct or duct bank only. Other
similar agencies can be addressed to give their plan so that all intending agencies
place cables at one go. Open trenching of carriageway shall not be allowed by road
authority except for sewerage lines.
3.2.7 While designing the common utility duct or multi utility duct separate enclosures
shall be provisioned keeping in view future expansions for all services.

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3.2.8. The concept of common utility duct or multi utility duct shall become a part and
parcel of road utility for new as well as existing roads.

3.3 Depth of Laying Service Lines along Roads

3.3.1. The depth of installation depends on the type of service line accommodated.The
minimum depth is from considerations of providing a minimum cover to safeguardthe
line from any superimposed loads or impact, or from erosion and this should not be
less than 0.6 m. The different service lines are also to be located at different depthsso
that a cross connection of a service line is not obstructed by another line.
3.3.2. Gravity sewer lines, from operational angle are required to be laid at substantial
depth, more than 1.5 depending on the topography of the area. As regards electricity
cables, HT lines should be at greater depth than LT ones from safety considerations.
3.3.3. Water line can’t be below the sewer line. When water line crosses a sewer line,
the clear space shall be 1m or more. From the above considerations, broad
recommendations about the depth of laying (denoting the bottom of the trench) of the
various service lines along the road are given below:

i) Trunk sewer line - more than 1.5

ii) Water supply line

Service line - 0.6 to 1 m
Trunk line - 1.0 to 6 m

iii) Electric cable

LT cable - 0.6 to 1 m
HT cable - 1.5 to 2 m

iv) Telecommunication cable

Directly laid - 0.6 to 1 m
Laid in ducts - 1 to 2 m

v) Gas mains and lines - 2 to 3 m

Carrying combustible material

vi) Distance between

Electric cables & W/S lines Vertical – 1 m
HT/LT Horizontal - 1 m

vii) Distance between Electric Vertical - 1 m

Cables & OFC Horizontal – 1 m
3.4 Location and Space for Services
3.4.1 Location of the various utility services will depend on several factors suchas
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class of road, the land width available, the size and type of utility lines to be
accommodated and other related factors. Land width recommended by the Indian
Roads Congress, vide IRC: 69 “Space Standards for Roads in Urban Areas” for various
classes of urban roads is given in Table 1.

Table 1 Recommended Land Width for Roads in Urban Areas

Category of Road Land Width (m)

Expressways 50-60
Arterial Streets 50-60
Sub-Arterial Streets 30-40
Collector Streets 20-30
Local Streets 10-20

As far as possible, the utility lines should be accommodated in the space specially
earmarked for the purpose. The space required will vary depending on the type,
size and number of service lines to be laid. For example, not all roads will require to
accommodate all types of utility lines. Further, the space required for each utility line
will depend on its size, but generally the utility lines follow the hierarchical system of the
road. That is, service lines laid along major roads will be the main ones requiring larger
space than those along minor roads. This means, major roads will require to provide
for larger space for services than minor roads. Generally, width of 5 m for services on
either side of the road will be adequate in most cases. In case where earmarked space
for services is not available or land cannot be acquired, service lines should be
accommodated in common utility ducts at extreme ends of right of way.
Hazardous utilities like HT cables, gas lines etc in the buried condition shall be marked
on the ground by concrete/steel/HDPVC, indicators for their ease of identification
during widening road or while adding further utilities, Photo 3.

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Photo 3: Sample Photos of Buried Gas Line marked on the Ground

3.4.2 Other considerations needing attention in the location of utility services are given
below:
i) Utility lines should be located as to minimize the need for their subsequent
adjustment to accommodate future road improvements, at the same time
the location should be such that it permits maintenance of the lines with
minimum interference to road traffic.
ii) The utility lines should be laid on uniform alignment parallel to the road
centre line;
iii) Service lines requiring frequent access shall be located in a separate
duct or in common utility duct.
iv) Some of the utility lines will require provision of manholes, controllers/
regulators, etc. within the right-of-way. The manhole covers should not
protrude over the road surface and should be fixed in level with the existing
road. In the course of subsequent renewals of road, level of manhole covers
should also be raised to the level of road. The manhole covers should be so
maintained as not to endanger the safety and environment. The manhole
covers shall be strengthened by providing M40 grade interlocking paving
blocks or M40 grade concrete surrounding manhole to serve as dampener
due to impact of vehicular loads, Photo 4,5, 6 and Fig 2.

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Photo 4: Sample Photos of Damaged Manhole Cover

Photo 5: Properly finished and sealed Photo 6: Manhole chamber & frame with
manhole chamber cover with proper steel mesh to avoid damage to
concrete pavement and subsequent settelement

Fig. 2 Concrete Cover to Prevent Damage

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Fig. 3 Design of Water Valve Chamber

v) Water valve chambers similar to manhole are provided to water supply lines
which runs underneath the carriageway. These chambers are normally
covered with BS slabs/RCC slabs and due to repeated impact of vehicles
the slab gives way and replacement involves time and expenditure.
vi) Alternatively, the chamber shall be filled with sand to serve as cushion, top
cover shall be a suitably designed RCC slab. The valve could be reached
for operation through a PVC pipe. Fig.3 indicates the same.
3.4.3. Suggested locations for the various utility lines are indicated on the typical
cross-sections of Local Street in urban roads in Fig. 4. The cross-sections are based
on the recommendations given in IRC:69. Avenue trees, roadside drains and street
light posts are also shown on the cross-sections to ensure that these do not interfere
with the utility lines.
When concrete roads are laid, an edge strip of 1.00 m to 1.50 m of interlocking paver
block or flexible pavement shall be provisioned for future unforeseen utilities as shown
in Photo 7.

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Legend:
L-Lighting cable
E-Electricity cable
W-Water supply line
T-Telecom cable
S-Sewer
G-Gas line

Fig.4 Suggested Locations for Utility Services Along Local Streets

Photo 7: Typical edge strip at edge of concrete road for future unforeseen utilities

Note:
1. All dimensions are in meters
2. The locations of the services are suggestive only and will dependon number, size and type
of services to be accommodated, spaceavailable for services, etc.
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3. Open drains shown for storm water drainage may be replaced by closed drains/pipes as
per situation
4. Depth would be in accordance with para 3.3.3.

3.5 Design and Maintenance of Utility Lines and Common Utility Ducts

Design of Utility lines such as water, wastewater, power etc. will be estimated based on
the FSI and urban design guidelines/ norms and accordingly space provision will be kept
in the right of way of the urban roads.

While planning and designing of the new roads, it is essential that joint interaction to be
held between road authorities should and municipal authorities to understand the services
that would be pass through the road network.

Utility tunnel / ducts are an underground passage to carry utility services such as
electricity, water etc. Tunnels are built to avoid the disruption caused by recurring
construction, repair and upgrading of cables and pipes in direct burial trenches. One of
the greatest advantages is public safety. Tunnels also allow rapid access to all utilities
without having to dig access trenches or resort to confused and often inaccurate utility
maps. From safety point of view, for not to flood, pumping system should be planned
based on the high flood level. The tunnel would carry the following utilities:

1. Raw water supply to WTP

2. Treated water supply (Mains / secondary)
3. Recycled water distribution
4. Automated solid waste collection pipe (in case of CBD)
5. HT cables (power supply)
6. LT cables (power supply)
7. IT / Fiber optic cables
8. Chilled water pipelines (in case of CBD)
9. Return chilled water pipelines (in case of CBD)

3.5.1. Design of utility lines to be accommodated within the road land is the responsibility
of the concerned utility agency, but this should be reviewed and approved by the road
authority in respect of location, method of installation, effect on structural integrity of the
roadway and road structures, ease of maintenance, and permitting free and safe flow of
traffic.

3.5.2. Where the common utility ducts are to be provided beneath the roadway along or
across the road, the road authority shall be satisfied about their structural adequacy.
Materials used should be durable of adequate strength and conform to the currently
applicable specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards so that subsequent
disturbance to the road is minimised.

3.5.3. The design of duct shall be adequate enough for future needs of expansion, the duct
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structure shall be designed for durability, strength and other structural considerations
confirming to Bureau of Indian Standards. The duct shall be treated as any other normal
structure for all design purposes. In case of cost sharing between utility agencies and
urban road authority, same shall to be decided by the urban road authority who shall
construct the duct.

It is also essential to lay the cross pipes at regular intervals (opening to the median) so
that in future any additional cross lines to be laid, those services can be taken through the
cross pipes by avoiding the digging of the road network.

General Common Utility Duct configurations are illustrated below in Fig. 5 to 11 and
Photo 8.
(a) Brick/Size Stone Masonry

Fig. 5 Duct Using Brick/Stone Masonry

(b) Pre-Cast/Cast-In-Situ RCC Ducts

Fig. 6 Duct Using Pre Cast/Cast-In-Situ RCC

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(c) Ducts Using RCC Spacers

Fig. 7 Ducts Using RCC Spacers

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(d) Duct Bank Combinedly for OFC. Telecom & Power Cables

Notes:
1. Dimensions are in millimetres.
2. The arrangement is intended to illustrate a possible positioning of
common utility duct banks. The exact arrangement to be adopted
for a particular site depends on various aspects, such as space
constraints, underground condition, types/numbers/sizes of
utilities to be accommodated. The depth of duct banks, the number
of layers and ducts in each layer, and the orientation of duct banks
may be varied appropriately to suit specific requirement.

Fig. 8 Duct Bank Combinedly for OFC, Telecom & Power Cables

Notes:
1. Dimensions are in millimetres.
2. The 100 f and 150 f ducts are intended to accommodate telecom cables and 1KV or below power cables respectively. The dimensions of ducts shown are internal
diameters. The ducts shall be G.I. pipes under carriageway and UPVC pipes under foothpath. For each duct, a nylon draw string of 6 mm diameter shall be provided.
3. Concrete surround shall be grade 30/20.
4. The typical dimensions and arrangement shown may be varied appropriately to suit specific requirement.
5. At the ends of duct bank, the annular space of the duct and the cable inserted shall be sealed to avoid ingress of water/gas/sail. Sealing shall be applied also to the
ends of any reserved spare ducts.
6. For the duct bank for power cables, protective or cautionary provisions (e.g. concrete tiles, caution tapes) may be installed by relevant utility under takers.

Fig. 9 Duct Bank Combinedly for Telecom & Power Cables

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(e) Duct Bank for Heavier Power Cables

Fig. 10 Duct Bank for Heavier Power Cables

Fig. 11 A Typical Multi Utility Service Tunnel

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Photo 8: A Typical Multi Utility Service Tunnels

3.5.4. Maintenance of Utility Tunnels

 The ROA (Road Owing Agency) will have ownership right over the utility tunnel.
Construction and maintenance cost of the utility tunnel will be borne by the ROA
and the expenditure will be met from the lease charges collected from service
agencies. The lease charges decided by the ROA will be approved by the
coordination committee and will be binding on all service providers. Annual
charges may also be levied if decided by the ROA.
 The ROA will permit service agencies to inspect and carry out maintenance
activities in the utility tunnel. Access protocol will be defined by the ROA and
will be binding on all service agencies.
 The utility tunnel will be well lit, well ventilated and equipped with transportation
facility.
 The ROA will be responsible for watch and ward of the tunnel and all services
in it, including periodic cleaning, painting and routine repair.
 The ROA will ensure timely maintenance of utility duct structure from seepage
etc.
 The tunnel must have internal water channels and small sumps to collect
seepage and any other water entering into it. There should be automatic electric
pumps to dewater the sump having dual supply of power.
 Automatic alarm system in case of fire/ flooding be installed and maintained.
Regular mock drill be conducted.
 City Control system to be set up to provide information regarding various
tunnels in the city.

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3.6 Accommodation of Utility Lines Across Roads
3.6.1. Need for accommodating utility services across a road will arise in situationssuch
as road intersections where the lines along one road will have to cross the intersecting
road, and for spur connections from a service line to reach the other sideof the road.
Several methods are available for effecting the crossing depending on thesituation, but
in all cases, the following principles should be kept in view:
i) The service line should cross beneath the road along a line normal to
the road alignment.
ii) In case of new roads, arterial/sub arterial, collector streets, the service
lines shall be taken through ducts of sufficient size in consultation with
utility agencies in order to facilitate future repairs/addition of lines, etc.
without resorting to cutting open of the road.
iii) The installation should be strong enough to stand the superimposed
traffic loads & earth pressure.
iv) NP4 pipes in triple rows shall be provided across the roadway for full
width for crossing of lines in major roads. The longitudinal utility corridor
as appropriate shall be provided by integrating with the crossroad
utilities.
v) The installation should be such that it is possible to maintain theservice
lines without undue interference to traffic movement or damage/
disturbance to the road pavement/structures, and
vi) The utility lines should be laid at such depths as to provide adequate
cover beneath the pavements. The cover shall be minimum of 600 mm
in case of trenching.
The different methods of crossings of roads by service lines are discussed in paragraphs
below:
3.6.2. Simple uncased crossing
In certain situations, such as crossing of a minor road, service lines may be installed
without encasement. The minimum cover over the top of the service line should be
1.2 m. Where the service line is a pipeline, it should be embedded on a layer of granular
material free of stone fragments, and should be backfilled carefully in two stages, one
upto the top of the pipe and the other up to the top of subgrade. The pipeline should be
strong enough to support the superimposed loads when the pipe is operated underall
ranges of pressure, i.e.,zero to maximum internal pressure. As this method will involve
cutting of the road for any maintenance or replacement, it should be restrictedonly to
minor roads. However, to protect the utility and to identify it during subsequent
excavations, the utility line should preferably be provided with a sand cushion and
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covered with brick lining. A typical service line cross section across and along are
shown in Photo 9 and 10.

Photo 9: Typical Service Line Across Cross- Photo 10: Typical Service Line Along
Section Cross-Section with proper cover and
Layer wise Compaction

3.6.3 Crossing through casing pipe

The casing pipe (or conduit pipe in the case of electric cables) carrying the utility lines
should be of steel, cast-iron or reinforced cement concrete (NP4) and be large enoughto
permit easy withdrawal of the carrier pipe/cable.
3.6.3.1 The strength of casing should at least be equal to that of a normal
cross- drainage structure on the road taking into account the
overfill. The casing pipes should be NP-4 class or equivalent, leak
proof and without joints in the case of steel casing anticorrosive
paints be provided over its surface. If necessary, pipes could be
weldedto cover the full width of the road. Ends of the casing should
be sealed from outside so that the annular space between the
carrier line and the casing does not act as a drainage path.
3.6.3.2 The casing pipe should, as a minimum, extend from drain to drain
in cuts andtoe of slope to toe of slope in fills. The top of the casing
should be at least 1.2 m belowthe road level subject to it being at
least 0.3 m below the drain inverts.

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 IRC:98-2023
3.6.3.3 The casing pipe should be installed preferably by boring through
the road embankment. Where trenching method is adopted in
exceptional cases the casing should be bedded on a 0.15 – 0.30
m thick layer of granular material free of rock pieces and carefully
back filled in two stages, one upto the top of the pipe and the
second upto the top of subgrade. In general, the installation of the
casing pipe should follow the same procedure and observe the
same precautions as are required for pipeculvert construction. A
typical cross-section of crossing a road through casing pipe is
shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 12 Typical Cross-Section of Crossing Road Through Casing Pipe

3.6.3.4. Installation of service lines through casing pipes facilitates easy

withdrawal of the carrier line in case of maintenance or replacement
without need for cutting the road. Interference to traffic and
disturbance to pavement structure are avoided. This method should
be adopted for all important roads where separate ducts/subways
exclusively for service lines are not available.

3.6.4. Crossing through Precast RCC ducts

In case of major roads and green field projects, the provision of Precast RCC ducts of
adequate size for utility crossing across the roads should be adopted to avoid multiple
excavation events of the road in future. The RCC duct shall be of sufficient strength to
cater to the heavy traffic loading. Adequate cover to the precast RCC duct and
compaction on the sides of the duct shall be ensured. A typica precast RCC duct used
for crossing of utilizes across road can be seen in Photo 11.

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 IRC:98-2023

Photo 11: Typical RCC duct installation for utility crossing across road
for a major road

3.6.5. Horizontal Directional Drilling

The horizontal directional drilling (HDD) also called trench-less technology permits
installing underground pipelines, cables and service conduit through trenchless
methods underneath ground for a straight stretch upto 1500 m and depth upto 10 m
with only two end openings. HDD is best suited for clayey soils, non-cohesive sand,
and silt. Pipeline diameters varying from 50 to 1200 mm can be installed using this
method. The end openings can be restored with same materials used for different
layers of pavement. This method eliminates pavement excavation for laying all types of
cables, pipe line and service conduits well below the pavement surface. A typical
installation setup for horizontal directional drilling is shown in Photo 12.

Photo 12: Horizontal Direction Drilling equipment for installation of service

ducts along the road
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 IRC:98-2023

3.6.6. Micro trenching

Micro trenching is a fast and low-impact method of creating small trenches or ducts at
the edges of roads to install wires, telecom cables etc. A small and narrow slot-cut
trench is dug that can be up to 2 feet deep and 25 to 50 mm in width. Microtrenching
helps avoid traffic disruptions and breaking down the roads as in case of open trench.
Micro trenching is also known a narrow trenching, slot cutting. Typical installation of
utility in microtrench and microtrenching equipment can be seen on Photo 13 and 14.

Photo 13: Micro trench along kerb Photo 14: Mechanical saw
edge for OFC cable installation equipment used for micro trenching

Direct Buried Cable is adopted for customer connectivity. The cables shall be laid at a
depth of at least 100 mm below pavement surface. Whenever pavement is cut/grooved
to burry this type of cable a suitable geomembrane/geogrid shall be placed over the
cable and to equal width on either side of cable and asphalt surface replaced.Bonding
between cable top surface, geogrid and bottom surface of asphalt layer shall be
effectively carried out by application of asphalt-based epoxy coatings.

3.6.7. Reinstatement of open trench cut for utility

The excavated material shall be removed and carted out. After laying the utility lines the
trench shall befiledwith sand/robo sand/quarry dust upto the sub base level and profusely
watered and compacted with walk behind roller, mechanical compactor to achieve
required modified proctor density. Subsequently laid with wet mix macadam proceeded
by bituminous layers compacted/rolled to the same thickness as that of the adjoining
undisturbed surface crust. The levels of the reinstated trench shall be flush with the adjacent
road surface. Proper care and attention are required during planning and implementation
of installation of utility services, so that the work ofreinstatement of trenches is carried
out in specified manner right in time. Any neglect in adhering to a proper schedule can
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 IRC:98-2023
lead to serious traffic hazards besides recurring potholes, poor road maintenance and
settlement issues. Settlement of trench and water stagnation due to poor backfill
process can be seen in Photo -15 and 16.

Photo 15: Poor reinstatement of Photo 16: Water stagnation and road damage
utility trench and subsequent due to poor utility reinstatement / resurfacing
settlement of trench material work above road level

The following guidelines shall be followed for reinstating the trenches cut across the road
for accommodating utility service lines.
1. As a measure of abundant precaution against future settlement and other allied
problems, use of only grade-2 or grade-3 sand and saturating the same in filling
for reinstatement of trenches is recommended.
As an alternate, controlled low strength, self-compacting cementations materials
(CLSM) shall be used for reinstatement of trenches. Specification for the CLSM material
is giving in Appendix-III

Where the depth of fill is more than 450 mm below the crust (refer Fig.12) the
entire depth and cutting below the level of 450 mm may be filled either with
coarse sand (with fineness modulus not less than 2) or the excavated trench
material if it is also of similar quality and compacted in layers not exceeding 75
mm when compacted by ordinary power roller/heavy plate compactor/ Walk
behind roller.
For the depth upto 450 mm (refer Fig.12) the construction of the entire
formation width along the trench may be done with granular material.
Depending upon its location and level, each layer shall be compacted as per the
requirement of compaction of embankment and sub-grade (IRC:36) and that of
the relevant material constituting the road crust laid down in the appropriate code
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 IRC:98-2023
of practice of the IRC.
Since most utility services may need to be laid in deep and narrow trenches use
of special compaction equipment like plate compactor, frog-hammer or small
walk behind roller etc. shall be essential.
2. After filling the trench upto the sub-grade level, road crust in the trenches should
be provided same as that of existing road crust in the adjoining road.
3. With continuous traffic/rains, it is possible that certain amount of settlements
may occur in the reinstated area. Necessary correction/replenishment shall be
carried out on such area preferably after a wet season, using compatible
material after dressing up the edge of the trench to vertical, for proper “Keying in”
of the material.In the case of bituminous surfaces, a tack coat shall be applied to
ensure proper cohesion and bond between old and replenished surface.
4. Before start of trenching, arrangement shall be made for barricading the area
with indicative boards, retro reflective sign boards, necessary lighting at night, in
order to caution the road users and same shall be maintained till the road is
restored, Fig.22 and Photo 19 and 20 for barricading.
5. It is important to keep the duration between trenching and its reinstatement tothe
barest minimum, as trenching leaves the road structure in its weakest condition
especially when the road is left open to traffic simultaneously. For effective
implementation, the road authority may stipulate a specific duration for
reinstatement as a special condition while permitting the concerned agencies for
installation of utility services.
6. All works of reinstatement shall be the responsibility of respective utility
agencies and shall be got done from approved list of Contracting Agencies and
supervised by a third-party agency from road authority, for which the cost of such
work shall be met by the agency owning the utility services. In case
reinstatement is not done by utility agencies, the same shall be done by Urban
Road Authority at the risk and cost of utility agency with additional penalty and
future permission shall be refused.
7. Timely arrangement for quick disposal of the excess excavated along the trench
shall be made by the utility agency and in no case the material shall be kept
unattended on site for more than 48 hours.
3.6.7 Crossing through subways
Major crossing of roads by service lines takes place at road intersections where
the lines along one road have to cross those along the intersecting road. Further,
intersections are crucial areas of traffic movement, where any obstruction to the
road for trenching, etc. will lead to chaotic condition. For avoiding such situations both

25
 IRC:98-2023
during the initial laying of the services and their subsequent maintenance, it will
be advantageous to construct subway across each intersecting arm exclusively for
accommodating the service lines. The scheme is depicted in Fig. 13. Levels of
subways for the intersecting roads should be adjusted in such a way that there is no
conflict between the intersecting service lines.

Fig. 13 Subways at Road Intersections for Accommodating Service Lines

For long road stretches without intersections in-between, conduit pipes/subways/ Pre
cast RCC ducts might be constructed/ provided at periodic intervals for facilitating
crossing of the road by the service lines. This scheme is shown in Fig. 14.
The conduit pipes/subways/ RCC ducts should be sufficient size to accommodate the
service lines expected to be laid and facilitate their easy maintenance. These should
be designed as a normal highway culvert. Cross-section of a subway showing typical
arrangementof service lines is shown in Fig. 15.
There are several advantages of accommodating the service lines in subways shown
in Figs. 13 to 15. One is, frequent cutting of the roads for maintenance/replacement
of the service lines is obviated and consequently the traffic is not disturbed. Second is
that since the positions are earmarked for each service line, maintenance of any line
can be carried out independently without affecting other lines. This system, no doubt,
will be expensive in initial cost, but will be economically viable in the long run if
maintenance cost is also considered. As such, this system is recommended for major
roads and major road intersections and all greenfield road projects.

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 IRC:98-2023

Fig. 14 Subways and Conduit Pipes for Accommodating Service Lines Across
Long Stretches

Fig. 15 Cross-Section of Typical Subway Accommodating Utility Services

Note:

1) For legend, refer Fig. 4

2) The minimum height clearance of subway should be 1.5 m for facilitating inspection and
maintenance.
3) Suitable arrangements for drainage should be made.
4) The locations of the services are suggestive only and will depend on number, size and type
of services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc.

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 IRC:98-2023
3.7. Utility markers
Utility marker posts which clearly identify the location of utilities and warn regarding
existing utilities to be observed prior to digging or disturbing the ground near utility lines
shall be provided at predetermined intervals of 25 to 50 m. Specially designed utility
markers with RFID and GPS based systems for marking underground
telecommunication, fiber optic cables lines accurately may be used for new green field
projects for easy identification of various utilities along and across the road section. Pre-
defined colour coding may be adopted for identification of various utilities under the road
(Photo 17).

Photo 17: Typical color coding of utility markers for different utility
identification

3.8. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across Bridge Structure

3.8.1. Provision of utility services such as water mains, gas pipes and sewage pipes on
the main bridge structures of important bridges should be avoided as far aspossible.
3.8.2. In cases where the carrying of water mains or sewage pipes on any important
bridge becomes inescapable, the following precautions may be taken so as to avoid
possibility of any damage to the bridge and its approaches.
3.8.2.1. The pipelines shall be supported on the substructure of the bridge only. In no
case it should be laid on the superstructure.
3.8.2.2. Only seamless pipes with welded joints should be permitted. C.I. pipes with
S&B joints should not be allowed.
3.8.2.3. Location of pipeline on the substructure should be so fixed that it is easily
accessible for carrying out its inspection, maintenance and repairs and it shall notin
any way hinder the inspection, maintenance and repairs of the super structure,
bearings and sub-structure of the Bridge.
3.8.2.4. The pipeline should be so aligned that it is taken out of the approach
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 IRC:98-2023
embankment as quickly as possible with minimum embedment into it. The thrust block
at the bends in the pipeline required for taking it out of the embankment must be placed
inside a culvert so as to facilitate easy maintenance and ensure its functioning
independent of that of the embankment.
3.8.2.5. Where there is any change in the elevation of the pipeline while traversing the
bridge length, air valves shall be provided.
3.8.2.6. In order to take care of the effect of surge force, pressure relief valves on the
pipelines shall be provided near the two ends of the bridge, as a measure of abundant
caution, even though a surge arrester may have been provided at the pumping station.
3.8.3. Gas mains and lines carrying combustible material should be carried on
independent supports on the river bed from considerations of safety/pollution.
Electricity cables and telecom lines carried on the bridge should be suitably insulated,
grounded and carried in protective conduits or pipes. See Fig. 16 for accommodationof
utility services on bridges.
3.8.4. Service lines carried on a bridge cause additional load to the structure and theroad
authority shall be satisfied about the structural adequacy of the structure before giving
permission for laying the lines. In case of service pipelines running under pressure,
consideration should be given to forces generated on the bridge structure due to bends
and surge effects on account of bursting of pipelines or sudden closureof the valves.

29
 IRC:98-2023

Fig. 16 Accommodation of Utility Services on Bridges

Note:

The locations of services are suggestive only and will depend on number, size and type of
services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc.,

3.8.5. Adequate care shall be taken to ensure that the service lines are hidden or
camouflaged from the view of the motoring public to avoid distraction and that the
environment is not degraded.

3.8.6. For all new bridge structures, the road authority should consult all public utility
authorities to ascertain their needs so that appropriate provision in the design could be
made for the services that can be permitted to be carried on the bridge.

3.8.7. Under Bridge/Culverts: In urban areas many storm water drains, cross roadsat
culvert locations, the utility lines invariably cross the culvert and are located at different
levels, which during monsoon create/obstruct the flow due to clogging/ wrapping
around the floating material like plastic, waste cloth, other debris resulting in blocking
and over flowing of water on to the pavement and also flooding in the upstream. The
present scenario is depicted in Photo 18. Different utility lines crossingthe culverts shall
be at the same level to overcome such situation, as indicated in Fig. 17

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 IRC:98-2023

Fig. 17 Re Alignment of Utilities at Cross Drain Location

Photo 18: Sample location for Debris Clogged Due to Passing of Utility Lines in Cross
drainage work walls

3.9 Drawing of Utility Lines

3.9.1 Underground utility lines once laid along/across a road may require to be relocated
at a future date when the road is taken up for widening or other improvements. To assess
the need for such relocation or for laying new service lines, bank of reference plans,
road or area wise, showing all the existing utility lines with their location and depth. Such
drawings should be maintained by the road authority who should update these as and
when a new line is laid.

3.9.2 Drawing of utility lines: All service providers using the road network for laying their
lines below the ground shall submit their full and complete network drawings in hard
copy and soft copy formats to the road authority.

3.9.3 The road authority shall maintain inventory of network of various lines/cables of all
service providers using road network for upgrading the road or for expansion of services
or for allowing for new services.
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 IRC:98-2023

The blocks/ area consist of various buildings and it becomes essential to connect the
infrastructure form the city mains to different buildings. Major network infrastructure (i.e.
city mains) running around the block/ area includes Utility Tunnel, Sewerage network,
Storm water drainage network, Gas network etc. Further, there is need to work out
details for block level infrastructure (utility tunnel, sewerage network and storm water
drainage) within the block/ area. The design philosophy for typical block has been
explained as below:

1. Determination of depression point based on the estimated finished road levels.

This helps to estimate the ground levels and storm water drainage collection
point. (Figure 18)
2. The block/ area is divided into imaginative parts such that the ground levels for
particular division can be treated locally to attain natural slopes. (Figure 19)
3. The ground levels are determined based on the constraints of road levels,
ground slope directions and storm water drainage. (Figure 20)
4. The building line levels are estimated such that water drains towards the road
edge on all the sides. Further surface run-off from open areas is directed
towards depression point. Roof top water is collected in sump for irrigation
(Figure 21)

Figure 18 Figure 19

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 IRC:98-2023

Figure 20 Figure 21

3.10 Co-ordination

Utility services are under the jurisdiction of different service providers and can be under
one or several authorities depending on the municipal limits concerned. The service
providers may require to cut the pavement / footpath to lay a new service line or repair /
replace existing service lines. Uncoordinated and ill-timed road cutting can affect slow
of traffic, strength of the pavement and ease of maintenance of services.

3.10.1. All the service providers will update Geo-spatial coordinates of all their services
with a Central Authority. The data will be updated as and when any new service line is
laid.

3.10.2. As far as possible any new service will be laid in the footpath or unpaved area.
Road cutting will be resorted to only in exceptional circumstances.

3.10.3 A coordination committee will be setup which will be chaired by the road owning
authority and drawing members from all service providers, traffic police and transport
department. The committee will meet on a regular basis and will perform the following
functions.

a. Oversee the Geo-spatial survey and plotting of all services.

b. Consider any major infrastructural project or major relocation of services and
convey its consent before execution of the same.

3.10.4. In case of any road cutting required, the service agency and the road owning
authority will jointly inspect to examine feasibility.

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 IRC:98-2023
3.10.5. In case of laying of services in utility tunnel, all service providers will pay way
leave charges to the road owning agency. The road owning agency will utilize this fund
for maintenance of utility tunnel and for construction of new tunnels.

3.10.6. The road authority will have power to severely penalize service agency for
unauthorised road cutting and improper restoration of trenches and also to withdraw /
refuse permissions till proper restoration is affected.

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 IRC:98-2023

4 ROAD OPENING PROTOCOL

4.1 An online portal will be created for road cutting application and grant of
permission. A sample portal description is provided in Appendix V. The Project
Implementation Agency (PIA) after getting online permission shall submit the schedule
of road restoration besides timelines for road cutting and its restoration to the Road
Owning Agency (ROA) through existing online system. In case of non-government
agencies, a non-refundable fee shall be paid. In addition, PIA shall also submit the
schedule for road restoration and the specification being adopted by the PIA for
restoration. The ROA will confirm / approve the specifications to be adopted by PIA.

4.2 The PIA will have to engage a competent Third-Party Quality Assurance Agency
(TPQA) to oversee the restoration work during execution stage itself and certify its
quality, for all projects, irrespective of length / width.

4.3 Each ROA will prepare a panel of TPQA, having sufficient number of agencies,
to inspect the works to be executed by the road restoration agencies, who will be
engaged by PIAs. The maximum charges to be payable to TPQA shall be 1% (one
percent) of the project cost.

4.4 PIA will have to engage the appropriate and technically competent agency to
carry out the restoration work.

4.5 PIA may also have extant option of requesting ROA to restore the road on
payment of road restoration charges. This shall be applicable for the PIA which does not
have the infrastructure for road restoration.

4.6 During road cutting and road restoration, the PIA shall follow all the mandatory
requirements and other provisions and guidelines to take care of traffic congestion and
security issues.

4.7 The PIA will obtain a certificate / NOC from ROA for satisfactory completion of
road restoration work before releasing payment to the Road Restoration Agency,
engaged by PIA.

4.8 During road digging / cutting sometimes the adjoining areas are also disturbed
such as damage to the footpath, drains and other utilities while laying / restoring the
services. The PIAs must restore those areas, service as well. The restoration of the
adjoining areas is to be done as per the existing specification.

4.9 PIAs shall indemnify ROA against any mishap or accident occurring during
digging and restoration works.

4.10 The agency shall make arrangements for necessary barricading and provide
35
 IRC:98-2023
Caution Boards during the execution of work.

4.11 The work shall be carried out without disturbing the flow of traffic and road will not
be completely closed without obtaining permission form Traffic Police.

4.12 Excavated earth / debris should not be dumped on the existing road. Backfilling
of trench and its surface dressing should be done progressively during the execution of
works surplus debris / earth to be removed simultaneously.

4.13 After digging work is completed, restoration work will be carried out within 48
hours.

4.14 Dispute Resolution: In case of any dispute arising between PIA & ROA regarding
road digging and restoration, a committee comprising of Head of the ROA as Chairman
and other members from coordination committee, as member shall resolve the dispute.

FIGURE 22- Sample Barricading for utility trenching work

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 IRC:98-2023

Photo 19: Photo of a Sample of Barricading

Photo 20: Photo of a Sample of Barricading

37
 IRC:98-2023

4.15 For individual houses small pits will be considered in footpath & thereby
individual utility agency shall remove poles.

4.16 The formats of Application for seeking “Road Opening” shall be as

per Appendix-I.

4.17 Permission during monsoon shall not be considered except for repairs
and emergent works.

4.18 Care shall be taken to prevent slippage of earth, to neighboring structure

toprevent accidents.

4.19 Application for Utility Permit shall contain

i) Applying agency details with contact person and number

ii) Location including name of road with chainage, type of surface
proposed with plan/GIS/size of opening.
iii) The fee for permitting opening (per pit in case of HDD)
iv) Permit endorsement indicating opening and closing date of the
surface.

4.20 In addition, these Guidelines and Specifications may be suitably

modified by the concerned Road authority.

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 IRC:98-2023
5 PRECAUTIONS WHILE OPENING/TRENCHING

Due to disruption to the traffic and pedestrian movement during the trenching and
utility works, adequate safety precautions shall be taken to avoid mishaps/ accidents
during the trenching work. Similarly adequate safety measures shall also be taken to
avoid any fatal accident to the workers undertaking the trenching/ utility laying works
especially for deep trenches for sewer, storm utilities. The following guidelines shall
be followed for the open trenching and utility laying works.

1. When laying of utilities are undertaken in long lengths, apart from barricading,
precaution like shuttering/ strutting is to be taken to prevent soil slipping in loose
strata. Whereveropening is done in depths, more than 1-meter proper shuttering/
strutting shall be provided to prevent slippage of earth. The use of readymade
safety equipment such as Trench Box shall be adopted in case of deep
excavations where shoring/ strutting is not viable.
2. In localities adjacent to buildings/compound utmost care shall be taken to prevent
collapsing of structural parts in to the pits, where workers are engaged in trenching.
The length of excavation and opening shall be limited to days’ work followed by
restoration within the next 3 (three) days.
3. The construction personnel working in deep trenches shall be adequately trained
regarding the safety protocols and evasive measures in case of mishap/ soil
collapse in deep trench. The workers shall be provided with safety harness and
other personal protection equipment for quick evacuations in case of mishap/ soil
collapse in open trench.
4. Provision for temporary walkways using traffic barricades etc shall be mandated to
the utility laying agency for utility work along footpath/ walkways where pedestrian
movement is affected.

Photo 21: Typical wooden shoring Photo 22: Fabricated trench box
arrangement in deep trench work for use in narrow and deep trench
work
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 IRC:98-2023

Photo 23: Typical arrangement for Photo 24: Typical arrangement for
complete barricading and safety temporary pedestrian walkway for
arrangement for open trench utility installation on footpath

40
 IRC:98-2023
APPENDIX-I
(Refer Clause 4.3)
URBAN LOCAL BODY
APPLICATION FOR OPENING OF URBAN ROADS, FOOT PATHS BY
TRENCHING/HDD
Name of Agency Applying
Address of Agency
Contact Person
Telephone No:
Location of Proposed
Opening (with plan) Road from to
Trenching/HDD Opening (tick as required) Carriageway □ Sidewalk □ Shoulders □
Other Area □
Purpose:
Confirm that I have read the following 1) Notes for Applicant
2) Guidelines
3) Specifications
And I am fully acquainted with the requirements contained therein.
I undertake, if granted a Trenching/HDD opening License, to indemnify Road Authority
against all claims for damages which may arise as a result of the works, from the date
of issue of the License to the end of the maintenance period of one year.
Signature of Authorized Representative: Date:
Seal

Trenching/HDD

Type of Carriageway Pavement Layer Composition Fee ` Per Sqmts

CARRIAGEWAY

UNSURFACED AREA

ROADSIDE MARGIN
Notes:
1) Fee to be decided by Road Authority.
2) Fee applicable shall be based on sq. meter of opening to be reinstated by applicant/
agency.
3) If the Trenching/HDD is through a footpath which is 1.4 m or less in width, then the
entire width of the footpath shall be restored.

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 IRC:98-2023
ROAD OPENING BY Trenching/HDD

APPLICATION NUMBER
DATE OF RECEIPT, DD No. AND DATE

HDD IN CARRIAGEWAY SIDEWALK OTHER AREAS

Surface Type

Opening Date :

Closing Date :

SIGNATURE :

Officer Designated by Road Authority

OPENINGS TO PUBLIC ROADS, FOOT PATHS AND OTHER AREAS
APPLICATION FORM

NOTES FOR APPLICANTS

1. Before completing the Road Opening Application Form, the applicant should
read the attached “General Conditions” together with the “Specifications and
Drawings”
In particular, the Applicant should acquaint responsibilities with reference to:
a) Insurance and Indemnify
b) Opening Fees
c) Consultation with relevant authorities in relation to underground services
d) Road works
e) Maintenance period
2. Before submitting the Trenching/HDD opening Application Form to the Road
Authority. The applicant shall proceed for a joint site visit, to enable the
exchange of information and requirements.

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 IRC:98-2023
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

1) HDD permission will be given on all days. Permission is valid for the particular
dates & period only. No Blanket permission is available. In case of expiry of
the permission, new permissions shall be applied for.
2) No manual cutting/open trenching is allowed.
3) Cutting only in the presence of engineer of the concerned agency specified
in the permission letter. Cutting should only be in the square, rectangular or
trapezoidal shape.
4) Trenching/HDD Pit on Cutting shall be Refilled / Re-made within 48 hours.
5) Any over burden debris/earth should be removed and conveyed beyond
Urban limits.
6) Follow the procedure as laid down in Road Opening Restoration Protocol.
Barricading, caution boards and other precautionary signages and name of
the agency contact numbers shall be displayed during the execution of work.
Sample board enclosed.
7) Laying of utility cables should not damage any of the Urban Road drains
and has to be taken below the shoulder drain and it shall be ensured that no
damage is done to trees or their roots. Ground Penetrating Radar or such
device shall be used to identify existing utilities.
8) Applications for HDD/DBC shall be submitted within 15days in respect of
roads proposed to be rehabilitated and no applications will be considered
once the works are taken up.
9) In case of emergent openings for restoration of power in case of Power Utility
Service provider and in case of Water & UGD, optical telephone cables of
MTNL/BSNL & other Agencies, the concerned shall fax to the road authority,
before opening and they shall collect the required materials for restoration
before opening and restore within 24 hours.
SPECIFICATIONS
1) All openings in Roads, Foot paths and Other Areas for HDD are to be restored
in accordance with IRC:98 (Second Revision)
2) A road-cutting saw shall be used for cutting straight edges prior to excavating
through roads and/or footpaths
3) No excavated material may be used as filler material.
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 IRC:98-2023
4) Refilling the cut portion shall be either by self compacting material and the
depth of filling shall be with quarry dust or coarse sand filled in layers of
15 cm. thick and well watered/compacted
5) Use well graded/premix emulsion or hot mix. Compaction to be done with
rollers either had operated/power roller and no manual compaction willbe
allowed. After compaction, surface should be in flush with the existing
surface.
6) Joints in asphalt and macadam roads and footpaths are to be sealed vertically
and horizontally with hot bitumen.
7) Vehicular traffic shall be prohibited from concrete reinstatement for a period
of 7 (seven) days after completion of work.
8) Where an opening is made through concrete kerbs, replacement of kerbs
shall be laid to Specification (in the case of pre-cast kerbs)
9) Where an opening is made through a paved area like cobble stones, the
pavers shall be carefully removed by hand prior to excavation work, and shall
be re-laid in a proper manner. Any pavers damaged in the course of the works
shall be replaced by pavers of identical size and colour, and not by any other
paver.
10) Any pre-cast concrete flags damaged in the course of the works shall be
replaced by flags of similar size and colour.
11) Where an opening in a concrete footpath crosses a vehicular access of
driveway, the depth of concrete shall be 150 mm and not 100 mm as applied
elsewhere on concrete footpaths, and shall be reinforced with weld mesh.
12) It shall be the responsibility of every Utility Agency to ascertain the existence of
other underground services, and to take all reasonable care in the protection
of the said services, as specified by the relevant Authority. The applicant shall
be held responsible for any damage caused to other utilities during such
works.
13) Where the Public Utility proposes to carry out an opening through what is
considers to be a sub-standard road or footpath, the condition of the said road
or footpath shall be brought to the attention of Road Authority prior to any
works.
14) If an opening is made in a footpath which is 1.4 m or less, in width, then the
full width of the path shall be restored.

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15) Temporary reinstatements, if applicable, are to be of hot or cold macadam
only. No surface reinstatement of stone, sand grit or other “loose” material
shall be permitted.
16) Width of HDD pit shall be of size 1200 mm by 1500 mm.
17) If, during the maintenance period of one year, the Applicant fails to rectify any
defect which may arise reserves the right to carry out such works as deemed
necessary to remedy such defect, and to Charge the Applicant for the costs
of such work.
18) Barricading shall be done with proper display of name of Organization,
Contract numbers. (A sample barricade Road Authority is appended). In Fig.
22, Photo – 19 and 20.

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APPENDIX-II
(Refer Clause 4.4)
URBAN AUTHORITY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF ROADS
APPLICATION FOR UTILITY PERMIT ON URBAN ROAD
RIGHT OF WAY
Application is hereby made for permission to place, construct and thereafter maintain
a along or
across Urban Road Arterial/Sub Arterial/Local/Feeder Road from
____________________________________________________________to_
______________________________________________________________
meter from center line on the (east, west, north or south) side of the road
in accordance with the sketch shown on the inside hereof, or attached thereto.

1) UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION
CONDUIT

□ Multiple tile □ Sectional concrete

□ Transit □ Steel pipe

□ Clay Tile □ Other

CASING

□ Steel pipe

□ Sectional concrete

□ Other

SIZE DEPTH
VOLTAGE NUMBER OF CONDUCTORS SIZE OF CONDUCTOR

METHOD OF INSTALLING UNDER ROADBEDS (if open trench, explain why

necessary)
□ Open trench
□ HDD
□ DBC

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EXTENT & LOCATION OF TREE CLEARING
Work to start on or after and to be completed on or before

The applicant in carrying on any and all of the work herein above mentioned or referredto in its
application and in Permit issued herefore, shall strictly conform to the terms ofsuch Permit, and
the regulations of Road Authority, as set forth herein together with the Special Provision, all of
which are made a part hereof. The application specificallyagrees to be bound hereby. The
application shall also comply with the regulations of all other governmental agencies for the
protection of the public. The work shall be accomplished in a manner that will not be
detrimental to the highway and that will safeguard the public.
Date this day of 20
Name of Utility Agency Making Application
Signature By
Title
Address (submit in
duplicate)

DEFINITIONS

i) Urban Road: Urban Road shall mean all roads in the Urban limits designated as
expressway, arterial streets, sub-arterial streets, collector streets and localstreets.

ii) Urban authority: Urban authority shall mean Urban Local Bodies/PWD which are
vested with all Urban Roads in the Urban limits

iii) Utility. Under this order “Utility” shall mean and include all privately, publicly or co-
operatively owned communication lines and facilities, any system, linesand facilities
for the distribution and transmission of electrical energy, oil, gas,water, sewer, steam
and other pipe lines, railways, ditches, flumes or other structures which under the
laws the ordinance of any city may be constructed,placed or maintained across, along
or on Urban right of way. Dependent upon the meaning intended in the context,
“Utility” shall also mean the utility company, inclusive of any wholly owned subsidiary.

iv) Designated Authority: Designated Authority shall mean designated officer/ engineer
who is authorized to issued Utility Permit, on behalf of Urban Authority.

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GENERAL

I) Except as otherwise permitted, utility construction and relocation on urban

road right of way shall not be commenced until an application for a Permit has
been made and such Permit granted. The Permit sketch shall show the
location of the proposed utility with reference to Urban Road center line. A
copy of the sketch shall be provided for each copy of such Permit.
II) All waterways and lines of drainage shall remain operative
III) Wherever topsoil and sod are disturbed they shall be replaced and maintained
satisfactory until the turf is established
IV) The utility facility and installation shall not interfere with any existing utility
facilities on the urban road right of way.
V) Barricades, warning devices and flagmen shall be provided by the Utility
during all phases of their construction and maintenance operations on Urban
Road right of way.
VI) At the time of construction of the utility and at the times of subsequent
maintenance, prior approval shall be obtained from the Designated Authority/
Authorities for the cutting and trimming of trees within the urban road right of
way. Wherever trees are cut the resulting stumps shall be removed unless
otherwise provided in the Special Provisions of the Permit. Any holes caused
by stump removal shall be backfilled, the area leveled and all materials
associated therewith disposed of outside the urban area. The utility shall advise
the Road Authority at least 48 hours in advance on its intent to start clearing
and grubbing operations so that proper supervision can be provided.
VII) The Utility provider shall notify the Road Authority of its intent of perform
service and maintenance operations, which will interfere with the flow of traffic
on urban road, and shall obtain his approval prior to performing such
operations. However, the Company may perform service and maintenance
operations on urban road including opening and disturbing the surface of
the right of way after sending fax to Designated Authority in those instances
where an emergency exists that is dangerous to the life or safety of the public
and which required immediate repair. The utility shall take all necessary and
reasonable safety measures to protect the traveling public and shall notify the
Designated Authority at the earliest possible moment.
VIII) The Utility provider shall assume all liability for, and save the Urban Body, its
employees, harmless from, any and all claims for damages, actions or causes
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of action arising out of the work to be done herein and the continuing uses by
the Utility, including but not limited to placing, constructing, reconstruction,
maintaining and using of said utility under this application and Permit.
IX) The Road Authority may require the Utility provider, or its constructor, to
furnish a deposit in the form of a Demand Draft in favour of the Urban Body,
for any expense incurred by the Urban Body in the repairing of damage
to any portion on the Urban road right of way caused by work performed under
a permit, including any out of the ordinary engineering supervisionand
inspection expense provided by the Road Authority. In those instances
wherein a deposit is required, the amount of the deposit shall be specified
in the Special Provisions of the Permit. If a Demand Draft is furnished, any
monies remaining over and above such expense shall be returned to the
applicant.
X) The Permit as issued does not in any way imply an easement on private
property.
XI) The installations shall be made in conformity with all applicable laws,
regulations and codes covering said installations. All installations shall
be made in conformity with regulations of governmental agencies for the
protection of the public.
XII) Upon completion of an installation, the Utility shall restore the Urban Road
right of way to its original condition. The Utility shall then notify the office of
the Urban Bodies of the completion of work so that inspection can be made
to determine its acceptability.
XIII) Any further permits will be considered only after satisfactory restoration of
surface earlier permitted for laying of utility
XIV) When one utility is permitted for open trenching others will be informed. So that
they can also lay their utility in the same trench avoiding frequent opening
XV) Road opening permit will not be issued during monsoon, except in case of
emergent repairs.

Location Sketch

Show location of proposed facility in relation to the center line of the Urban road and other
pertinent features such as right of way line, shoulder line, curb line and edge of surfacing. The
facility should also be referenced to adjacent landlines.

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URBAN AUTHORITY
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING

UTILITY PERMIT
Reference: Project
In accordance with the application herein, a Utility Permit is granted to
to place, construct and thereafter maintain Urban
Road in location shown on the sketch which is a part of said
application, or in such location as may be specified by the Engineering Department of
Roads in the Special Provisions hereof.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS:

Approved Permit No.

(date) Certified No.
Engineering Department of Roads Surety Bond No.
Date of Surety Bond No./
Check No.
Bank or Bonding Co.
Deposit Made by
By
Officer Designated by Road Authority

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APPENDIX–III
(Refer Clause 3.6.5)
SPECIFICATION FOR CONTROLLED LOW STRENGTH MATERIAL

1. Introduction
CLSM – Controlled Low Strength Material is self compacting, cementitious material.
The properties of CLSM are between Soil and Concrete. CLSM is manufactured from
materials similar to those used to produce Concrete and is placed for equipment in a
fashion similar to that of concrete.
2. Applications
2.1 General
The primary application of CLSM is as a structural fill or as base of pavement. Since
CLSM is in fluid form it is self leveling and needs no compaction. It is ideal for use
in restricted access areas where placing and compacting fill is difficult e.g., refilling
trenches, space behind walls, around manholes etc. The strength of CLSM is between
M2 to M8.
3. Materials
3.1 CLSM is a mixture of water, Portland cement, sand, fly ash (or GGBS) and
aggregate. Selection of material should be based on required characteristics of the
mixture including flow – ability and strength. Trial mixes can be done to arrive at proper
quality of CLSM giving strength of M2 to M8.
3.2 Cement
The cement used shall be any of the following types selected for the intended use.
1) Portland Pozzolana Cement (Fly ash based conforming to IS 1489 (Part I)
2) 33 Grade ordinary Portland Cement conforming to IS 1269
3) 43 Grade ordinary Portland Cement conforming to IS 1269
The cement content varies from 60 to 90 kg/m3.
3.3 Fly Ash
Coal combustion fly ash or GGBFS–(Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag) can be
used. The quantity used is from 150 to 750 kg/m 3.
3.4 Aggregates
Aggregates are the major constituent of CLSM mixtures. The type, grading and shape
of aggregate can effect the physical properties such as flow ability and comprehensive

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 IRC:98-2023
strength. Generally crushed aggregates of size 10 mm down are utilized. Quarry waste
of this size could be utilized. The sand shall be river sand of required gradation. Silty
sand could be used. However, sand with clayee fines should not be used. The quantity
of total aggregates used is from 1500 to 1700 kg/m 3.
3.5 Admixtures
Air entraining admixtures and foaming agents can be a useful constituent for the
CLSM. The inclusion of air in CLSM can help to provide improved workability and
reduced shrinkage, less bleeding, minimum segregation and lower unit weights.
The CLSM mixture are pumpable but require higher pump pressures. To prevent
extended setting times, extra cement or an early setting admixture may be added if
required. In such cases pre-testing should be performed to determine acceptability by
providing trial stretches. This can give opportunity to effect minor modifications in the
design.
3.6 Water
Water that is acceptable for normal concrete mixtures is acceptable for CLSM mixtures.
(Potable water is generally considered satisfactory for mixing of CLSM). Water used is
from 150 to 400 kg/m3.
4. Properties
CLSM can be successfully delivered by conventional concrete pumping equipment or
by locally preparing in concrete mixers. Proportioning of the mixture is critical. Voids
must be adequately filled with particles to provide adequate cohesiveness for transport
through the pump line under pressure without segregation. Hardening time is mainly
dependent in the type and quantity of cementations material used in CLSM.
Wet density of normal CLSM in place is in the range of 1840 kg/m 3 to 2300 kg/m3. A
CLSM mixture with only fly ash, cement and water should have a density between
1440 to 1600 kg/m3.
The ability to excavate CLSM if required in future is an important consideration for
road shoulder work. In general CLSM can be excavated by pickaxes or with light
excavating equipment. However, the limits for excavability are some what arbitrary,
depending upon the CLSM mixtures.
CLSM is compatible with Polyethylene materials which are mainly used as protection
for the underground utilities or as the conduits themselves. As with any back fill care
must be taken to avoid damaging the protective coating of under ground utility lines.
4.1.1 Flow ability
Flow ability is the property that distinguishes CLSM from other fill materials. Itenables
the materials to be self leveling to flow into small size excavated portion and

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readily fill a void and is a self compacting without the need for conventional placing
and compacting equipment. This property represents a major advantage of CLSM
compared with conventional fill materials that need mechanical placement and need
compaction.
4.1.2 Hardening time
Hardening time is the approximate period of time required for CLSM to go from fluid
state to a hardened state with sufficient working strength. Generally it takes 24 hours
under normal conditions without admixtures. With admixtures this time is required to
brought between 2 to 4 hours. Broadly speaking, a person should be able to walk over
the laid CLSM within about 2 to 4 hours.
Following are the factors affecting the hardening time:
1) Type and quantity of cementations material
2) Moisture content of CLSM
3) Permeability and Degree of saturation of surrounding materials that is in
contact with CLSM
4) Proportioning of CLSM
5) Mixture and surrounding temperature
6) Humidity
7) Method of filling
5. Mixture Proportioning and Procedure
Different proportions of mixes for CLSM have been prescribed in ACI. But trial mixes
and stretches can be prepared with different proportion to achieve the CLSM, which
hardens sufficiently in 2 to 4 hours. To achieve required strength of M2 i.e., 20 kg/cm 2
mixes with 1 cement and 60 parts of sand/grit/fly ash combination is usually required.
Trials are, however, necessary to fix actual proportions.
Following is the procedure that can be adopted for mixing:
1) Add 70 to 80 percent of water required
2) Add 50 percent of the aggregate filler
3) Add all cement and fly ash required
4) Add balance of aggregates
5) Add balance water.

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6. Mixing Transporting and Placing
6.1 Mixing
CLSM can be mixed by several methods including ready mix through batching plant
conveyed by RMC Trucks. It can be also done by concrete mixers etc.
6.2 Placing
The placing of CLSM can be done by chutes, conveyor, buckets or pumps depending
upon the application and its accessibility. As mentioned internal vibration or compaction
is not required since the CLSM gets consolidated due to its own weight. Usual curing
methods as adopted for concrete are not considered essential for CLSM.
7. Quality Control
7.1 The extent of a quality control of CLSM can vary as per experience, application
and basic materials utilized and level of quality desired. Quality control of CLSM can be
as simple as a visual check of the completed work, where standard pretested mixtures
are being used. Mould cubes should be taken and tested as for normal concrete.

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APPENDIX–IV

GOOD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES & CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY FOR BROWN FIELD PROJECTS

The Tender SURE system is implemented in Bangalore City for retrofitting of the existing streets and
utilities. Tender SURE provides ducted corridor for underground utilities included but not limited to
water supply, sewerage, storm water drainage, gas, power, telecom, street light, and surveillance
with regular inspection chambers and last mile house connections contained within the footpath on
both sides. This was to prevent digging, re-digging, and cyclic expenditure while improving the level
of services and enhancing the user experience.

Tender SURE primarily focused on an organized corridor for underground utilities for improved level
of services, creating financial sustainability by spending once but spending right to save on life cycle
costs, promoting equitable division of right of way. Typical accommodation of the utility services under
the road and footpath are shown in Photo…..

Photo 25: Typical photo showing accommodation of various utilities under Tender Sure
retrofitting work

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II. Below Grade Utility Network

A key principle of Tender SURE was to provide for organized underground utilities contained
within the footpath on both sides of the travel lane. The key utilities that run alongside the road
network are: sewage, water supply, power, telecom, gas, surveillance and storm water.

The utilities are provided with inspection chambers at regular intervals (20 to 25 m) for
maintenance and repair, negating the need to dig up the road. They are to provide for both
individual property connections and connect to the larger network of the city’s infrastructure
seamlessly. The aim is to provide a cohesive integrated road network plan both above and below
ground, that is future-proofed, and increases the life cycle costs of the road by negating the need
for digging by various agencies and fixing the road for utility repair and maintenance.

1. Sewer/Drainage

Sewage lines are to laid at a substantial depth below grade and ideally located away from water
and rainwater drainage networks to avoid any kind of contamination. The sewage system
designed under roads should collect household’s waste water in a pipe-and-chamber system
and dispose it via a hierarchy of pipes (collector -sub main -main -STP) to the nearest treatment
plant. Levels and slopes must be maintained to prevent back-flow. Gravity flow must be
maintained as much as possible.

2. Water Supply Lines

The water supply planned under the street are cognizant of and designed in coordination with
the respective department to seamlessly fit into the larger water supply planned for the city, in
terms of diameter, gravity flow, pressure flow, valve locations etc. Individual property
connections are provided based on size and capacity of property. Some streets may have water
mains, through lines which do not provide for property connections.

3. Storm water
The storm water drains are protected from the entry of sewage, sullage and industrial effluents
as they mostly connect to nallahs/streams/rivers and other natural water bodies. A pipe-and-
chamber storm water system is provided for at the edges of the travel lane on one or both sides
based on the road widths.

4. Power Supply
Power lines are recommended to be taken underground. Overhead lines in urban areas can be
dangerous to life and property; especially during monsoons, and cyclones. Based on the R.O.W
width and the requirements of the power department, ducts/pipes and chambers can be provided
on either sides of the road. A separate duct is required for power supply to street lights.

5. Electrical transformers | RMUS| SFPS etc–

Electrical utilities that cannot be placed underground are both located and oriented to not hinder
pedestrian movement in any form.

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6. Telecom
As in most cities some telecom providers lay lines underground, but in a haphazard manner
under the vehicular carriageway and some suspend it overhead from trees to buildings leading
to a spaghetti tangle of cables and visual clutter. Under Tender SURE ducts / pipes are provided
with chambers at regular intervals under the footpath on both sides of the road for telecom
providers.

7. Others
Other utilities such as gas and surveillance are provided for based on the requirements of each
urban area and in coordination with the appropriate agency.

Photo 26: Typical work flow for road works under Tender Sure project Bangalore

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CASE STUDIES FOR GREEN FIELD PROJECTS

As a part of green field projects, case studies of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City and
Amaravati, Capital City of Andhra Pradesh are presented in the below sections.

Gujarat International Finance Tech-City:

GIFT City is being developed as a state-of-the-art financial hub, a first of its kind India, located
at Gandhinagar, Gujarat which shall require huge infrastructure with excellent planning,
designing and engineering with latest technologies. In respect to vast infrastructure systems,
GIFT developed the vision of “DIGGING FREE CITY” by placing all the utilities in a TUNNEL
across the city so that there is no need to excavate the roads in future for repair/maintenance
/renovation/up gradation of any utility. The provisions are made in the tunnel for smooth access,
separation of utilities, proper drainage, lighting, and other long-term concerns, such as
maintenance and security.

The Utility Tunnel accommodates all the utilities including Power Cables, Raw Water supply
pipeline to Water Treatment Plant (WTP) as well as treated water supply pipeline from WTP to
various developments, chilled water supply from District Cooling Pipe (DCP) to various
developments and return pipeline to DCP, ICT cables, Automated Waste Collection pipeline,
Fire hydrant water pipeline, etc. From safety point of view the tunnel is divided into WET and
DRY sections which are physically separated with each other. Wet section is carrying utilities
related to water, ICT and others while dry section carries power cables and have access from
top. The wet section has been designed in such a manner that material handling can be done
efficiently and maintenance trolley may be used for material movement.

Total length of the Tunnel within GIFT City shall be approx. 16 Km and shall be provided with
Ventilation system, Rodent Repellent System and Fire & Smoke Detection System for the
purpose of safety. The size of the Tunnel shall vary depending on the no and size of the Utilities
and may go up to as large as 8 M wide X 11M deep. The utility tunnel details are presented
below: (Source: GIFT City, https://www.giftgujarat.in/)

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Amaravati, Capital City of Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati, which is a greenfield capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is proposed to develop Capital
city with required infrastructure and state associated buildings etc through land pooling scheme
(LPS) in 225 Sq. Km.

With reference to the infrastructure plan prepared, the road network with utilities trunk roads are
categorized as Arterial Roads and Sub Arterial Roads. Arterial roads are planned with Dural 3
lanes with median and service corridor on either side where as Sub Arterial Roads are planned
as Dual 2 lanes with 2 lane BRT system with service corridor on either side. (Reference: CRDA-
13022(32)/16/2016- ASST PLANNER- PLNG – APCRDA). In land pooling scheme (LPS), the
road network with utilities are planned as 25m collector roads; 17m internal roads for residential
and commercial; 12m internal roads for residential and commercial etc. Typical cross sections
approved by the authority are presented below:

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APPENDIX V

GUIDELINES FOR ONLINE TRENCH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Urban local body should develop Online Utility Management system for
simplification of the process for granting permission for road cutting, laying of new
utilities, existing utility maintenance, collection of restoration fees and granting
completion to the work in a seamless manner with least manual intervention.
Implementation of a typical online system for any Urban local body costs approximately
Rs. 25 to 30 lakh (2022 level) apart from the system operation and maintenance
expenses which are based on the usage of the system.

The online trench / utility management system enables all users such as telecom
operators, electrical utility providers, piped gas suppliers, private developers, individual
housing society, residential, commercial completed or individual citizens, to apply for
road cutting and public utility shifting permissions.

The Online systems help in obtaining Road Cutting permission / RoW Permission
without visits to multiple offices of different road owning agencies, with varied
documentation requirements and multiple rates adopted by agencies sometimes with no
time limit specified for disposal.

Online trenching system specifically provides a solution for Road Cutting Permission /
RoW Permission application for the agencies to avoid the recurring hurdles.

The objectives of such an online system shall be as follows.

 Online submission of application for Road Cutting Permission/ Right of Way

Permission without the need of approaching any office.
 Online submission of relevant documents such as road sketch, GIS Map of cutting
etc.
 To provide permission within a time limit.
 To facilitate the users to download the final signed approval certificate online.

The road cutting permissions shall be given by collecting restoration charges and
Security deposit from different agencies.

The following steps should be followed in the online application and permission process.
1. After application submission a site inspection will be conducted by Road
Authorities or a joint inspection along with the applicant.
2. Based on that, an estimate will be prepared by concerned road authority and
submit as a demand note which includes restoration charges, supervision
charges, etc.
3. Restoration charges as well as other charges has to be remitted to Road
Authority using e Payment gateway
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4. The time bound work permission shall be given to the concerned agency after
review and inspection of the application.
5. After the work execution, the completion certificate shall be issued after
inspection by the urban local body representative/ engineer for satisfactory
completion of the restoration work.

A typical flow chart of the Online utility management work process is shown below

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