Road Safety Audit (RSA)

The audit scope is defined in consultation with the project authority — identifying the audit stage (Stage 1 through 5), corridor limits, and specific concerns. Background data is collected including project drawings, geometric design reports, traffic volume data, and accident records from police and NHAI databases. Previous audit reports, if any, are reviewed for follow-up on earlier recommendations.

For design-stage audits (Stages 1-3), the audit team reviews alignment plans, cross-sections, junction layouts, and sign/marking plans against IRC design standards. A stage-specific safety checklist from IRC SP 88:2019 is prepared, covering geometric design, cross-section elements, intersection design, signing, marking, delineation, drainage, pedestrian provisions, and roadside safety. Non-conformities are flagged for field verification.

The audit team drives the corridor in both directions at prevailing traffic speeds, documenting safety deficiencies through geotagged photographs and GPS-referenced observations. Every intersection, curve, bridge approach, school zone, market area, and pedestrian crossing is inspected. Sight distances are measured, sign and marking conditions are recorded, roadside hazards are catalogued, and speed profiles are captured using the radar gun. The inspection considers the perspective of all road user categories.

A dedicated night drive is conducted between 8 PM and 12 AM to assess visibility conditions that are fundamentally different from daytime. The team evaluates sign retroreflectivity using a retroreflectometer, road marking visibility under headlights, street lighting adequacy at intersections and pedestrian crossings, delineator post visibility on curves, and the conspicuity of roadside hazards. Night audit findings often reveal critical deficiencies invisible during daytime inspection.

For Stage 5 (existing road) audits, accident data from the preceding 3-5 years is analysed to identify black spots — locations with statistically abnormal crash frequency or severity. Each black spot is investigated on site to determine contributing road infrastructure factors. Collision diagrams are prepared showing crash types, severity, and patterns. Engineering countermeasures are recommended for each identified black spot with expected crash reduction factors.

The audit report is prepared in the NHAI-prescribed format, presenting each safety deficiency with a geotagged photograph, location reference (chainage), description of the hazard, risk assessment (likelihood and severity), and specific corrective recommendation. Recommendations are prioritised as short-term (signage/marking fixes), medium-term (geometric modifications), and long-term (major reconstruction). Cost estimates are provided for each recommendation.

The audit findings are presented to the project authority in a formal meeting, as required by IRC SP 88:2019. The project authority prepares a written response to each recommendation, accepting, modifying, or rejecting it with justification. NKMPV provides technical support during this response process and, where engaged, conducts follow-up audits to verify implementation of accepted recommendations.