Our team travels to your site
For field work, our engineers and instruments mobilise anywhere in India — highway corridors, bridges, plants and greenfield alignments included.
Highway and Specialized Testing
Road Safety Audit (RSA)
Independent road safety audits to IRC SP 88 — Stage 3 design, Stage 4 pre-opening and Stage 5 existing-road audits, with black-spot countermeasures
NABL TC-14144
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ISO/IEC 17025:2017
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NHAI / PWD / BRO Approved
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24-72h Mobilisation
IRC SP 88:2019
NHAI Safety Audit Guidelines
IRC 67:2012
What is a Road Safety Audit (IRC SP 88)?
A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is an independent, systematic review of a road project — at design or in service — to identify and correct crash risks before they cause accidents. It follows IRC SP 88 (the Manual on Road Safety Audit) and is mandatory on NHAI projects. NKMPV conducts road safety audits with certified auditors.
A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is an independent, formal, and systematic assessment of a road project's crash potential and safety performance. Conducted by qualified auditors, it identifies safety deficiencies in road design, construction, and operation before they result in fatalities or serious injuries.
What Is a Road Safety Audit?
India records over 1.5 lakh road fatalities annually, and a significant proportion of these crashes are linked to deficient road geometry, inadequate signage, poor sight distances, and missing pedestrian facilities. A Road Safety Audit provides a proactive approach to crash prevention by reviewing road infrastructure through the eyes of all road users — drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
IRC SP 88:2019 defines five audit stages: Stage 1 (Feasibility), Stage 2 (Preliminary Design), Stage 3 (Detailed Design), Stage 4 (Pre-Opening), and Stage 5 (Existing Road). NHAI now mandates road safety audits for all national highway projects during design and post-construction phases. The audit evaluates geometric design adequacy, sign board retroreflectivity, road marking visibility, intersection design, sight distances, roadside hazards, and pedestrian safety provisions.
NKMPV's audit team includes IRC-certified road safety auditors with experience across national and state highway projects in Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. We conduct both daytime and night audits, combining field inspection with traffic survey data analysis and accident data review. Our audit reports follow the NHAI-prescribed format and include prioritised recommendations with cost estimates for corrective measures.
Audit Assessment Parameters
The following parameters are systematically evaluated during each Road Safety Audit stage. Assessment criteria are based on IRC SP 88:2019, IRC design standards, and NHAI safety guidelines.
| Parameter | Value / Range | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sight Distance (Stopping / Overtaking) | Per IRC 73 / IRC 66 design speed tables | m | IRC SP 88:2019 |
| Horizontal Curve Radius | Minimum as per design speed (e.g., 230 m for 80 kmph) | m | IRC 73:1980 |
| Carriageway Width | Per road classification (7.0 m for 2-lane NH) | m | IRC 73 / IRC SP 73 |
| Sign Retroreflectivity | ≥ 50 cd/lux/m² (Type I sheeting) | cd/lux/m² | IRC 67:2012 |
| Road Marking Retroreflectivity | ≥ 100 mcd/lux/m² (white line) | mcd/lux/m² | IRC 35:2015 |
| Clear Zone Width | Per roadside hazard assessment (3-9 m typical) | m | IRC SP 88:2019 |
| Pedestrian Facility Adequacy | Footpath width, crossing, refuge island provisions | IRC 103:2012 |
Applicable Standards & Guidelines
IRC SP 88:2019
Manual on Road Safety Audit
NHAI Safety Audit Guidelines
NHAI Circular on Mandatory Road Safety Audit for National Highway Projects
IRC 67:2012
Code of Practice for Road Signs
IRC 35:2015
Code of Practice for Road Markings
IRC 73:1980
Geometric Design Standards for Rural (Non-Urban) Highways
IRC 103:2012
Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities
Equipment & Tools Used
Retroreflectometer (Sign Boards)
Delta RetroSign GR3
Measures coefficient of retroreflection (RA) per ASTM E810, 0.2-2000 cd/lux/m² range
CalibratedRetroreflectometer (Road Markings)
Delta LTL-XL
30 m geometry, measures RL per EN 1436, 0-2000 mcd/lux/m² range
CalibratedSpeed Radar Gun
Stalker II SVR
Measures vehicle operating speeds 16-480 kmph for speed profile analysis
CalibratedHigh-Resolution GPS Camera
Nikon D7500 with GPS module
Geotagged photo documentation of safety deficiencies, time-stamped for audit trail
CalibratedMeasuring Wheel & Tape
Stanley MW50 / 50 m fibreglass tape
Measurement of carriageway widths, shoulder widths, sight distances, and clear zones
CalibratedLux Meter
Hioki FT3424
Illuminance measurement 0.01-200,000 lux for street lighting adequacy assessment during night audit
CalibratedAudit Process
1
Scope Definition & Data Collection
2-3 DaysThe 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.
2
Desktop Review & Checklist Preparation
2-4 DaysFor 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.
3
Daytime Field Inspection
2-5 Days (varies by corridor length)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.
4
Night Audit
1-2 NightsA 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.
5
Black Spot Analysis
2-3 DaysFor 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.
6
Audit Report Preparation
4-7 DaysThe 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.
7
Presentation & Follow-Up
1-2 DaysThe 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.
Where Road Safety Audits Are Applied
Road Safety Audits are now mandatory for all NHAI national highway projects at both design and operational stages. State highway authorities in Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh increasingly require RSAs for projects funded under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). Beyond highways, RSAs are conducted for urban arterial roads, expressways, and BOT concession projects. NKMPV combines RSA with sign board retroreflectivity testing and road marking retroreflectivity testing to provide quantitative data supporting audit findings. Our traffic survey services supply the volume and speed data essential for black spot analysis and geometric design review.
Stage 3 detailed design audit for NHAI highway projects
Stage 4 pre-opening audit before traffic is permitted on new roads
Stage 5 existing road audit for accident-prone corridors
Black spot investigation and engineering countermeasure design
Night safety audit for sign and marking retroreflectivity assessment
Road safety audit for BOT and HAM concession projects
Urban arterial road safety assessment for municipal corporations
Post-improvement audit to verify corrective measure effectiveness
Why Choose NKMPV for Road Safety Audits?
IRC-Certified Road Safety Auditors
Our audit team includes members who have completed the IRC Road Safety Audit certification programme and have conducted audits on national highway corridors across northern India. The team meets the qualification requirements specified in IRC SP 88:2019.
Quantitative Testing Backing
Unlike auditors who rely solely on visual inspection, NKMPV supports audit findings with measured retroreflectivity data for signs and markings, friction measurements, speed profiles, and traffic volume data — making our recommendations evidence-based and defensible.
Combined Day and Night Audit Capability
Every NKMPV audit includes a dedicated night inspection. Approximately 40% of fatal crashes occur at night, and road infrastructure deficiencies in lighting, retroreflectivity, and delineation can only be assessed after dark.
NHAI-Format Reporting
Our audit reports conform to the format prescribed by NHAI circulars and IRC SP 88:2019, with geotagged photographs, chainage references, risk matrices, prioritised recommendations, and cost estimates — ready for direct submission to the project authority.
Integrated Highway Services
NKMPV offers the full range of highway testing and investigation — traffic surveys, pavement evaluation, material testing, and DGPS surveys — enabling us to provide holistic safety recommendations that address both design and material quality issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stage 1 (Feasibility) reviews the route corridor and access strategy. Stage 2 (Preliminary Design) examines alignment geometry and junction concepts. Stage 3 (Detailed Design) audits final engineering drawings including signs, markings, and drainage. Stage 4 (Pre-Opening) inspects the constructed road before traffic is allowed. Stage 5 (Existing Road) evaluates an operational road, typically triggered by a high crash rate. Each stage has a specific checklist defined in IRC SP 88:2019.
Yes. NHAI has issued circulars mandating Road Safety Audits at the detailed design stage (Stage 3) and pre-opening stage (Stage 4) for all national highway projects. For BOT and HAM concession projects, the concession agreement typically requires RSAs at design, pre-opening, and periodic intervals during the operation period. Stage 5 audits are also mandated for accident-prone stretches identified through crash data analysis.
A black spot (or accident black spot) is a road location where the crash frequency or severity is statistically higher than expected. Black spot analysis involves collecting 3-5 years of accident data, identifying clusters using GIS mapping, investigating each location on site, preparing collision diagrams showing crash patterns, and recommending engineering countermeasures such as improved signage, sight distance correction, or intersection redesign. NKMPV performs black spot analysis as part of Stage 5 (existing road) audits. Black spot identification methods commonly used include accident-frequency and severity ranking, the weighted severity index, accident density per kilometre, and rate-quality-control applied to 3-5 years of crash data (FIR / iRAD / police records) mapped in GIS.
As per IRC SP 88:2019, the audit team must include at least one member who has completed a recognised Road Safety Audit training programme (such as the IRC or NHAI training course) and has relevant experience in highway engineering. The lead auditor should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in road design, traffic engineering, or road safety. The audit team should be independent of the design and construction teams to ensure objectivity.
A compliant RSA report per IRC SP 88:2019 includes: project details and audit scope, audit team qualifications, methodology description, listing of all identified safety deficiencies with geotagged photographs and chainage references, risk assessment for each deficiency (likelihood and severity), specific corrective recommendations prioritised as short/medium/long-term, cost estimates for each recommendation, and an executive summary. Night audit findings are presented as a separate section.
A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a formal, proactive review carried out at defined project stages - feasibility, preliminary and detailed design, construction, and pre-opening - to find and eliminate crash risks before a road opens to traffic. A Road Safety Inspection (RSI) is a routine, reactive check of an existing, in-service road to detect safety defects that develop during operation. In short: an RSA audits a project through its stages under IRC SP 88, while an RSI periodically inspects a live road already carrying traffic. NKMPV carries out both for NHAI, MoRTH and state PWD corridors.
A road safety audit checklist follows the element categories in IRC SP 88 and covers: horizontal and vertical alignment and cross-section (sight distance, curves, super-elevation, lane and shoulder width); junctions and intersections (layout, visibility, turning provisions); road signs, markings and delineation (IRC 67 and IRC 35); street lighting and night-time visibility; pedestrian, cyclist and vulnerable-road-user facilities; roadside hazards and safety barriers; construction work-zone and temporary traffic management; and drainage and pavement surface condition. The auditor works through each item stage by stage and records every deficiency with chainage, geotagged photographs and a recommended countermeasure. NKMPV delivers the completed, IRC SP 88-compliant checklist as part of the audit report.
The duration depends on the audit stage and corridor length. A Stage 3 design audit for a 20-30 km highway typically takes 10-14 days including desktop review, field inspection, and report preparation. A Stage 5 existing road audit with black spot analysis may take 14-21 days due to additional accident data analysis. Simple Stage 4 pre-opening audits for short stretches can be completed in 7-10 days. NKMPV provides a detailed timeline in our proposal for each engagement.
A Road Safety Audit (RSA) per IRC SP 88:2010 is an independent, formal examination of an existing or proposed road project by a qualified safety audit team to identify safety problems and recommend countermeasures. RSAs are mandatory under MoRTH Notification No. RW/NH-29010/3/2015-S&R for all NH projects. Five stages: (1) Feasibility stage — broad geometric and traffic considerations; (2) Preliminary design stage — alignment, intersection layout, signage strategy; (3) Detailed design stage — final geometric, signage, marking, road furniture; (4) Pre-opening stage — site verification before traffic opens; (5) Existing road stage — periodic safety review of operating highways. Audit team must be independent of design/construction team.
The IRC SP 88 audit procedure: (1) Document review — drawings, traffic data, accident history, geometric design report. (2) Site visit — daytime and night-time inspection; pedestrian crossing observation; conflict point identification. (3) Checklist application — IRC SP 88 Annex B checklists per stage. (4) Issue identification — categorise by severity (high / medium / low) and recurrence likelihood. (5) Countermeasure recommendation — engineering treatment for each safety concern. (6) Audit report — issues, photographs, mapped locations, recommended actions, estimated cost. (7) Owner response — RTA-mandated 30-day response with action plan. NKMPV delivers RSAs with senior IRC-trained auditors, drone-supported site inspection, and full IRC SP 88 documentation.
Yes. MoRTH Notification No. RW/NH-29010/3/2015-S&R mandates Road Safety Audits for all National Highway projects at all five stages per IRC SP 88. NHAI Operations & Maintenance contracts require periodic RSAs every 5 years for operating highways. State PWDs increasingly require RSAs for major state highway and PMGSY projects. World Bank and Asian Development Bank-funded projects mandate RSAs as a loan covenant condition. Penalty for non-compliance: NHAI may withhold concessionaire milestone payments and require corrective re-audits. NKMPV provides IRC SP 88-compliant audits with IRC-trained senior auditors.
Coverage
Road Safety Audit Across India
Wherever your project is, there are two ways to work with NKMPV on Road Safety Audit.
Standard
IRC SP 88:2019
Field work
On site, across India
Laboratory
Pinjore, Haryana
Service area
Pan-India
Or courier samples to our lab
Distance is not a constraint for laboratory testing. Send samples to our Pinjore laboratory and receive the digital report on completion — the route most of our out-of-region clients use.
Where NKMPV has delivered projects
- Chandigarh
- Panchkula
- Mohali
- Ambala
- Karnal
- Kurukshetra
- Yamunanagar
- Hisar
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Ludhiana
- Jalandhar
- Patiala
- Shimla
- Solan
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Himachal Pradesh
These are locations where we have completed projects — not the boundary of our service area. We mobilise across India on request. See full coverage & project locations →
Which standards does NKMPV follow for Road Safety Audit?
Road Safety Audit is carried out to IRC SP 88:2019, NHAI Safety Audit Guidelines, IRC 67:2012 and IRC 35:2015, as listed in the Applicable Standards section of this page. Tell us the specification your project must comply with and the quotation will state the standard the work follows.
Is there a Road Safety Audit lab near me?
Our laboratory is at Pinjore, Haryana, within same-day reach of Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Ambala and the wider Tri-City. If you are further away, distance is not a constraint: our field team travels to site anywhere in India for on-site work, and for laboratory tests you can courier samples to the Pinjore lab and receive the report digitally. Clients across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh already work with us this way.
Do you carry out Road Safety Audit outside your home region?
Yes. NKMPV operates pan-India. We have delivered projects across Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Ambala, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Hisar and beyond, and we mobilise to greenfield and remote corridors on request. The 18 locations listed on our site are the places we have already worked — not the limit of where we go.
How do I book Road Safety Audit and what does it cost?
Send us the project details — location, quantity, and the standard you need to comply with — and you get a written quotation, usually within one working day. Pricing depends on sample count, site access and mobilisation distance, so we quote per project rather than publishing a fixed rate. Call +91-82953-60108 or use the quote form; every quotation states the applicable IS/IRC standard.
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