IRC i 98-1997

"· ·. ·. : > · . ·. >.•·· · •·•·••··•· .· '

litrtflJtINES .
OF.
ROADS

IN:JJIAN HOAllS CON GRESS

1:997'
 IRC:98- l 997

GUIDELINES
ON
ACCO MM ODA TION OF
UTILITY SERVICES ON ROADS
IN URBAN AREAS
(First Revision)

Published by
THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS
Jamnagar House, Shahjahan Road,
New Delhi-110011
1997
Price Rs. 72/-
(plus packing and postage)
 IRC:98-1997
IRC:98-1997
· MEMBERS OF THE ·HIGHWAYS SPECIFICATIONS AND
ST ANDA RDS COMMITTEE
First published: January, 1988 (As on 31.3. 96)
Reprinted: September, 1990
First Revision: July, 1997 1. A.D. Narain* DG (RD), Ministry of Surface Transport
(Convenor) (Roads Wing), New Delhi

2. S.C. Shanna Chief Engineer (R) Stds/R, Ministry of

(Member-Secretary) Surface Transport (Roads Wing), New Delhi

3. G.C. Garg Engineer-in-Chief, Municipal Corporation

of Delhi, Town Hall, Delhi-110006

4. Dr. M.P. Dhir Director, CSIR (Retd.),A-1/133, Safdarjang

Enclave, New Delhi-110029

5. R.N.Malik Chief Engineer (Mech.), Ministry of Surface

Transport (Roads Wing), NEW DELHI

6. G.S. Tawannalani Add]. Director General (S&P), CPWD,

Ninnan Bhawan, New Delhi-110011

7. Dr. A.K. Gupta Professor & Coordinator, Centre of Transport

Engg., University of Roorkee, Roorkee
{Rights of Publication and"'~! Translation are reserved)
8. H.P.Jamdar Secretary to the Govt. of Gujarat, R & B
Deptl., Block No.14, Sachivalaya Complex,
Gandhinagar-382010

9. M.B. Jayawant Synthetic Asphalts, 103, Pooja Mahul Road,

Chembur, Bombay-400074

10. K.S. Narayanan Chief Engineer (CCU), M/o. Environment &

Forests (Retd.), E-23, Central Govt. Qtrs.,
St. Martin Marg, New Delhi-110021

11. P.D. Agarwal Chief Engineer (NJI.), U.P. PWD,

Lucknow-226001

12. Maj. C.R. Ramesh Engineer-in-Chief, Public Health Engg.,

Ananda Rao Circle, Bangalore-560009

13. Dr. L.R. Kadiyali Chief Consultant, Dr. L.R. Kadiyali &
Associates, S-487, Ilnd Floor, Greater
Kailash.1I, New Delhi-110048

14. Ninan Koshi DG(RD), MOST (Retd), 56, Nalanda Apartment,

Vikaspuri,New Delhi-110018

* ADG(R) being not in p(>sition, the meeting was presided by Shri A.O. Narain,
Printed at Sagar Printers & Publishers, New Delhi-110003 DG(RD), Govt. of India, MOST
(1000 copies)
(i)
 IRC:98-1997
IRC:98-1997
15. 'lb.e Director General, National Council for Cement & Building
Materials, P-21, South Extn. II, Ring Road, 31. Maj. Gen. C.T. Chari D.G.W., E-in-Chief's Branch, Anny I:fqrs., .
New Delhi-110049 Kashmir House, DI-IQ PO, New Dclln-11001 i

16. Dr. S. Raghava Chari, Transport Engg. Se<.:tion, Deptt. of Civil 32. Prof. N. Ranganathan Prof. & Head, Deptt. of Transport Planning,
Engg., Regional Engg. CoJlege, Warangal School of Plam1ing & Architecture, 4, .
Block-B, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi
17. Vi.nod Kumar Director & Head (Civil Engg.), Bureau of
Indian Standards, Manak Bhawan, 9, 33. B.N. Srivastava Chief Engineer, Dy. Director Gener.al/OS
Bahadurshah Jafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 Dte. General Border Roads, Kashmir House,
DHQ PO,
New Dclhi-110011
18. P.J. Rao Dy. Director & I lead, Geotechnical Engg.
njvision, Central Road Research Institute, 34. A.K. Mishra Director (Technical), Oil Coordination
Delhi-Mathura Road, New Delhi-110020 Committee, 2nd Floor, Core-8, Scope Compl.cx,
7, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
19. Prof. G.V. Rao Prof. of Civil Engg., I.LT., Hauz Khas,
New Delhi-110016 35. H.S. Bhatia Chief Consultant, Eng~1.1e:rs & I;,1anage~1cnt
Associates, 3/5, KalkaJl Ext.n., New Dclrn
20. Prof. C.G. Swaminathan 'Ba<lri', 50, Thimvanka<lam Street,
R.A. Puram, Madras-600028 36. R.K. Jain Project Director, ADB Proj~ct: .. Kothj No. l,
Ninnan Kunj, Scctor-16A, bndahad
21. B. Megu Chief Engineer (Zone-I), Arunachal Pradesh,
PWD,Itanagar-791111 37. President, I'vl.S. Guram, - Ex ·-Officio
Indian Roads Congress Chief Engineer, Punjab PWD,
22. M.K: Saxena Director, National Institute for Training of B&R Branch, Patiala
Highway Engineers, 174, Jor Bagh,
New Delhi-110003 38. DG(RD) & Hon. Treasurer, A.D. Narain - Ex -Officio
Indian Roads Congress
23. Prof. D. V. Singh Director, Central Road Research Institute,
Dclhi-Mathura Road, P.O.CRRI, Okhla, 39. Secretary, S.C. Shanna - Ex-Officio
New Dclhi-110020 Indian Roads Congress

24. The Director Highway Research Station, Guindy,

Madras-600025 CORRESPONDING MEMBERS
25. A.Sen Chief Engineer (Civil), Indian Roads 1. L.N. Narendra Singh B-36, Plot 86, Kakateeya Apartments,
Constmction Corpn. Ltd., 6, Core, 6th Floor, Patparganj, Del11i-1l0092
Scope Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
2. R.S. Shukla B-190, Sector 55, Noida-201301
26. R.D. Mehtn. Chief Engineer (T&T), Ministry of Surface
Transport (Roads Wing), New Delhi

27. R.L. Koul Chief Engineer (Plarurning), Ministry of

Surface Transport (Roads Wing), New Delhi

28. Prof. C.E.G. Justo Prof. of Civil Engg., Faculty of Engg. -

Civil, Bangalore l;nivcrsity, Bangalore

29. O.P. Goel B-11/8164, Vasant Kunj, New Dclhi-110030

30. M.R. Kachhwaha Chief Engineer (B) Std./R, ~fo1istry of Surface

Transport (Roads Wing), New Delhi-110001

(ii)
(iii)
lRC:98-1997

CONTENTS

Page No.

1. Introduction
2. Scope 3

3. Guidelines 3

3.1. Planning 3

3.2. Considerations to Satisfy Specific Locational

Requirements of Utility Lines 3

3.3. Depth of Laying Services· Lines along Roads 5

3.4 Location and Space for Services 5

3.5. Design 9

3.6. Accommodation of UtHity Lines Across Roads 10

3.7. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across

Bridge Structure 16

3.8. Drawings of Utility Line 18

3.9. Co-ordination 18
 IRC:98-1997

GUIDELINES ON ACCOMMODATION OF
UTILITY SERVICES ON ROADS
IN URBAN AREAS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. A draft on the Specifications for Reinstatement of Trenches Along the

Sides and Across the Roads was prepared by Shri R.S. Shukla and discussed by
Flexible Pavement Committee in its meeting held on 28th June, 1989 when it was
decided that the draft would be modified by the Member-Secretary of the Flexible
Pavement Committee in the light of the suggestions of the members. The draft as
modified by Shri M.K. Ghosh, Member-Secretary was again discu~.,,ed on 13th
August, 1990. After further modifications, the Committee under the Convenorship
of Prof. C.G. Swaminathan approved it for being placed before the Highways
Specifications & Standards Committee.

The Highways Specifications & Standards Committee, while discussing

the above draft in its meeting held on 1st September, 1992 felt thata new Standard
on the subject might not be warranted and the existing IRC:98- I 988 "Guidelines
on Accommodation of Underground Utility Services Along and Across Roads in
Urban Areas" may be revised. Flexible Pavement Committee was, therefore,
requested to prepare the draft for the revision of IRC:98- l 988 after incorporating
necessary para for reinstatement of trenches. Accordingly, the draft was revised
and approved by the Flexible Pavement Committee (personnel given below) in
their meeting held on 6.9.93.
Prof. C.G. Swaminathan Convenor
P.P. Nair Member-Secretary

Members
S.K. Agarwal P.K. Lauria
I.R. Arya K.K. Madan
S.K. Bhatnagar A.D. "Kayak
K.M. Chatterjee Dr. B.B. Pandey
Dr. A.K. Gupta M.G. Raichur
S.S. Das Gupta V.K. Sanap
S.P. Gantayet R.P. Sikka
M.B. Jayawant B.R. Tyagi
Lt.Col. R.L. Krire The Director, HRS, Madras
(S. Selvanayagam Thomas)

Corresponding Members
L.N. Narendra Singh Dr. A. Veeraragavan
Anil T. Patel

IRC:98-1997
Ex-otlicio Members
President, IRC (M.K. Agarwal) D.G.tR.D.) & Addl. Secy., MOST
Secretary, IRC (D.P. Gupta) (Ninan Koshi)
The Highways Specifications & Standards Committee in its meeting held
on 8th November, 1993 had considered the revised draft and formed a Sub-group
consisting of S/Shri P .K. Dutta, I.R. Arya and P.P. Nair to finalise the draft in light
of comments offered by members during the meeting.
The draft, as prepared by Sub-group, was again placed before t~e
Highways Specifications & Standards Committee in its meeting held on 5th Apnl,
1995 wherein a number of comments were offered by the members. The
Member-Secretary, Highways Specifications & Standards Committee had again
incorporated the comments and sent to l~C for circulation to members _of
Highways Specifications & Standards Committee.
Finally in the meeting of Highways Specifications and Standards
Committee held on 19th March, 1996, it was decided that the title of this document
be changed to "Guidelines on Accommodation of Utility Services on Roads in
Urban Areas". The draft was approved after incorporating the comments of the
members.
Later, the guidelines were approved by the Executive Committee in its
meeting held on 17th April, 1996. The Council in its m~eting hel~ on May 24,
1996 at Darjeeling discussed the above document and 1t was decided that the
comments of the members be incorporated. Accordingly Mr. A.P. Bahadur,
Director, IRC, Prof. A.K. Gupta & Prof. S.S. Jain, Convenor and
Member-Secretary of Flexible Pavement Committee respectively, incorporated all
the comments of the Council Members. The draft was finally approved by the
Executive Committee in its meeting held on 21.12.96 and the same was approved
for printing.
1.2. In urban areas, it becomes necessary to accommodate utility services
along and across the roads. Such utility services include water suppl~ lines, sewer
lines storm water drains, electric cables, telephone cables, gas p1pelmes, etc. As
utility services grow, the frequency of occurrence for two or more _lines occupying
the same space or to intersect one another increases thereby causm~ ~roblems of
operation and maintenance for these services as well as the road fac1hty.
1.3. It is, therefore, essential that location, laying and maintenance of the
utility services and reinstatement of trenches. cut wo~ld be pla_nne~ and ~xecut.ed
in a manner that it does not effect the operational safety and funct10nal mtegnty
of the road facility and enables monitoring by a Co-ordi~ation _co1:11mit_tee ~t
periodic intervals. This document has been prepared to provide gmdelmes m this
regard.
2
IRC:98-1997
2. SCOPE
2.1. These guidelines are intended for use by the authority responsible for
urban roads in regulating the location, design, installation and maintenance of
public utility services within the.right-of-way of urban roads. The objective is to
provide an uniform approach, based on mutual interest of the utility agencies and
the road authority, which will minimise interference between the operations of
various agencies and also to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow by reinstating the
trenches after installation.
2.2. These guidelines are intended essentially for new roads or for cases where
relocation of an existing service of laying of a new service along/across existing
roads may be involved.
2.3. 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 inconvenience to the road users during the
installation of such services and after reinstatement of the trenches cut for
installations.
3. GUIDELINES
3.1. Planning
3.1.1. For new roads, there should be advance 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
loeations for the various utilities.
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
road development needs are not affected adversely, nor does it lead to unnecessary
expenditure.
3.2. Considerations to Satisfy Specific Locational Requirements of Utility
·Lines
3.2.1. Utility lines can be grouped under the following four categories, each
having distinct characteristics:
(i) Sewer and drainage lines;
(ii) Water supply lines;
_,
IRC:98-l 997
IRC:98-1997
(iii) Electricity and telecommunication cables; and
(iv) Gas pipelines and those carrying combustible materials
3.3. Depth of Laying Services Lines along Roads
Some utility lines have interactive characteristics with other lines, and as
such their relative location warrants careful consideration. Some others, e.g., 3.3.1. The depth of installation depends on the type of service line
telecommunication lines have certain specific requirements oflaying as prescribed accommodated. The minimum depth is from considerations of providing a
by the concerned authority. All these are brought out in the following paragraphs. minimum cover to safeguard the line from any superimposed loads or impact, or
from erosion, and this should not be less than 0.6m. The different service lines are
3.2.2. Sewer and drainage lines have generally gravitational flow and are laid also to be located at different depths so that a cross connection of a service line is
at substantial depth, the actual depth depending on the topography of the area. not obstructed by another line.
They normally require deeper and wider trenches for installation, and are provided
with manholes at intervals. Because of the presence of manholes and possibility 3.3.2. Gravity sewer lines, from operational angle are required to be laid at
of overflow from these such lines should be laid in the reserve area outside the substantial depth, from 2 to 6 m depending on the topography of the area. As
carriageway limits. regards electricity cables, HT lines should be at greater depth than LT ones from
safety considerations.
Storm water drains may be in the form of open channels or pipelines
provided at the extreme edges of the right-of-way. 3.3.3. From the above considerations, broad recommendations about the depth
oflaying (denoting the bottom of the trench) of the various service lines along the
3.2.3. Water supply lines carry water under pressure, and any leakage causes road are given below:
damage to road pavement. These lines should not be close to sewer lines to avoid
intermixing in case of any leakage or pipe burst. Water lines should be provided (i) Trunk sewer line · 2Lo6m
on one side of the road.
(ii) Water supply line
Service line 0.6 to Im
3.2.4. Electricity cables are of different types, namely, lighting cables (LT), and Trunk line 1.0 to 1.5 m
high tension (HT) cables. These cables should not be closed to water supply lines
to avoid short circuit. HT cables should not be laid in the proximity of (iii) Electric cable
telecommunication cables because of possible electrical interference due to LT cable 0.6 to Im
HT cable 1.5 to 2 m
.induced voltage. Also, the cables should be away from the tree line to avoid
possible entrapment of these by tree roots. (iv) Telecommunication cable
directly laid 0.6 to Im
3.2.5. The Communications Department has taken up a major project to laid in ducts 2to3m
accommodate major telecommunication lines in ducts~ These ducts, depending
on the number of cables to be accommodated, vary in width from 0. 7 to 1.1 m and (v) Gasmains and lines 2 to 3 rn
canying combustible material
height from 0.65 to 1.1 m and are laid with a minimum cover of 0.65 m.
3 . .4. Location and Space for Services
3.2.6. Gas mains and other pipelines carrying combustible materials should be
3.4. l. Location of the various utility services will depend on several factors such
far away from electricity cables and sources of heat and located at the extreme
as class of road the land width available, the size and type of utility lines to be
ends of right-of-way.
accommodated ~nd other related factors. Land width recommended by the Indian
Roads Congress, vide IRC:69-l 977 "Space Standards for Roads in Urban Areas"
3.2. 7. Wherever possible concrete ducts or subways should be provided to carry
for various classes of urban roads is given in Table 1.
the utilities in groups either along or across the road at appropriate depth so as to
minimise the inconvenience of frequent digging of the road at different locations
for repairs and maintenance (see also para 3.6.4.).

4
5
IRC:98-1997 IRC:98-1997

3.4.3. Suggested locations for the various utility lines are indicated on the
Table 1. Recommended Land Width for Roads In Urban Areas typical cross-sections of different classes of urban roads in Figs. 1 to 3. The
cross-sections are based on the recommendations given in IRC:69-1977. A venue
Category of road Land width (m) 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.
Expressways 50-60
Arterial Streets 50-60
Sub-arterial Streets 30-40
Collector Streets 20-30
Local Streets 10-20
J •I

~I
As far as possible, the utility lines should be accommodated in the space
specially eannarked for the purpose. The space required will vary depending on
l ci

I
I

·k,E
t---J.75--I
T w
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
t-1.5-i : : S :G ~2.0-i
J--2.5--i 0 ~2.5~
for each utility line will depend on its size, but generally the utility lines follow
l--3.0~
the hierarchial system of the road. That is, service lines laid along major roads [
te•------10.0------
will be the main ones requiring larger space than those along minor roads. This
means, major roads wiJI require to provide for larger space for services than minor (a) LOCAL .STR£ET (CUL-DE-SAC)
roads. Generally, a width of 5 m for services on either side of the road will be
adequate in most cases. For cases where eannarked space for services is not
available, the service lines should be accommodated under footpaths, and in their
I
absence, at the extreme ends of the right-of-way.

3.4.2. Other considerations needing attention in the location of utility ·services

I~a::
I

are given below: i------7.5-----

., w w .•
l, o
l-=2.5~ b
(i) Utility lines should be so located as to minimise the need for their . - I
subsequent adjustment to accommodate future road improvements,
ec Ce t r--2.5--I
at the same time the location should be such that it permits
maintenance of the lines with minimum interference to road traffic.
·F==~ .1 _.---_4.stj
i--I.

i---------------18.0------------....i
(ii) The utility lines should be laid on uniform alignment parallel to the f (b) LOCAL STREET (DOUBLE LANE)
road centre line.

(iii) Service lines rcq uiring frequent access should be 1oc~ted in a manner
t Notes: Legend:
that the access is readily available at minimum cosl. 1. All dimensions are in metres L·Lighting cable
2. The locations of the services are suggestive only and will depend E-Electricity cable
(iv) Some of the utility lines will require provision of manholes, on number, size and type of services to be accommodated, W-Water supply line
space available for services, etc. _ T-Telecom cable
controllers/regulators, etc. within the right-of-way. The manhole 3. Open drains shown for stonn water drainage may be replaced S-Sewer
covers should not protrude over the road surface and should be fixed by closed drains/pipes as per situation G·Gas line
in level with the existing road. In course of the subsequent renewals 4. Depth would be in accordance with para 3.3.3.
of the road; the level of the manhole covers should also be raised to
the level of the road. The manhole covers should be so maintained
Fig. 1. Suggested locations for utility services along local streets
as not to endanger the safety and environment.
7
6
 IRC:98-1997
IRC:98-1997

CYCLE
TRACK

lw ro' ~~ [o--- .J«i~

0
L

0
;:~ ]..__·...-----Jr---.,_
r'··: _j
i-------9.0---' 0
0 l---4.5---.+---J.o--+--J.o-+'-·- - - - 7 . 5 - - - - - 2 . 0 - !
--------HAl.r WIDTH• 2 0 . 0 - - - - - - - -
i. ~· L.E ;; ~, ~ .•
(o) SUB-ARTERIAL STREET - FOUR 1...1.NE DIVIDED WITH CYCLE TRACK

l---4.25
5.5~3.0-..........----1.s-------3.oL s . 5 _j
4.25---i
1.0 1.0
i-----------------24.0----~--------------~
I SERVICE ROAD

(a) COLLECTOR STREET-TWO LANES WITH CYCLE TRACK w l -~ ~

2.0~-lLJ. , s
~5.o· I·. I • 1·
t""----9.0~ 1.0
l--4.5--!--J.D
7.5-------11.0----2.0-f
----------HAl.r WIDTH• 2 8 . 0 - - - - - - - - - - 1
(b) ARTERIAL STREET SIX LANE ·DIVIDED WITH SERVICE ROAD
J ~ 0 5
2.0-1 . eG L S Ge l-2.0
....o--1 • ~ ...o--,
r---e.O----t ·t-'--f.O~ Note:
,.-J.s--.--J.o-----1.s--------1.s-----J.o__,.........3,s--,
2.0
1. Forlegend, see Fig. 1.
i---------------30.o-------------- 2. The locations of services are suggestive only and will depend on number, si7.e and type of
(b) ·COLLECTOR STREET-f'OUR LANE DIVIDED services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc.
3. Depth would be in accordance with para 3.3.3.

Fig. 3. Suggested locations for utility services along sub-arterial and arterial streets

3.5. Design
Note:

1. For legend see Fig. 1. · 3.5.1. Design of utility lines to be accommodated within the road land is the
2. The locations of services are suggestive only and wiU depend on number, size and type responsibility of the concerned utility agency, but this should be reviewed and
of services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc. · approved by the road authority in respect oflocation, method of installation, effect
3. Depth would be in accordancce with para 3.3.3. on structural integrity of the roadway and road structures, ease of maintenance,
. .
and permitting free and safe flow of traffic. Where ducts or culverts are to be
Fig. 2. Suggested locations for utility services along collector streets provided beneath the roadway along or across the road, the road authority should

9
8
IRC:98-1997
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.
3.6. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across Roads
3.6.1. Need for accommodating utility services across a road will arise in
situations such 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 side of the road. Several methods are available for effecting the crossing
depending on the situation, 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 all major roads, the service lines shall be taken through
ducts of sufficient size and strength in order to facilitate future
repairs/addition of Jines, etc. without resorting to cutting open of the
road.
(iii) The installation should be strong enough to stand the superimposed
traffic loads and earth pressure.
(iv) The installation should be such that it is possible to maintain the
service lines without undue interference to traffic movement or
damage/disturbance to the road pavement/ structures, and
(v) The lines should be laid at such depths as to provide adequate cover
beneath the pavement.
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 bedded on a layer of granular material free of stone fragments,
and should be backfiiled carefully in two stages, one upto the top of the pipe and
the other upto the top of the road. The pipeline should be strong enough to support
the superimposed loads when the pipe is operated under all 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 restricted only to minor
10
IRC:98-1997
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
covered with brick lining.
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 and be large enough to permit easy withdrawal of the
carrier pipe/cable.
The strength of casing should at least be equal to that of a normal
cross-drainage structure on the road taking in r account the overfill. The casing
pipes should be leak proof and without joints in the case of steel casing
anticorrosive paints be provided over its surface. If necessary pipes could be
welded to cover the full width of the road. Ends of the casing should be sealed
from outside so that the annular space between the earlier and the casing does not
act as a drainage path.
The casing pipe should, as a minimum, extend from drain to drain in cuts
and toe of slope to toe of slope in fiils. The top of the casing should be atleast
1.2 m below the road level subject to it being atleast 0.3 m below the drain inverts.
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 road level. In general, the installation of the casing pipe should
follow the same procedure and observe the same precautions as are required for
pipe culvert construction. A typical cross-section of crossing a road through casing
pipe is shown in Fig. 4.
Installation of service lines through casing pipes facilitates easy
withdrawal of the carrier line in case of maintenance of 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. Reinstatement of trenches cut for accommodating utility services:
Proper care and attention are required during planning and implementation of
installation of utility services, so that the work of reinstatement of trenches is
carried out in specified manner right in time. Any neglect in adhering to a proper
schedule can lead to serious traffic hazards besides recurring problem in road
maintenance. -
11
 IRC:98-l 997
IRC:98-l 997
For the depth upto 450mm {e.g. depth 'Y' in Fig.4), 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 subgrade (IRC-36) ~md
that of the relevant material constituting the road crust laid down in the appropnate
code of practice of the IRC.

Since most utility services may need to be laid in deep and narrow
CRUST TO BE REBUILT
AFTER BACK FILLING
trenches use of special compaction equipment like plate compactor, frog-hammer
y
C1 ~?ENCH
etc. may be essential.

SIDE FILL
BED FILL ,..,E
ci
Note:
The location of the services are suggestive only arid will depend on number, size and type of
services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc.
Fig. 4. Typical installation of casing pipe under road
The following guidelines shall be followed for reinstating the trenches
cut across the road for accommodating utility service lines.
(i) As a measure of abundant precaution against future settlement and
other allied problems, use ofonly selected granular material in filling
for reinstatement of trenches is recommended.
Where the depth of fiJI is more than 450 mm below the crust ( e.g. depth
'Y' in Fig.4.) 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 ofitis also of similar quality and compacted in layers not exceeding
75 mm when compacted by ordinary power roller/plate compactor.
(ii) After filling the trench upto the subgrade level, road crust in the
trenches should be provided as per the road crust in the adjoining
reaches.
(iii) With continuous traffic/rains, it is possible that certain amount of
settlements may· occur in the· reinstated area. Necessary
corrections/replen.lshment shall be ·carried out on such areas
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.
(iv) In all cases, safety fencing with coloured indicators, retro reflect~ve
sign boards/lighting arrangements etc. shall be erected along the hne
of trenching before start of work in order to caution the road users
and the same maintained althrough the duration of the work.
(v) It is important to keep the duration between trenching and its
reinstatement to the barest minimum as trenching leaves the road
structure in it~ weakest condition especially when the road is left
open to traffic simultaneously. For effective implementation, the
road authority may stipulate a specific duration for reinstatcn:ient as
a special. condition while permitting the concerned agencies for
installation of utility services.
(vi) All works of reinstatement shall be the responsibility of the road
· authority for which the cost of such work shall be met by the agency
owning the utility services. ·
3.6;5. Crossing through subways: Major crossing of roads by service lines
takes place at road intersections where t~e lines a.long one road.have to cross those
along the intersecting road. Further, mtcrsect1ons a.re crucial. areas of traf~c
movement, where any obstruction to the road for trenchmg, etc. will lead to chaot.tc

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 IRC:98-1997
IRC:98-1997
conditons. For avoiding such situations both during the initial laying of the ELECTRIC AND
services and their subsequent maintenance, it will be advantageous to construct TELEPHONE CABLES
THROUGH CONDOIT
PIPES
subway across each intersecting ann exclusively for accommodating the service
lines. The scheme is depicted in
Fig. 5. Levels of subways for the intersecting
roads should be adjusted in such a way· that there is no conflict between the
intersecting service lines.
SUBWAY FOR OTHER
SERVICE LINES

·--'------RESERVE SPACE
f'OR SERVICES I
I
- - =I
I I
t------1
L ____ _J

I
I
= = =1 =

Fig. ~· Subways and conduit pipes for accommodating service lines across long road stretches

REINf'ORCED CONCRETE

'•

Fig. S. Subways at road intersections for accommodating service lines

. . . . .. ..
For long road stretches without intersections in-between, conduit
Notes:
pipes/subways might be constructed at periodic intervals for facilitating crossing
of the road by the service Jines. This scheme is shown in Fig. 6. 1. Forlegend, see Fig. 1. .. . . · d
2. The minimum height cJearance of subway should be 1.2 m for fac1litaung mspecllon an
The conduit pipes/subways should be of sufficient size to accommodate maintenance.
3. Suitable arrangements for drainage shou~d be made. . . _.
the service lines expected to be laid and facilitate their easy maintenance. These 4. The locations of the services are suggesuve onl)'. and will dep~nd on number, s1zc and
should be designed as a nonnal highway culvert. Cross-section of a subway type of services to be accommodated, space available for servtces, etc.
showing typical arrangement of service lines is shown in Fig. 7.
Fig. 7. Cross-section of a typical subway accommodating utility services

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IRC:98-1997 IRC:98-1997

There are several advantages of accommodating the service lines in 3.7.3. Gas mains and lines carrying combustible material should be carried on
su~ways shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. One is, frequent cutting of the roads for independent supports on the river bed from considerations of safety/pollution
mamte!'111nce/r~placement of the service lines is obviated and consequently the (Fig. 8). Electricity cables and telecom lines carried on the bridge should be
traf~c is .not d1st_urbed. Second is that since the positions are eannarked for each suitably insulated, grounded and carried in protective conduits orpipes.
serv1c~ hne, m~ntenanc~ of any line can be carried out independently without
af~ectmg other Imes. This system, no doubt, will be expensive in initial cost, but C.I. RAISING
SEWER MAIN
will prove to be economically viable in the long run if maintenance cost is also (ALTERNATIVE)
taken into account. As such, this system is recommended for major roads and STEEL RAILING
major road intersections. WATER MAIN
CRUDE OIL/GAS
OTHER SERVICE LiNESl MAINS ON. INDEPENDENCE
3.7. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across Bridge Structure SUPPORTS
BRIDGE DECK

3: 7 .1. Provis~on o.f utility services such as water mains, gas pipes and sewage
pipes on the mam bndge structures of important bridges should be avoided as far
as possible.

~.7.2. In ~ases where t~e carrying of watermains or sewage pipes on any

1mportan~ bndg~ ~~omes mescapable, the following precautions may be taken so
as to av01d poss1b1bty of any damage to the bridge and its approaches.

3. 7 .2.1. The pipelines may be supported on the substructure of the bridge. In no

case it should be laid on the superstructure.
3.7.2.2. Only seamless pipes with weldedjoints should be permitted. C.I. pipes
with S &B joints should not be allowed.
3. 7 .2.3: Location o.f pipeli~e ~n the s~bstr~ct.ure should be so fixed that it is easily
~ccess1ble fo~ carrymg.out its .mspect~on, mamtenance and repairs and it may not
m ~Y way hmder the mspect10n, mamtenance and repairs of the super-structure
bearrngs and sub-structure of the Bridge.
3. 7 .2.4. The pipeline should be so aligned that it is taken out of the approach
embankment as quickly as possible with minimum cmbedment into it. The thrust
block at the bends in the pipeline required for taking it out of the embankment
must .be pla~ed ins.idea culvert so as to facilitate easy maintenace and ensure its
funct10nmg mdependcnt of that of the embankment.
3. 7 .2.?. Where the~c i ~any change in the elevation of the pipeline while traversing
the bndge length, arr valves may be provided. .·
3.7.2.6. In order to take care of the effect of surge force pressure relief valves on
the pipelines ~ay be provided near the two ends o~ the bridge, as a measure of
abun~nt ca~tmn, even though a surge arrester may have been provided at the
pumpmg station. ·
SEWER LINE BURRIE0--0
IN RIVER BED
(PREFERRED
ALTERNATIVE)
0
Note:
The locations of services are suggestive only and wiU depend on number, si7e and type of
services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc.
Fig. 8. Accommodation of' utility services on bridges
3. 7.4. Service lines carried on a bridge cause additional load to the structure and
the road authority should 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 closure of the valves.
3.7.5. Adequate care should be taken to ensure that the service lines arc as far
as possible hidden or camouflaged from the view of the motoring public to avoid
distraction and that the environment is not degraded.
3.7.6. For all new bridge structures, the road authority should consult all public
utility authorities to ascertain their needs so that appropriate provisions in the

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 IRC:98-1997
design could be made for the services that can be permitted to be carried on the
bridge.

3.8. Drawings of Utility Line

3.8.1. Underground utility lines once laid alor.g/?cross 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, it will be advantageous to create a 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. Co-ordination
The utility services are µnder the jurisdiction of different authorities.
Cutting of the road is resorted oo when a utility authority wants to lay, repair or
. replace its service line. Not ir)frequently, this is followed by similar action by other
utility authorities. All this 1'esults in disturbance to the pavement, inconvenience
to traffic and infructuous expenditure not to mention the complete lack of
consideration to travelling public. The number of road cuttings can be minimised
by preparing a list of works to be carried out by each service authority once in six
months through co-ordination meetings and then executing these simultaneously
at particular locations. For this purpose, a pennanent Co-ordination Committee
should be set up, chaired by the road authority.

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