Roads are classified according to traffic, tonnage, importance, and location/function. For traffic, roads are classified as very heavy, heavy, medium, or light based on the number of vehicles per day. For tonnage, classifications are based on the weight of vehicles. Important roads connecting holy places or major cities are classified as class 1, 2, or 3. Location/function classifications include national highways, state highways, major district roads, other district roads, and village roads, with each type serving a different purpose in connecting areas within and between states/districts.
2. 1. Classification of Roads According to Traffic :
Types of Roads Vehicles Per Day
Very heavy traffic roads Above 600
Heavy traffic roads 251 to 600
Medium traffic roads 70 to 250
Light traffic roads Below 70
3. 2. Classification of Roads According to Tonnage :
Types of Road Vehicles Per Day
Very heavy traffic roads Above 1524
Heavy traffic roads 1017 to 1524
Medium traffic roads 508 to 1017
Light traffic roads Below 508
4. 3. Classification of Roads According to Importance :
• According to importance of connecting holy places,
stations or major cities etc, roads are classified as follows
:
• Class 1 Roads.
• Class 2 Roads.
• Class 3 Roads.
5. 4. Classification of Roads According to Location and
Function :
• National Highways (NH)
• State Highways (SH)
• Major District Highways (MDR)
• Other District Roads (ODR)
• Village Roads (VR)
6. 1:National Highways (NH)
• The main highways running through the length and
breadth of India, joining major parts, capital of states,
large industrial and tourist centers, foreign highways
including roads required for strategic movements for the
defence of India etc. are known as National Highways
(NHs).
8. 2:State Highways (SH)
• The highways linking up with the national highways of adjacent states, district
headquarters and important cities with the states are known as State
Highways (SHs).[1. NH & SH 100 kmph for plain terrian 80 kmph for rolling
terrain 2. MDR 80 kmph for plain terrain 65 kmph for rolling terrain 3. ODR 65
kmph for plain terrain.]
• The geometric design specifications and design speed for NH and SH are
same. These highways serve as arterial routes of traffic from district road
within the state.
• The responsibility of construction and maintenance of these roads lies with
state government. However, the central government gives grant for
development.
10. 3:Major District Roads (MDR)
• The important roads within a district serving areas of
production and markets and connecting these places with
each other or with the main highways are known as Major
District Roads (MDRs).
• The responsibility of construction and maintenance of
these roads lies with District Authorities. However, the
state government gives grant for development of these
roads.
12. 4:Other District Roads (ODR)
• The roads serving rural areas of production and providing
them with outlet to market centers, tahsil headquarters,
block development headquarters, railway stations etc. are
known as Other District Roads (ODRs). This have lower
design specification than MDR.
14. 5:Village Roads (VR)
• The roads connecting villages or group of villages with
each other or with the nearest road of higher category are
known as village roads.
• These roads are very important from the rural area
development point of view. They are generally un-
metalled with single lane width of stabilized soil or gravel.
The responsibility of construction and maintenance of
these roads lies with the local district authorities.
