A road is a path or route built for vehicles, people, or animals to move from one place to another. Roads are an important part of infrastructure, helping with travel, trade, and daily movement. They connect cities, villages, markets, schools, and workplaces. Depending on their use, surface, and construction, roads can be classified into different types.

In this blog, we will explore the types of roads based on various aspects like materials, usage, topography, and location. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about roads in simple and easy English.

What is a Road?

A road is a built-up stretch of land designed for the movement of people, vehicles, and goods. Roads can be made using natural soil, gravel, bricks, bitumen, concrete, or modern composites. They vary in length, width, and strength, depending on the purpose they serve.

Types of Roads

Major Types of Roads

In general, the following are the major types of roads commonly seen across India and the world. These are based on their importance, usage, and the areas they serve:

1. National Highways (NH)

Connect major cities and capitals across states.
Designed for high-speed, long-distance travel.
Built and maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

2. State Highways (SH)

Link important cities, towns, and district headquarters within a state.
Managed by the State Public Works Department (PWD).

3. Major District Roads (MDR)

Connect district centres to main roads and markets.
Carry moderate traffic within districts.

4. Village Roads (Rural Roads)

Connect villages to nearby towns and main roads.
Often built under schemes like PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana).

5. Urban Roads

Found within towns and cities.
Include main roads, service roads, residential lanes, and ring roads.
Managed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) like municipalities.

6. Expressways

Special high-speed roads with controlled entry and exits.
Multi-lane, divided, and often toll-based.
Examples include Yamuna Expressway, Mumbai–Pune Expressway.

7. Border Roads

Located near India’s borders or remote regions.
Built and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Important for defence movement and connecting inaccessible areas.

Types of Roads on different Aspects

1. Based on Construction Materials

Earthen Roads: Made from natural soil. These are cheap and used in villages or rural areas with low traffic.
Gravel Roads: Constructed using a mix of gravel and soil. More durable than earthen roads but still considered low-grade.
WBM Roads (Water Bound Macadam): Made by compacting stone aggregates with binding material. Common in rural and semi-urban areas.
Bituminous Roads: These are tar roads or black-top roads. They are smooth, strong, and widely used in cities and highways.
Concrete Roads: Made using cement concrete. These are strong and last long but are expensive to build.

2. Based on Traffic Volume

Low Traffic Roads: Used in villages or less populated areas. These carry fewer vehicles daily.
Medium Traffic Roads: Found in towns or smaller cities. They handle a moderate number of vehicles.
High Traffic Roads: Found in metros or highways. These roads bear heavy and fast-moving traffic.

3. Based on Usage

National Highways (NH): Connect major cities and states. Managed by the central government.
State Highways (SH): Connect important cities within a state. Managed by the state government.
Major District Roads (MDR): Connect towns and district headquarters.
Village Roads: Connect rural villages to nearby towns or highways.
Urban Roads: Located in cities. Include main roads, ring roads, and residential streets.

4. Based on Location and Terrain

Plain Area Roads: Found in flat land. Easy to construct and maintain.
Hill Area Roads: Built in hilly or mountainous regions. Include curves, slopes, and retaining walls.
Coastal Roads: Located near sea areas. Designed to resist erosion and flooding.
Border Roads: Built and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for defence and access in remote areas.

5. Based on Rigidity

Flexible Roads: These include bitumen roads. They can bend or flex slightly under load.
Rigid Roads: Made from concrete. These do not bend and are more durable but cost more.

Authorities Responsible for Road Construction in India

In India, various authorities at different levels are responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of roads. Each type of road falls under the control of a specific government body:

1. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

Manages National Highways (NH).
Operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Handles planning, construction, toll collection, and maintenance of highways.

2. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

Central government authority that frames policies and guidelines for all kinds of road transport and highways across the country.
Works closely with NHAI, State PWDs, and other agencies.

3. State Public Works Departments (PWDs)

Responsible for State Highways (SH) and Major District Roads (MDR).
Every state has its own PWD (e.g., KPWD in Karnataka, MPWD in Maharashtra).
Takes care of road construction, repair, and widening within the state.

4. Rural Development Department – PMGSY

Manages rural Village Roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Focuses on connecting rural areas to nearby towns and cities.

5. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

Include municipal corporations and city development authorities.
Maintain urban roads, local streets, and footpaths within cities and towns.

6. Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

Constructs and maintains Border Roads in difficult terrains, especially in Himalayan and northeastern regions.
Works under the Ministry of Defence.

7. Indian Roads Congress (IRC)

Although not a construction agency, IRC is the technical body that provides standards, specifications, and guidelines followed by all road authorities in India.

Most Common Roads in India

In India, bituminous roads are the most common because they are cheaper and easy to construct. Concrete roads are now gaining popularity, especially in urban areas due to their strength and durability.

Important Factors to Consider While Constructing a Road

Soil Condition: The strength of the soil affects road stability.
Climate: Roads in rainy or hilly areas need special designs.
Traffic Load: Heavier traffic needs stronger roads.
Cost and Budget: Materials and design must suit the available budget.
Drainage System: Good drainage ensures long life of the road.

Purpose of Roads

Connectivity: Connects rural and urban areas.
Economic Development: Easier transport of goods and services.
Defence and Security: Roads help in fast movement of defence vehicles.
Social Development: Helps access schools, hospitals, and public places.

Building Materials for Road Construction

Choosing the right building materials is key to a strong and long-lasting road. Different materials are used depending on the road type, traffic load, weather, and budget. Below are some of the most commonly used and effective materials in road construction:

1. Soil

Used as the base or subgrade layer.
Must be well-compacted and stable.
Clayey soils are avoided; sandy and granular soils are preferred for better strength.

2. Aggregates

Crushed stones, gravel, or sand used for base layers.
Provide strength and load-bearing capacity.
Used in WBM (Water Bound Macadam), bituminous, and concrete roads.

3. Bitumen

A black, sticky material used in flexible roads.
Binds aggregates and gives a smooth finish.
Common in highways and city roads due to low cost and easy repair.

4. Cement Concrete

Used in rigid pavements.
Made of cement, water, sand, and aggregates.
High strength and long life; ideal for heavy traffic areas and urban roads.

5. Geotextiles

Synthetic fabrics used under road layers.
Help in drainage, soil stabilisation, and separation of materials.
Useful in wet or weak soil conditions.

6. Fly Ash

A waste product from thermal power plants.
Used in embankments and sub-base layers.
Environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

7. Recycled Materials

Crushed old concrete, reclaimed asphalt, plastic waste, etc.
Reduce construction cost and promote sustainability.
Often used in sub-base or base layers.

8. Bricks (Kharanja Roads)

Used in low-cost village roads or temporary works.
Interlocking bricks provide good surface and grip.

IS Codes Related to Roads

Some important Indian Standards (IS) codes used for road construction are:

IS 2386 – For aggregate testing
IS 73 – Specification for bitumen
IS 456 – For concrete mix in rigid pavements
IRC Codes (by Indian Roads Congress) like IRC:37, IRC:58 are widely used for road design

Conclusion🎯

Roads are more than just a path; they are lifelines for a country’s growth and development. Whether it’s a village path or a national highway, each road plays a role in connecting people, goods, and services. Understanding the different types of roads helps in better planning, construction, and usage. As technology and materials improve, India continues to build better roads for a brighter future.

FAQs

1. Which is the strongest type of road?

Concrete roads are the strongest and most durable, although they are more expensive.

2. What is the difference between flexible and rigid roads?

Flexible roads (bitumen) can bend under load, while rigid roads (concrete) remain stiff and are more long-lasting.

3. Why are bitumen roads popular in India?

Bitumen roads are cheaper and quicker to construct, making them ideal for Indian conditions.

4. Who maintains national highways?

National Highways are maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the central government.

5. What is the role of the Border Roads Organisation?

BRO builds and maintains roads in border areas for defence and remote access.