Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities (First Revision)

IRC 103 - Scope: Key Specifications & Tables

1. Scope Overview

IRC 103 focuses on pedestrian facilities design, ensuring accessibility and safety for all users including those with disabilities.

2. Minimum Passage Widths (Table 1.3)

3. Ramp Design (Table 6.8.1)

• Landing size: 1500 mm (length and width)

4. Recommended Materials for Pedestrian Facilities (Annexure-II)

IRC 103: Introduction - Key Specifications & Tables

1. Pedestrian Dimensions & Minimum Passage Widths (Table 1.3)

Lengths & Turning Circles:

• Length of 95th percentile wheelchair: 1250 mm
• Turning circle (manual wheelchair): 1575 mm
• Turning circle (outdoor electric wheelchair): 2420 mm
• Turning circle (electric footpath vehicle): 4350 mm

2. Recommended Materials for Pedestrian Facilities (Annexure-II)

Summary Diagram: Pedestrian Passage Widths

graph LR
A[Stick/Walker User] -->|750 mm| B[Minimum Width]
C[Double Crutch User] -->|920 mm| B
D[Adult + Child] -->|1100 mm| B
E[Wheelchair + Ambulent Person] -->|1500 mm| B

This

IRC 103: Physical Characteristics of Pedestrian Facilities

Key specifications and guidelines from IRC 103 for pedestrian facilities:

1. Footpath Surface

• Even, stable, firm, slip-resistant surface without cracks or bumps.
• Ensures comfortable and safe walking.

2. Footpath Width

• Wide enough to accommodate peak pedestrian flow.
• No fixed width in IRC 103; typically 1.5 m minimum in urban areas (refer IRC 103 or local standards).

3. Obstructions

• Place poles, trees, bins, signage on one side to maintain clear walkway.
• Avoid scattered obstructions.

4. Encroachment

• Allocate space for informal vendors to avoid blocking pedestrian movement.
• Design footpath width considering such activities.

5. Vehicle Conflict Prevention

• Use raised footpaths and guardrails for segregation from fast-moving vehicles.

6. Continuity

• Minimize kerb cuts; provide kerb ramps for disabled and elderly.
• Avoid frequent ups and downs to maintain comfort.

Summary Table of Key Physical Characteristics

flowchart LR
    A[Footpath Design] --> B[Surface: Even, Slip-resistant]
    A --> C[Width: Adequate for flow]
    A --> D[Obstructions on one side]
    A --> E[Space for informal vendors]
    A --> F[Segregation: Raised footpath, Guardrails]
    A --> G[Continuity: Kerb ramps, minimal ups/downs]

This ensures safe, comfortable, and accessible pedestrian facilities as per IRC 103 guidelines.

Key Specifications for Pedestrian Facilities (IRC 103)

1. User Characteristics for Design

• Safety & Security: Provide street lighting, police patrolling, and separate footpaths to segregate pedestrians from vehicles.
• Comfort: Protection from sun/rain via planned tree planting, benches, shelters, and washrooms.
• Walk Environment: Clean, odor-free footpaths ensuring a pleasant walking experience.

2. Minimum Passage Widths & Dimensions (Table 1.3)

3. Recommended Materials (Annexure-II)

IRC 103: Design Standards for Pedestrian Facilities

Key Design Considerations (Clause 5.4 User Characteristics)

• Safety & Security

  • Provide adequate street lighting and police patrolling at night.
  • Separate pedestrian footpaths from vehicular traffic to prevent accidental entry.
  • Footpaths are recommended on all new and existing roads where practicable (refer IRC:70-1977).

• Comfort

  • Protect pedestrians from sun and rain using trees, shelters, benches, and washrooms.
  • Trees must be strategically located to avoid obstruction.

• Walk Environment

  • Maintain cleanliness and ensure a pleasant walking experience without unpleasant odors.

Typical Specifications (from IRC guidelines and best practices)

Pedestrian Level of Service (LOS)

• LOS is based on pedestrian flow, space, and comfort, influencing footpath width and amenities.

flowchart LR
    A[Vehicular Traffic] -->|Separated by| B[Footpath]
    B --> C[Pedestrian Safety & Comfort]
    C --> D{Design Elements}
    D --> E[Lighting]
    D --> F[Benches & Shelters]
    D --> G[Clean Walk Environment]

For detailed tables and specific dimensions, refer to Clause 6, IRC 103 (Page 6 onward) and related IRC codes (e.g., IRC:70-1977).

IRC 103 - Pedestrian Facilities Design Standards: Key Points

Though the exact clause details are not provided, IRC 103 (First Revision) generally specifies:

1. Design Widths for Pedestrian Facilities

• Footpaths/Sidewalks: Minimum width typically 1.5 m for low pedestrian volume; 2.0 - 3.0 m for higher volumes.
• Crosswalks: Width depends on road width and pedestrian volume, often 2.0 - 3.0 m minimum.

2. Pedestrian Level of Service (LOS)

• LOS is based on pedestrian flow rate (ped/m/min) and space per pedestrian.
• Typical LOS criteria:
  • A: >1.5 m²/pedestrian (free flow)
  • D: ~0.9 m²/pedestrian (stable flow)
  • F: <0.5 m²/pedestrian (congested)

3. Design Speed

• Pedestrian walking speed assumed at 1.2 m/s for design.

4. Crossing Facilities

• Provide zebra crossings, pedestrian signals, or foot overbridges where pedestrian volume exceeds 200 pcu/hr or road speed > 50 km/h.

5. Grade and Surface

• Maximum slope for footpaths: 1:20 (5%)
• Surface should be non-slippery, firm, and even.

Example Table: Minimum Footpath Width (IRC 103)

flowchart LR
    A[Pedestrian Volume] --> B{Volume < 200?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Footpath Width = 1.5 m]
    B -- No --> D{Volume < 500?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Footpath Width = 2.0 m]
    D -- No --> F{Volume < 1000?}
    F -- Yes --> G[Footpath Width = 2

IRC 103: Materials Recommended for Pedestrian Facilities

Key Specifications from Annexure-II (Clause 6.1.6):

Minimum Passage Widths (Table 1.3):

Summary Diagram of

IRC 103 Key Specifications for Pedestrian Crossings & Safety Measures

1. Warrants for Controlled Crossings (Clause 6.7.4.1.2)

• Control needed if:

  • ( P \times V^2 > 10^8 ) (undivided carriageway)
  • ( P \times V^2 > 2 \times 10^8 ) (divided carriageway)
  • Vehicle speed > 65 kph
  • Long pedestrian/vehicle waiting times
  • ≥5 pedestrian injuries/year

• Control measures:

  • Traffic signals with exclusive pedestrian phase
  • Police control during peak hours
  • Pedestrian-operated pelican signals (use judiciously)

2. Crossing Dimensions & Design

• Minimum crossing width: 1800 mm
• Central islands: ≥ 2 m wide (across road), cut-through 5 m (along road)
• Footpath extension: Extending across parking lanes reduces crossing width & vehicle speed
• Kerb ramps:
  • Width: 900–1200 mm
  • Gradient: ideally 1:20, max 1:12
  • Flared sides: max gradient 1:10
  • Tactile pavers mandatory for visually impaired (Fig. 22)
• Footpath minimum width: 1800 mm

3. Pedestrian Crossing Speeds for Design

4. Mid-Block Crossing Spacing (Table 3)

5. Additional Safety Features

• Audible pedestrian signals for visually impaired
• Consistent placement of traffic signal poles & push buttons (~1000 mm height)
• Raised crossings at minor roads, entrances
• Well-drained crossing

Grade-Separated Pedestrian Facilities (IRC 103 - Clause 6.7.4.2 & Table 6.7.4.2.2)

Key Points:

• At-grade crossings are preferred for shortest, quickest, and most comfortable pedestrian movement.
• If grade separation is necessary, minimize vertical height pedestrian must ascend/descend.
• Subways generally require less headroom than Foot Over Bridges (FOB).
• Layout must ensure pedestrian facilities end at preferred crossing points.

Pedestrian Subway Design Specifications (Table 5):

Additional Guidelines:

• Avoid tortuous routes to aid mobility-impaired and visually impaired pedestrians.
• Ensure good lighting and security to encourage use, especially at night.
• Design layouts to avoid embankment falls at crossing points.

flowchart LR
    A[Pedestrian Movement] --> B{At Grade Crossing?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Preferred & Comfortable]
    B -- No --> D[Grade-Separated Facility]
    D --> E{Subway or FOB?}
    E -- Subway --> F[Minimize Headroom, Width=4.8m, Clearance=2.75m]
    E -- FOB --> G[Longer Ramps, Higher Clearance]
    F & G --> H[Ensure Visibility & Security]

This concise framework ensures pedestrian safety, comfort, and accessibility in grade-separated crossings per IRC 103.

Key Specifications & Guidelines for School Zone Improvements (IRC 103 - Clause 6.15):

Planning & Safety Measures

• School Location: Inside neighborhoods, away from busy arterials.
• Safe Routes to School: Walking/bicycle plans identifying traffic controls (signs, signals, crosswalks).
• Crossing Safety: Use traffic marshals, larger standing areas, stand-back lines.
• Drop-off/Pick-up Zones: Clearly marked, segregated from bus zones, with sufficient vehicle queuing space.
• Enforcement: Police, radar speed boards, photo speed/red-light cameras.

Pedestrian Passage Widths (Table 1.3)

Recommended Materials for Pedestrian Facilities (Annexure-II)

IRC 103: Fixtures and Fittings for Pedestrian Facilities

Key Dimensions (Clause 1.3, Table 1.3)

Recommended Materials for Pedestrian Facilities (Annexure-II)

Resting Places and Seating - IRC 103 Key Specifications

• Seating Dimensions:

  • Seat height: 450 mm
  • Backrest height: 700 mm
  • Knee clearance for tables: 700 mm height, 600 mm depth
  • Table width: 600 mm clear width
  • Wheelchair space beside table: 1000 mm

• Seating Placement:

  • Seats placed adjacent to footpath without obstruction
  • Painted in contrasting colors for visibility
  • Seating intervals: every 50 meters along busy pedestrian routes

• Minimum Passage Widths (for accessibility):

• Material Recommendations for Seating Areas:

  • Non-skid/matt finish tiles, interlocking paving tiles, sandblasted/unpolished stone, pavement quality concrete
  • Avoid polished stone finishes (slippery)

• Clear Circulation Corridor:

  • Minimum 1200 mm, preferably 1800 mm for wheelchair and pedestrian side-by-side passage

Summary Diagram of Seating Dimensions

graph LR
A[Seat Height: 450 mm] --> B[Backrest Height: 700 mm]
B --> C[Knee Clearance: 700 mm height, 600 mm depth]
C --> D[Table Width: 600 mm]
D --> E[Wheelchair Space: 1000 mm beside table]

References: IRC 103 Clauses 6.11.5, 6.11.4, Table 1.3, Annexure-II

IRC 103: Installation Guidelines for Pedestrian Guardrails

Key Specifications (Clause 6.1.9.3 & related):

• Height: 1100 mm from median/footpath level to top rail.
• Color: Canary yellow for high visibility, especially for low vision persons.
• Material:
  • Mild steel (MS) bars 20x20 mm welded with MS angle (typical design).
  • Galvanized railings only if marked with contrasting colors.
  • Rounded top rails to prevent injury.
• Design:
  • Simple, neat, vandal-proof.
  • Avoid thick horizontal members except balusters to maintain visibility.
  • Sturdy yet slender.
• Gaps: Allowed for trees, signposts, etc., but designed to prevent children/pedestrians squeezing through.

Applications (Clause 6.1.9.2):

• Hazardous straight stretches (both sides).
• Junctions/intersections (barriers only open at zebra crossings).
• Near schools, bus stops, railway stations.
• Overpasses, subways.
• Central reserves/medians.
• High pedestrian volume areas (markets, terminals).

Typical Guardrail Design (Fig. 3 summary):

flowchart LR
    A[Guardrail Installation] --> B[Height 1100 mm]
    A --> C[Canary Yellow Paint]
    A --> D[Material: MS Bar 20x20 mm]
    A --> E[Rounded Top Rail]
    A --> F[Design: Slender & Vandal Proof]
    A --> G[Applications]
    G --> G1[Hazardous stretches]
    G --> G2[Intersections]
    G --> G3[Schools]
    G --> G4[Bus Stops & Stations]
    G --> G5[Overpasses/Subways]
    G --> G6[Central Reserves]

Summary: Guardrails must be 1100 mm high, visually distinct (canary yellow), sturdy yet slender, with rounded tops for safety. Their use is critical in hazardous zones,

IRC 103: Obstruction Management Key Points

Minimum Walking Zone (Clause 1.8)

• Clear horizontal width: 1.8 m
• Clear vertical height: 2.2 m
• No obstructions allowed: utility ducts, poles, boxes, trees, signage, etc.
• This zone must be free both horizontally and vertically for safe pedestrian movement.

Overhanging & Other Obstructions (Clause 6.1.10.2)

• Obstacles (manholes, trees) must be outside the walking path or aligned in a continuous line.
• Overhanging signs/vegetation minimum height: 2.2 m.

Fixed Poles & Bollards (Clause 1.40)

• Poles must have 300 mm contrasting colour marking strips at 1.4 m to 1.6 m height for visibility.
• Bollards painted in contrasting colours or stripes for easy detection.
• Garbage bins on lampposts should not face pedestrian flow and must be in contrasting colours.

Protruding Objects (Figs. 4-8)

• Undetectable obstacles may project max 100 mm into footpath.
• Protruding objects should be avoided in the direct line of pedestrian travel or placed in niches.

Summary Table: Obstruction Dimensions

flowchart LR
    A[Walking Zone 1.8m x 2.2m] --> B{Obstruction?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Place outside path or align in line]
    B -- No --> D[Clear pedestrian path]
    C --> E[Mark poles with 300mm strip at 1.4-1.6m]
    C --> F[Paint bollards contrasting]
    C --> G[Max 100mm projection if undetectable]

This

IRC 103 Key Annexures & Tables Summary

1. Minimum Passage Widths & Dimensions (Table 1.3)

2. Recommended Materials for Pedestrian Facilities (Annexure-II)