Bus Bay on Roads as per Indian Standards

Design and Construction of Bus Bays on Roads as per Indian Standards

Abstract

Bus bays are off-carriageway facilities designed to allow buses to stop without obstructing the flow of traffic. This technical paper discusses the standards, guidelines, and engineering design considerations for constructing bus bays as per Indian norms to improve commuter safety and traffic efficiency.

Standards and Guidelines

Standard/Guideline	Description
IRC: 86-2018	Guidelines for pedestrian facilities including bus bays
IRC: SP: 100-2014	Manual on Urban Roads and Streets
IRC: 103-2012	Guidelines for pedestrian and cycle facilities
NBC 2016	National Building Code - Accessibility & safety

Types of Bus Bays

• Indented Bay: Positioned away from the carriageway, most common in urban areas
• Kerb-side Bay: At the edge of the road, used where space is limited
• Open Bay: Continuous curb with a widened shoulder

Design Parameters

Design Element	Dimension/Specification
Bay Length	30–40 meters including taper
Bay Width	3.0–3.5 meters
Taper Length	15 meters (entry and exit)
Bus Turning Radius	12 meters (minimum)
Platform Height	150 mm to 300 mm above road level

Construction Details

• Sub-base: Granular Sub-Base (GSB) – 150 mm thick
• Base: Wet Mix Macadam (WMM) – 100 mm thick
• Surface: Bituminous concrete (BC) or M-30 concrete
• Kerbs and Drainage: Precast concrete kerbs, side drains for water runoff

Safety and Accessibility

• Ramps and tactile tiles for the visually impaired
• Railings and proper lighting for night-time visibility
• Clear signage and markings as per IRC standards

Maintenance Considerations

Periodic inspection for rutting, surface wear, and signage condition should be scheduled. Drainage systems must be cleaned regularly to prevent water logging at bays.