National Policy on Traffic Management for Critical Services

Urban planning, including traffic management for critical services, is primarily a State subject in India.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued several guiding policies to help manage urban transport and traffic congestion.
Key legislative frameworks such as the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, also stipulate provisions for traffic management, especially for emergency vehicles.

State Responsibility: Urban planning and traffic management are managed by State Governments, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and Urban Development Authorities.
Guiding Policies: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued the National Urban Transport Policy (2006), Metro Policy (2017), and Transit Oriented Development Policy to promote sustainable transport solutions.
Legislative Frameworks:
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Section 194E mandates penalties for failing to yield to emergency vehicles.
- CMVR, 1989:
  - Rule 108 (1) (iv) allows red lights with purple glass on ambulances.
  - Rule 108 (4) allows multi-colored lights on designated emergency vehicles.
  - Rule 119(3) permits specific sound signals for emergency and construction vehicles.
- Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017: Regulation 27(2) gives emergency vehicles right of way when using multi-toned horns and flashers.

Enhanced Traffic Management: The policies and regulations aim to streamline traffic management, particularly for emergency response vehicles, ensuring timely access to critical services.
Legal Accountability: The legislative provisions enforce legal accountability, with penalties for non-compliance, thereby promoting adherence to traffic rules.
Sustainable Urban Transport: The guiding documents foster sustainable urban transport development, reducing congestion and improving overall urban mobility.
Improved Emergency Response: The prioritization of emergency vehicles through clear regulations ensures quicker response times, potentially saving lives during critical situations.

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