📘 Conditions for Haul Roads (Regulation 101 – CMR 2017) 

  1. Introduction In opencast mines, heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) such as dumpers, tippers, dozers, loaders, and shovels operate continuously. These machines are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver.

Accidents on haul roads — such as vehicle collisions, skidding, overturning, and edge falls — are a leading cause of fatalities in opencast mining. To prevent such accidents, Regulation 101 of Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 prescribes scientific standards for haul road design, layout, safety features, and maintenance.
DGMS also issues circulars reinforcing these requirements (e.g., DGMS Tech Circular 02 of 2010 – Slope & Road Safety).

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(1) Construction & Maintenance

• Haul roads must be designed to bear the maximum axle load and gross weight of HEMM.
• Continuous maintenance (grading, watering, compaction, dust suppression) is required.
• No unauthorized vehicles allowed. Only HEMM may use haul roads.
• Light vehicles may be allowed only at designated points and with written permission from the manager.

Exam tip: In oral exam, DGMS may ask: “Can two-wheelers travel on haul roads?” → Answer: Strictly prohibited under Reg. 101.

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(2) Design & Layout at Company Level

• Each mine must prepare a road design plan at company/organization level.
• Layout considers:
• Production targets
• Type and size of HEMM
• Gradient of benches and ramps
• Safety requirements (visibility, drainage, parapets)

Example: For a 100-tonne dumper (width ~6.5 m), company must design a road width accordingly.

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(3) Road Width

• One-way traffic: Road width = width of largest vehicle + 5 m.
• Two-way traffic (if unavoidable): Width = 3 × vehicle width + 5 m.
• Wider roads reduce collision risk, especially during overtaking or turning.

Numerical Example:
If dumper width = 7 m →

• One-way road width = 7 + 5 = 12 m
• Two-way road width = 3 × 7 + 5 = 26 m

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(4) Corners & Bends

• Must provide clear visibility of ≥ 3 × braking distance of HEMM at 40 km/h.
• Braking distance depends on vehicle weight, tyre condition, and gradient.
• If visibility not possible → construct two separate roads with:
• Each width ≥ 2 × vehicle width + 3 m
• Central divider with reflectors and lighting.

Rationale: Prevents head-on collisions at blind curves.

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(5) Gradient (Slope)

• Maximum permissible gradient = 1 in 16 (i.e., 1 m rise per 16 m horizontal).
• Steeper gradients increase risk of brake failure & skidding.
• Ramps:
• For crawler-mounted machines only.
• Gradient ≤ 1 in 10.
• Maximum ramp length per stretch = 50 m.

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(6) Parapet Walls / Embankments

• Required where road is above surrounding area (edge protection).
• Dimensions:
• Top width ≥ 1.0 m
• Bottom width ≥ 2.5 m
• Height ≥ diameter of dumper tyre (e.g., for 3 m tyre, parapet ≥ 3 m high)
• Must be made of strong compacted material or masonry.
• Dumped OB/mud cannot be treated as parapet wall (unstable).

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(7) Separate Haul Roads for Light Vehicles

• Light vehicles (jeeps, pick-ups, ambulances) must not mix with HEMM.
• Separate haul road is mandatory.
• If not practicable → provide turnouts, crossing points, and waiting points.

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(8) Restrictions on Pedestrians & Two-Wheelers

• Pedestrians and two-wheelers are strictly prohibited on haul roads.
• Rationale: Large dumpers have blind spots; accidents are common if smaller road users share the same road.

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(9) Road Signs & Safety Markings

• Fluorescent road signs must be installed at every turning point.
• Especially important during night operations.
• Road edges to be painted or marked with reflective zebra posts.

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(10) Curves & Night Safety

• At curves: parapet walls or zebra-marked posts required.
• Prevents vehicles from veering off track.
• Lighting system improves visibility.

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(11) Drainage System

• Drainage provided on at least one side of haul road.
• Prevents waterlogging, skidding, and weakening of road base.
• In special conditions, Regional Inspector may permit variance.

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Safety Rationale

• Wide, well-maintained haul roads reduce accident probability.
• Adequate parapets prevent dumpers from toppling over edges.
• Proper drainage ensures stability of road surface.
• Separate roads for HEMM and light vehicles prevent collisions.
• Regulations are based on past accident analysis by DGMS.

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2. Quick One-Liners

• Reg. 101 CMR 2017 → Haul road standards.
• One-way width = largest dumper + 5 m.
• Two-way width = 3 × dumper width + 5 m.
• Gradient ≤ 1 in 16; crawler ramps ≤ 1 in 10.
• Ramp max length = 50 m.
• Parapet wall height ≥ tyre diameter.
• Fluorescent signboards mandatory at curves.
• Drainage system required on one side.
• Pedestrians/two-wheelers strictly banned.
• Regional Inspector may allow variance.

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Q: Explain the statutory conditions for haul roads in opencast mines under Regulation 101 of CMR 2017. 

  Answer:
Haul roads in opencast mines carry heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) such as dumpers and tippers. Unsafe roads have historically caused serious accidents. To ensure safety, CMR 2017 Reg. 101 prescribes conditions:

• Construction: Roads to suit load capacity of HEMM; maintained regularly.
• Width: One-way = vehicle width + 5 m; two-way = 3 × vehicle width + 5 m.
• Corners: Clear view ≥ 3 × braking distance; if not, two divided roads required.
• Gradient: Max slope 1 in 16; crawler ramps ≤ 1 in 10, max 50 m length.
• Parapet Walls: Mandatory above ground; height ≥ tyre diameter.
• Restrictions: Only HEMM allowed; light vehicles only with permission. Pedestrians and two-wheelers prohibited.
• Signage: Fluorescent signs, zebra posts at curves.
• Drainage: On one side of haul road.

Conclusion: Strict adherence to Reg. 101 ensures safe transport operations, reduces dumpers’ edge-fall accidents, and meets DGMS statutory requirements

Learn the basics in Coal Mines Regulations 2017 – Chapter I Notes + 50 MCQs

Understand health risks in Notified Diseases under the Mines Act, 1952 – DGMS Notes & MCQs

Revise environmental measures from DGMS Circular on Dust Suppression & Environmental Measures

Prepare smartly with Complete DGMS Exam Preparation Strategy – Daily Schedule & Mock Tests

Explore practical transport safety in DGMS Man Winding Speed & Haul Road Standards – Notes for Exam