BOQ Builder·Auto-BOQ from dimensions, DSR ratesNEW→BidEasy·Government tenders, searchableLIVE→InfraLens App·Free on Play Store, offline-readyNEW→

IRC SP 63 : 2018Guidelines for Design of Toll Plazas

PDF Google Compare IRC Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

AASHTO Green Book (USA) · Austroads Guide to Road Design (Australia) · Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (UK)

CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeTransportation · Roads and Pavement

PDF Google Compare IRC Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

IRC SP 63:2018 is the Indian Standard (IRC) for guidelines for design of toll plazas. This IRC code is essential for highway engineers involved in the design and operation of toll plazas. It details the principles and practices for determining toll plaza location, number of lanes, lane width, acceleration and deceleration lengths, and toll booth configurations. The document emphasizes traffic analysis, capacity assessment, and the integration of technological solutions for efficient toll collection. Adherence to these guidelines ensures optimized traffic operations, user convenience, and the safe functioning of toll plazas, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency of the highway network.

This IRC code provides comprehensive guidelines for the planning, geometric design, and operational aspects of toll plazas on national highways and expressways in India. It aims to ensure efficient traffic flow, safety for users and staff, and effective toll collection mechanisms while considering environmental and aesthetic factors.

Quick Reference — IRC SP 63:2018 Toll Plaza Design

Key reference values — verify against the current code edition / project specification.

✓ Verified 2026-05-15

Reference	Value	Clause
Subject	Planning & geometric design of toll plazas	Scope
Lane count	From peak traffic ÷ lane service rate (queue ≤ target)	Design
ETC/FASTag lanes	Dedicated electronic-toll lanes	Operation
Geometry	Taper-in, plaza, taper-out + canopy/island	Layout
Location	On tangent, away from junctions, sight distance kept	Siting
Read with	IRC 67 (signs) / IRC SP 41	Cross-ref

⚠ Indicative reference values from the code/standard practice; binding figures are those in the current edition and the project specification.

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Frequently Used
Domain: Transportation — Roads and Pavement
Type: Code of Practice

International equivalents

AASHTO Green Book (USA)Austroads Guide to Road Design (Australia)Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (UK)

Typically used with

IS 73 IS 101

Also on InfraLens for IRC SP 63

19Key values 7Tables 10FAQs

Practical Notes

! Consider the future traffic growth projections during the design phase to avoid premature obsolescence of the toll plaza.

! Adequate buffer space between toll lanes and the mainline carriageway is crucial to manage merging and diverging traffic safely.

! The design should facilitate easy maintenance and upgradation of toll collection equipment.

! Sufficient space for queuing vehicles within the plaza area, without encroaching on the mainline, is a key operational consideration.

! Emergency access and service roads should be integrated into the toll plaza layout.

! Provision for pedestrian movement and safety, especially for toll plaza staff, is essential.

! The design should consider accessibility for all types of vehicles, including large trucks and buses.

! Adequate ventilation and lighting within toll booths are important for the comfort and efficiency of toll collectors.

! Noise barriers may be considered in sensitive areas to mitigate noise pollution from traffic at the toll plaza.

! Drainage should be designed to efficiently handle peak rainfall and prevent waterlogging, which can cause significant operational disruptions.

! The integration of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lanes requires careful consideration of signage, lane markings, and vehicle detection systems.

! Ancillary facilities such as rest areas, restrooms, and food outlets can be incorporated in larger toll plaza complexes to enhance user convenience.

! Landscaping and aesthetic considerations should be integrated to improve the visual appeal of the toll plaza.

! Regular audits and assessments of toll plaza performance are recommended to identify areas for improvement.

! The design should incorporate safety features like impact barriers and spill-off areas to protect toll booth operators and infrastructure.

! Adequate buffer lanes before the toll booths are necessary to prevent bottlenecks and allow for smooth vehicle progression.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. Clause 2.1Objectives of Toll Plaza Design

Cl. Clause 3.1Location of Toll Plaza

Cl. Clause 3.2.1Layout and Configuration

Cl. Clause 4.1Geometric Design of Toll Plaza Area

Cl. Clause 4.2.2Lane Width

Cl. Clause 4.4.1Toll Booth Design

Cl. Clause 4.5.1Radius of Curvature

Cl. Clause 5.1Traffic Analysis and Capacity

Cl. Clause 6.1Lighting and Signage

Cl. Clause 7.1Drainage

Toll PlazaHighway DesignGeometric DesignTraffic EngineeringRoad InfrastructureToll CollectionIndian Roads CongressIRC CodesTransportation EngineeringRoad SafetyTraffic ManagementExpressway DesignIRC

Engineer's Notes

In Practice — Editorial Commentary

When IRC SP 63 is your governing code

IRC SP 63 (2018) provides Guidelines for Design of Toll Plazas — the IRC's standard for toll plaza geometric + structural design, traffic management, and operational requirements on tolled highways (BOT, HAM, EPC NHAI projects, state expressways).

Use IRC SP 63 when you are: - Designing toll plaza for NH/SH/expressway toll collection - Doing DPR for tolled highway project - Specifying toll lane geometry + traffic flow - Designing toll booth structures + canopy - Specifying toll plaza approach + transition geometry - Doing FASTag-integrated toll plaza with electronic toll collection

What IRC SP 63 covers: - Toll plaza site selection - Lane configuration (entry, payment, exit) - Lane width + transition geometry - Toll booth architecture - Canopy + protective structure - Drainage + lighting - FASTag electronic toll collection integration - Manual + electronic toll booth requirements - Traffic management + crash safety - Construction methodology

Toll plaza types: 1. Main plaza: principal collection at major junction; multiple lanes both directions 2. Spur / ramp toll: at on-ramp; secondary collection 3. Boundary toll: at state boundary or zone transition 4. Electronic-only plaza: modern; cashless / FASTag operated 5. Combined mixed mode: ETC + manual lanes

Toll plaza function: - Vehicle classification (per IRC:3:2021) - Toll calculation per vehicle class - Payment processing (cash / FASTag / digital) - Traffic continuity (minimal delay) - Revenue + audit trail

Toll plaza design + lane configuration

Lane configuration: - Number of lanes per direction: - NH 4-lane: 4-6 lanes per direction at toll plaza - NH 6-lane: 6-8 lanes per direction - Expressway: 8-12 lanes per direction - Vehicle-class-specific lanes: - LMV lane: cars + light vehicles - LCV / HCV lane: trucks + buses - FASTag-only lane (preferred): electronic, faster - Manual lane: cash + other payment methods - Wide overlanding / ODV lane: special vehicles

Approach geometry: - Decel zone: vehicles slow to 10-30 km/h - Length of decel zone: 100-200 m per 80 km/h approach (longer for higher speeds) - Lane flare: transitions from carriageway width to toll-plaza width - Flare angle: 1:20 to 1:50 (gentle taper)

Toll booth dimensions: - Footprint: typically 2.5-3.5 m × 3.5-4.5 m per booth - Inside dimensions: seated operator + cash drawer + computer + ventilation - Booth wall: 100-150 mm RCC; concrete masonry; or modular pre-cast - Window: large opening with safety glass; sliding glass for cash + ticket

Canopy / protective structure: - Function: protects toll booth + vehicles from rain + sun - Span: 6-12 m typical (covers multiple lanes) - Height: 5-6 m clear (allow over-dimensional vehicles) - Structure: steel truss / space-frame on RCC columns - Roof: profiled metal sheet or membrane

Exit / acceleration zone: - Acceleration distance: 100-200 m - Lane flare: transition back to main carriageway - Smooth transition to avoid weaving conflict

Length of toll plaza zone: typically 600-1000 m total (decel + plaza + accel)

Drainage: - Cross-fall away from toll booths (per IRC:SP-50:2013) - Drains at booth bases - Sump for runoff collection - Outfall to natural drain

Lighting: - Toll plaza area: 150-300 lux at booth level (high; for safe vehicle / operator operation) - Canopy lighting + boom-mounted spot lights - Emergency power backup mandatory

Signage + markings: - Advance signage 1-2 km before toll plaza - Vehicle class indication - FASTag-only lane indication - Speed limit indication - Per IRC:67:2012 + IRC:35:2015

Boom + barrier: - Hydraulic boom: drops to block; raises on toll payment - Programmable for FASTag (auto-raise) or manual - Speed of raise: 1-3 seconds typical - Backup: dual boom or manual barrier

Reference values + acceptance

Lane dimensions: - LMV (car) lane width: 3.0-3.5 m - HCV (truck) lane width: 4.0-4.5 m - Booth platform / island width: 1.5-2.0 m between booths

Approach + transition: - Decel zone length: 100-200 m - Flare angle: 1:20-1:50 - Acceleration zone length: 100-200 m

Toll booth: - Footprint: 2.5-3.5 m × 3.5-4.5 m - Floor area: 8-15 m² - Height: 2.5-3.5 m interior - Window: 1.5-2.0 m wide × 1.0-1.2 m high

Canopy: - Span: 6-12 m - Height clear: 5-6 m (5.0 m minimum for ODV) - Roof slope: 5-10 % for drainage

FASTag system: - RFID reader at boom location - Vehicle classifier (axle counter + AVCS) - Variable Message Sign (VMS) for ETC vs manual - Transaction processing: 0.5-2 seconds typical - 99 %+ success rate target

Capacity per lane: - Manual lane: 200-400 veh/hr (cash + ticket) - FASTag lane: 800-1200 veh/hr (depends on traffic class mix) - Multi-lane FASTag total: 5000-10000 veh/hr (high-throughput plaza)

Construction materials: - Concrete: M30+ for toll booth + canopy columns - Steel: structural steel for canopy; corrosion-protected - Roofing: galvanized metal sheet or PVC membrane - Glass: laminated safety glass for booth windows - Boom: aluminium / steel; counterweight balanced

Safety appurtenances: - Crash barriers around booth (protect operator from vehicle impact) - Speed bumps + signage in approach zone - CCTV (multi-camera per lane) - Vehicle detection (cameras + sensors)

Operations: - 24/7 staffing (varies; ETC-only may be unmanned) - Cash counting + audit - Maintenance contract for booms + ETC equipment - Emergency response (vehicle stalled, equipment failure)

Acceptance criteria: - Geometric design verified - Booth structural integrity - Lighting at design lux level - FASTag system functional + tested - Boom + barrier function - CCTV + monitoring online - Drainage functional - Signage + markings per IRC:67:2012

Maintenance schedule: - Daily: visual inspection + cleanliness - Weekly: ETC equipment check, boom maintenance - Monthly: lighting, signage, drainage - Annual: structural inspection of canopy - 5-year: comprehensive structural + electronic system overhaul - Long-term: 30-50 year service life with maintenance

Companion codes (must pair with)

IRC:73:1980 — Rural Highway Geometric Design.
IRC:86:1983 — Urban Road Geometric Design.
IRC:38:1988 — Horizontal Curves.
IRC:3:2021 — Vehicle Dimensions + Weights.
IRC:67:2012 — Road Signs.
IRC:35:2015 — Road Markings.
IRC:SP-50:2013 — Urban Drainage.
IRC:SP-42:2014 — Road Drainage.
IRC:SP-84:2019 — NH 4-laning Manual.
IRC:SP-99:2013 — 6-laning Manual.
IRC:SP-87:2013 — Older 4-laning Manual.
IRC:SP-21:2009 — Intersection + Grade Separator.
IRC:103:2012 — Pedestrian Facilities (employee access).
IRC:SP-44:1996 — Road Safety Audit.
IS 456:2000 — Plain + Reinforced Concrete (toll booth + canopy).
IS 800:2007 — Steel Construction (canopy).
IS 875 (Part 3) — Wind Loads (canopy + booth).
IS 1893 (Part 1) — Earthquake Resistant Design.
IS 5961 — Manhole Covers.
NHAI / NPCI guidelines on FASTag system.
NHAI Manual of Standards.
AASHTO Toll Plaza Design Manual.
MoRTH Specifications for Road and Bridge Works.

Common pitfalls / what reviewers flag

1. Insufficient lanes for traffic volume. Long queues + delay; revenue lost. More lanes or better FASTag adoption. 2. No FASTag lane. All-manual; congestion + delay. Mandatory FASTag-only lane(s). 3. Decel zone too short. Speed reduction inadequate; rear-end conflicts. Per IRC SP 63 design speed-distance. 4. Boom failure prevention. Single boom; failure = lane closed. Redundant boom or manual override. 5. Crash barriers missing. Vehicle strikes booth; operator injury. Mandatory barriers around booth. 6. Lighting inadequate. Operator + driver visibility poor; safety + accuracy issues. 150-300 lux per design. 7. No emergency backup power. Power failure closes lane. UPS + generator mandatory. 8. Drainage poor. Toll plaza floods; operations halted. Per IRC:SP-42:2014. 9. Vehicle classifier inaccurate. Wrong toll charged; revenue loss + driver complaints. AVCS calibration + verification. 10. No CCTV. Disputes + incidents unresolvable; security issues. Multi-camera per lane. 11. No road safety audit. In-service issues. Per IRC:SP-44:1996. 12. Operator working environment poor. Toll booth too cramped, no ventilation, no rest space. Designed for operator welfare. 13. No signage 1-2 km in advance. Driver unaware; sudden braking. Mandatory advance signage. 14. Canopy not designed for vehicle impact. Truck hits column; collapse. Robust column + crash protection. 15. No employee access path. Workers cross active lanes to reach booth. Separate access tunnel / overhead. 16. Mixed mode confusion. ETC + manual lanes not clearly marked; vehicle goes wrong lane. Clear signage + lane markings. 17. System integration weak. FASTag transactions, vehicle classification, traffic management disjoint. Integrated SCADA / ITS system.

Where it sits in tolled-highway lifecycle

Toll plaza project — IRC SP 63 touchpoints:

1. DPR + design: - Site selection (geometric + access) - Lane configuration (manual + FASTag mix) - Approach + transition geometry - Booth + canopy design - ETC system specification - Drainage + lighting design

2. Detailed drawings: - Plan layout of plaza - Booth + canopy details - Approach geometry profile - Drainage layout - Signage + markings layout - Electrical + ETC system

3. Tender + BOQ: - Civil works (booth + canopy) - ETC equipment (RFID, AVCS, VMS) - Lighting + drainage - Signage + markings - CCTV + monitoring - Power backup (UPS + generator)

4. Construction: - Civil works (foundation, booth, canopy) - Electrical infrastructure - ETC equipment installation - Signage + markings - Lighting installation - Drainage + utilities - Operator training

5. Pre-opening: - Road safety audit - FASTag system testing - Lighting + drainage verification - Boom + barrier function - Vehicle classification accuracy - Trial run with simulated traffic

6. Operations + maintenance: - 24/7 operator staffing (manual lanes) - Daily revenue audit - ETC system monitoring - Equipment maintenance contracts - Operator training + welfare - Customer service

7. Long-term: - 5-year structural assessment - ETC technology upgrades - System expansion (more FASTag lanes as adoption grows) - 30-50 year service life

IRC SP 63 is the modern toll-plaza reference for India's NHAI + state expressway network — applied on every BOT/HAM/EPC tolled corridor + every modern expressway plaza.

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

AASHTO Green Book (USA)

MediumCurrent

Austroads Guide to Road Design (Australia)

MediumCurrent

Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (UK)

MediumCurrent

Key Differences

≠

Key Similarities

≈

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Lane Width
Design Speed (Toll Plaza Area)
Minimum Acceleration/Deceleration Lane Length
Minimum Sight Distance (before toll booth)

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values19

Quick Reference Values

minimum median width at toll plaza15.0 m (as per Clause 4.2.1)

minimum lane width for toll booths3.65 m (as per Clause 4.2.2)

minimum shoulder width before toll booths3.0 m (as per Clause 4.2.3)

minimum acceleration lane length150.0 m (as per Clause 4.3.1)

minimum deceleration lane length150.0 m (as per Clause 4.3.1)

minimum toll booth depth8.0 m (as per Clause 4.4.1)

minimum clearance between toll booths2.5 m (as per Clause 4.4.2)

minimum radius of curvature before toll booths150.0 m (as per Clause 4.5.1)

maximum grade approaching toll booth1 in 40 (2.5%) (as per Clause 4.5.2)

minimum sight distance before toll booths190.0 m (as per Clause 4.5.3)

minimum spacing between toll collectors on same booth0.75 m (as per Clause 4.4.3)

minimum height of toll collection booth2.5 m (as per Clause 4.4.1)

recommended ratio of toll lanes to total lanesTypically 1:2 to 1:3, subject to traffic analysis (as per Clause 3.2.1)

minimum entry slip road length100.0 m (as per Clause 4.3.2)

minimum exit slip road length100.0 m (as per Clause 4.3.2)

design capacity per lane hour for manual collection150-200 PCUs/hour (as per Annexure A)

design capacity per lane hour for electronic collection600-750 PCUs/hour (as per Annexure A)

design speed for toll plaza area30-40 kmph (as per Clause 4.1)

minimum setback from highway carriageway for toll plaza structures10.0 m (as per Clause 4.7.1)

Key Formulas

Wq = Ls / (μ - λ) (Little's Law for average waiting time)

Desired Spacing (m) = (Time Headway (s) * Speed (m/s)) + Vehicle Length (m)

Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) = v*t + v^2 / (2*g*f) (where v=speed, t=reaction time, g=gravity, f=friction)

Grade (%) = (Vertical Rise / Horizontal Distance) * 100

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Geometric Design Parameters for Toll Plaza Area

Traffic Capacity of Toll Lanes (PCUs/hour/lane)

Recommended Minimum Distance from Toll Plaza to Intersections/Junctions

Dimensions of Toll Booth and Associated Facilities

Recommended Illuminance Levels for Toll Plaza

Drainage Design Considerations for Toll Plazas

Traffic Capacity of Toll Booths with Different Collection Systems

Frequently Asked Questions10

What is the primary purpose of an IRC code for toll plaza design?+

The primary purpose is to establish standardized guidelines and best practices for the planning, geometric design, and operational aspects of toll plazas on Indian highways. This ensures safety, efficiency in traffic management and toll collection, and user convenience across the network. It aims to create toll plazas that can handle current traffic volumes while also being adaptable to future growth and technological advancements.

How does the IRC code address the issue of traffic congestion at toll plazas?+

The code addresses congestion by providing guidelines for determining the optimal number of toll lanes based on traffic analysis and capacity calculations (Table 5.1, Annexure A). It also specifies geometric design elements like adequate lane widths, acceleration/deceleration lengths, and radii of curvature to facilitate smooth vehicle movement and minimize delays. The promotion of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) is also implicitly encouraged as a measure to increase throughput and reduce queues.

What are the key considerations for selecting the location of a toll plaza?+

Key considerations include ensuring it is placed where traffic volumes are substantial and predictable, minimizing disruption to local traffic, considering land availability for the plaza and approach/departure roads, and assessing potential environmental and social impacts. The code also advises on maintaining adequate distances from existing intersections or junctions (Table 3.1) to prevent traffic conflicts and ensure a smooth flow of vehicles onto and off the mainline.

What is the difference in design capacity between manual and electronic toll collection systems according to the IRC code?+

The IRC code clearly differentiates the capacities, with manual collection systems typically handling significantly fewer vehicles per hour per lane compared to electronic toll collection (ETC) systems. Annexure A provides specific figures, with manual lanes often designed for 150-200 PCUs/hour, while ETC lanes can handle substantially more, often in the range of 600-750 PCUs/hour. This distinction is critical for engineers in determining the appropriate lane mix.

What safety aspects are covered by the IRC code for toll plazas?+

The code emphasizes safety through various provisions, including adequate sight distances (Clause 4.5.3), appropriate radii of curvature (Clause 4.5.1) to prevent rollovers, safe lane widths and clearances (Clause 4.2.2, 4.4.2), and provisions for lighting and signage (Clause 6.1) to improve visibility. It also implicitly covers safety for toll collectors by specifying booth dimensions and clearances, and potentially for pedestrians and staff through site layout.

How does the IRC code guide the geometric design of the toll plaza area?+

The code provides specific parameters for the geometric design of the toll plaza area in Clause 4.1 and Table 4.1. This includes defining a lower design speed compared to the mainline highway (typically 30-40 kmph), specifying minimum lane widths (3.65 m), median widths (15.0 m), acceleration and deceleration lane lengths (150.0 m), and minimum sight distances. These parameters are crucial for managing vehicle speeds and ensuring safe passage through the collection zone.

What are the minimum requirements for toll booth dimensions and spacing?+

The IRC code specifies a minimum toll booth depth of 8.0 m (Clause 4.4.1) to accommodate operational space and equipment. Minimum clear spacing between toll booths is 2.5 m (Clause 4.4.2) to allow for vehicle passage and maintenance. For multiple collectors on the same booth, a minimum spacing of 0.75 m is recommended (Clause 4.4.3). The clear height of the toll booth is also specified as 2.5 m.

How is drainage considered in the design of toll plazas?+

Drainage is a critical aspect, and the code addresses it by highlighting key design considerations in Table 7.1. This includes ensuring efficient removal of surface runoff from the extensive paved areas of the toll plaza, preventing water accumulation in toll lanes and queuing areas, and designing appropriate outlet provisions. Effective drainage prevents pavement damage, operational disruptions, and safety hazards due to waterlogging.

What is the role of signage and lighting at a toll plaza according to the code?+

Signage and lighting are crucial for guiding drivers and ensuring safety. The code addresses these in Clause 6.1. Adequate lighting (specified in Table 6.1) is required to provide sufficient visibility for drivers and toll operators. Clear and appropriately placed signage is essential for directing traffic to the correct lanes (toll lanes, ETC lanes), indicating speeds, and warning of potential hazards.

Can I use electronic toll collection (ETC) systems with this IRC code?+

Yes, absolutely. The IRC code implicitly supports and encourages the use of electronic toll collection systems as a means to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. It differentiates the design capacity of ETC lanes from manual lanes (Table 5.1 and Annexure A) and the general principles of geometric design apply to both types of lanes. Engineers should design the plaza layout to accommodate dedicated ETC lanes and their associated infrastructure.

QA/QC Inspection Templates

📋

QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.

Browse all 300 templates →

BOQ Builder·Auto-BOQ from dimensions, DSR ratesNEW→BidEasy·Government tenders, searchableLIVE→InfraLens App·Free on Play Store, offline-readyNEW→

IRC SP 63 : 2018Guidelines for Design of Toll Plazas

PDF Google Compare IRC Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

AASHTO Green Book (USA) · Austroads Guide to Road Design (Australia) · Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (UK)

CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeTransportation · Roads and Pavement

PDF Google Compare IRC Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

Quick Reference — IRC SP 63:2018 Toll Plaza Design

Key reference values — verify against the current code edition / project specification.

✓ Verified 2026-05-15

Reference	Value	Clause
Subject	Planning & geometric design of toll plazas	Scope
Lane count	From peak traffic ÷ lane service rate (queue ≤ target)	Design
ETC/FASTag lanes	Dedicated electronic-toll lanes	Operation
Geometry	Taper-in, plaza, taper-out + canopy/island	Layout
Location	On tangent, away from junctions, sight distance kept	Siting
Read with	IRC 67 (signs) / IRC SP 41	Cross-ref

⚠ Indicative reference values from the code/standard practice; binding figures are those in the current edition and the project specification.

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Frequently Used
Domain: Transportation — Roads and Pavement
Type: Code of Practice