Basic rural access: According to Nagpur Conference recommendations, the minimum single-lane width commonly adopted for a village road is

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 2.75 m

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Village roads serve low-volume local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and short-trip passenger movements. Historical Indian standards provided economical single-lane widths for such roads while ensuring basic two-way meeting maneuvers can be managed at lay-bys or widened spots.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Village road, low traffic volume, mixed small vehicles.
  • Single-lane movement with occasional passing at designated areas.
  • Legacy recommendations from the Nagpur plan era.


Concept / Approach:

For economy, a minimal paved width near 2.7–2.75 m was recommended for village roads. This width permits safe operation of typical rural vehicles at low speeds while relying on shoulders or turnouts for meeting opposing traffic. Wider standards (3.66 m, 4.9 m) correspond to higher classes of roads or multi-lane facilities.



Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Identify road class → village road (lowest class in rural hierarchy).Adopt minimal single-lane width from historic recommendations → ≈ 2.75 m.Confirm that shoulders or berms supplement the narrow paved width for meeting/passing.


Verification / Alternative check:

Subsequent IRC guidelines continue to permit narrow single-lane rural widths in special contexts, although many modern programs aim for wider all-weather links. The value 2.75 m remains a recognized historical benchmark.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 2.45 m: extremely narrow for safe operation.
  • 3.66 m: typical single-lane for higher standards or minimum for comfortable operation, not the historical minimum for village roads.
  • 4.90–5.00 m: multi-lane or higher-class road widths.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing minimum legacy recommendations with modern programmatic targets; the question refers to Nagpur-era guidance.


Final Answer:

2.75 m.

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