Boom Barriers and Traffic Bollards in India

India's traffic situation is infamous, with congested roads and haphazard driving being the norm in most cities. This chaos on the roads necessitates traffic management solutions that promote safety and orderliness. Two such solutions that are increasingly common in India are boom barriers and traffic bollards.

What are Boom Barriers?

Boom barriers, also known as boom gates, refer to counterbalanced horizontal bars used to control vehicle access through an entrance or exit. When in the down position, boom barriers block vehicles from passing through. However, they rise quickly to allow access when needed. Specifically, people install boom barriers at toll plazas, parking lot exits, border crossings, and anywhere that requires vehicle flow restriction and control.

Boom barriers in India feature prominently at toll plazas across national and state highways. Large plazas utilize several boom barrier lanes to efficiently process vehicles. Additionally, the barriers ensure that vehicles stop to pay tolls instead of bypassing the plaza. Moreover, some toll plazas integrate automatic number plate recognition with boom barriers in India to seamlessly deduct payments.

Traffic Bollards for Safety

Furthermore, traffic bollards are sturdy vertical posts installed along roadsides, medians, and intersections to guide traffic flow and improve safety. Made of concrete, steel, or strong plastics, bollards block vehicles from entering restricted areas. They also separate traffic lanes and protect sidewalks and green spaces from vehicular damage.

In India, concrete bollards painted in contrasting colors exist ubiquitously in cities and towns. Notably, bollards line road dividers, protecting trees and signs. At traffic signals, bollards deter drivers from making illegal turns. Near schools and hospitals, rows of bollards prevent vehicles from mounting pavements.

Automated Retractable Bollards

An advanced form of bollards that is gaining popularity in Indian cities is automated retractable bollards. As the name indicates, these traffic bollards can withdraw below road level to allow access and rise when required. Ideal for locations needing access control at certain times only.

Retractable bollards are being installed near metro stations, government buildings, and malls to block vehicles until security checks occur. Some gated communities utilize them to control entry and exit. Specifically, the bollards sink into the ground to let residents through and pop up to deter non-residents.

Benefits of Boom Barriers and Bollards

Strategically installed boom barriers and traffic bollards provide many traffic management benefits in India:

• Improve safety near intersections and pedestrian areas
• Prevent motorists from entering restricted zones
• Guide traffic into proper lanes
• Limit vehicle speeds in high-risk areas
• Allow access control at specific times
• Facilitate collection of tolls and parking fees

As Indian cities address increasing vehicles and reckless traffic, intelligent solutions like boom barriers and bollards will impose order and system on the roads. Their widespread adoption can transform India's roads to become safer and more efficient.