You have probably noticed the milestones placed along the sides of roads. These stones help traveller understand how far they have come and how much farther they have to go. They usually display distances such as 2 kilometres, 4 kilometres, or 5 kilometres. However, if you look closely, you will notice that these milestones are painted in different colours. Some are green, some are yellow, some are orange, some are black or blue, and some are entirely white. Have you ever wondered why? Every colour tells a story about the road on which you are traveling.
If a milestone is completely white, it generally indicates an unclassified rural road that does not fall under a specific state or central government highway category. Such roads are usually built according to the needs of local residents and are commonly found in villages. These roads are generally constructed by the Public Works Department (PWD). One common complaint about these roads is that repairs often take a long time once they become damaged. The Public Works Department itself was established in 1854 during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie.https://www.firstpost.com/lifestyle/milestone-colours-indian-roads-meaning-yellow-green-orange-14001137.html
Inspired by the British Milestone System
India’s milestone system was largely inspired by the British system, although it later evolved into a uniquely Indian design after independence. During British rule, the British administration built extensive road networks across the country and introduced standardized methods for measuring distances and marking roads. Since India was part of the British Empire, many administrative practices, including road construction and surveying methods, were adopted from Britain.
Every Colour is important
If the upper part of the milestone is orange and the lower part is white, it means that you have entered a village area. These milestones are found on roads constructed under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), a scheme launched by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on December 25, 2000. The main objective of this program was to connect villages with towns and major roads. The scheme falls under the Ministry of Rural Development, which is responsible for both construction and maintenance.
A milestone with a green top and a white bottom indicates a state highway. These roads are managed and maintained by state governments and connect important cities, districts, and neighbouring states. In many cases, roads located near state borders suffer from poor maintenance because responsibility is divided between different authorities.A milestone painted with a yellow top and a white lower section indicates that you are traveling on a national highway. National highways are built and maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), an organization established under the National Highways Authority of India Act of 1988. Although the authority was created in 1988, it became fully operational in 1995.https://unbiasedpollkhol.com/
Finally, milestones with black or blue tops are generally found within the limits of large cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune. These roads fall under the jurisdiction of municipal corporations and local authorities, which are responsible for their construction and maintenance.In the end, these milestones are much more than simple roadside markers. Their colours quietly reveal the story of the road itself, telling travellers whether they are passing through a village road, a state highway, a national highway, or a city street. The next time you travel, take a closer look at these milestones, because they have their own fascinating stories to tell.
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