India is likely to choose the green colour code signage system for the AH network so that it can be in sync with the other National Highway signage system. Of the total AH network, so far 23,700 kms are still below Class III standards, says UNESCAP. A total of US $26 billion has been pumped into the project across countries.

Of the total stretch of the AH that falls in India, only 26 kilometres are state roads while the rest 11,625 kilometres are already national highways. Some 90 kilometres fall under the existing Expressways.

“Most of India’s AH stretches are covered under the ongoing National Highway Upgradation Programme (NHDP) and the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme (SARDP) for the North-East. Once we upgrade the highways, we will put up the AH signposts — preferably in the international green colour, for which the deadline is 2010,” said an official.