Development of a Framework for Assessing the Sustainable Index for Maintaining Low-Volume Rural Roads in India

Raji Reddy  Myakala; Shankar Sabavath

Authors

Raji Reddy Myakala Department of Civil Engineering, Transporation Division, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Telangana
Shankar Sabavath Department of Civil Engineering, Transportation Division.National Institute of Technology, Warangal

Keywords:

Low Volume Roads; Rural Road Maintenance; Sustainability indicators; Sustainability rating tool; Analytical hierarchy process; Rural Roads Assessment

Abstract

In India, low-volume rural roads (LVRRS) make up 75% of the road network and provide significant economic and social benefits. However, these advantages risk declining over time due to insufficient maintenance. The continuous deterioration of these roads leads to substantial time losses, reduced agricultural productivity, longer travel times, increased vehicle operating expenses, and a higher likelihood of accidents. To ensure sustainability, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the interplay between social needs, economic factors, environmental concerns, and material conditions. Therefore, this study employs a quadruple-bottom-line (QBL) approach to support the development of a rural road maintenance framework focused on sustainability. Importantly, merely transferring indicators and criteria from one country's road assessment framework to another is unsuitable due to geographical variations. This study seeks to establish sustainable indicators for assessing the maintenance effectiveness of LVRRS. Experts from diverse road agencies will be involved to ensure that the indicators accurately reflect the current conditions of specific regions. This effort necessitates incorporating multiple decision-makers’ perspectives and considering various dimensions and criteria to meet the defined objectives. To create a comprehensive framework, a reliable weighting structure has been proposed to emphasize the significance of different elements related to the sustainable upkeep of rural roads. An Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is utilized to assign weights within hierarchical structures across various domains. To demonstrate the practical application of this tool, four typical maintenance tasks on the major rural roads in the Warangal district have been examined as case studies. The selected projects were in or around Hanamkonda, Warangal, and Kazipet in Telangana. These projects were determined to be unsustainable out of the nine roads that were assessed using the RRSIM framework. Two other road projects were given two RRSIM stars, while the revitalization, overlay, and maintenance projects each received one.

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Author Biographies

Raji Reddy Myakala, Department of Civil Engineering, Transporation Division, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Telangana

With the pursuance of PhD in Civil Engineering from NIT Warangal, M Raji Reddy having his Masters in Civil Engineering (OU), with more than 3 decades of Academic and solid Project Contracts Operations management, construction Supervision of International Urban development & Infrastructure projects, in the United Kingdom, West Africa, East Africa and India, Expert climate change and Sustainable cities, worked with National House Building Council(NHBC-UK) Formulated more than 30 standard guides for the sustainable buildings, worked with AECOM world’s leading Project Management consultancy, Spencon Kenya, International ROM Limited, and as a Director CDI the Advisor to the Builders association of India. He Executed more than 200 iconic Nationally Important World Bank Aided projects in India, Kenya, Ghana and UK, conducted many workshops, seminars, webinars and training programs across the globe. Served as Professional Interview Panel Board Member, Chartered Institute of Building, UK, served as the Governor London Schools, UK, Academic Committee member NAC, presently working as Director, National Academy of Construction.
Professional and Institutional Memberships
 Fellow of the Institution of Engineers
 Member the American Society of Civil Engineers
 Member the American Concrete Institute
 Member of the Construction Institute,
 Member the Chartered Institute of Building, UK
 Member the Chartered Management Institute, UK
 Life Member the Indian Society for Technical Education
Member American Society of Safety Professionals
Life Member the Indian Society for Technical Education
Member of The International Association for Continuing Education and Training, USA
Life Member Indian Roads Congress
Member Leaders Excellence, Harvard Square, Member Institute of Transportation Engineers, USA Member Transport Research Board (TRB)
Awards and Honours
 National Management and Leadership Award, by CMI, UK
 Sardar Patel Award by the “Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Foundation”, New Delhi, India
 Glory of India Award by “India International Friendship Society”
 Hindu Rattan Award, “NRI Welfare society of India”
 Received British Queens Appreciation for the Outstanding Social service to the Public of United Kingdom
Social Responsibility contribution:
 Trustee and Vice Chairman of the 'Education Trust for Poor" Charity working for Elimination of Child Poverty in and around Greater Hyderabad.
 Served as Vice Chairman Telugu Association of London(TAL)
 Permanent Fundraising Member of UNICEF.
 Served as Trustee and Fundraising Director for the 'Age-link, charity working for the elderly and aged and disabled and partially blind people in and around Greater London.
 International Consultant for World Bank and ADB for the Construction Management, Project Management, Risk Management and Sustainable development.
 Panel Member on the Delegation on the Road safety in Telangana.
 Worked as Disaster Management and Mitigation Lead, for Kurnool Floods
Major Contribution in People Development:
1. Motivational speaker
2. Developed growth strategies for Govt of India
3. Developed Road safety strategies for Govt of India
4. Policy Maker for the India International Relationships
5. Risk advisor and Strategic Management for MNC’s
6. Technical Advisor to the construction companies
7. Skill councilor and guide
8. A visionary and Initiator of Build India Program
With the vision to shape the un shaped ideas for organizations and Institutions, focuses on Diagnose, strategize and mitigate risks. Developing growth mind-sets through a strategic design thinking simulation for organization leaders. Believes in Developing strategies and ideas for Engaging and managing stakeholders. Regular tasks involve in Preparing organization leaders to Capturing inherent skill and improve for the future. Uncovering employee signature strengths and activating their best self for better organizational performance.
Shankar Sabavath, Department of Civil Engineering, Transportation Division.National Institute of Technology, Warangal

Prof. S. Shankar, an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, brings a robust academic and professional background to his role. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from NIT Warangal in 2012, following an M.Tech in Transportation from the same institute in 2006. His foundational education includes a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Vasavi College of Engineering, Hyderabad (2003), and a D.C.E. from Government Polytechnic College, Masab Tank, Hyderabad (2000). Prof. Shankar's extensive experience and education underscore his expertise in civil engineering and transportation, contributing significantly to academic research and professional practice.