2016 - India - Development of a Pavement Management System for Rural Roads

Rural road connectivity is a vital and essential component for rural development. It provides productive employment avenues and increases the household incomes of the rural masses. By bridging the gap it provides access to economic and social services which results in ensuring sustainable poverty reduction. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is one of the ambitious and productive initiatives of Government of India with the vision to increase connectivity which in turn aims to provide sustainable and inclusive growth of rural India. A detailed study has been presented to develop a generic Pavement Management System (PMS) applicable for  PMGSY roads in the state of Rajasthan using HDM-4 (Highway Development and Maintenance Management System), which serves basis for streamlining important processes according to routine and sound practices for the highway engineers responsible for maintaining the rural road network. The study presented herein would assist the budgeting authorities for sensible allocation of funds and ensuring consistent and cost effective decisions, related to maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) of pavements. This paper also evaluates impact of change in environmental scenario and harmful effects of pollution for the next ten years by considering emission of seven harmful gases, namely Hydrocarbon (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrous Oxide (NOX), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Particulates (Par) and Lead (Pb).