Standard Operating Procedure for Assessment and Rating of National Highways based on Highway Efficiency

Abstract

The transportation network and ways in which it is maintained are critical to the development of a nation. National Highways (NHs) constitute only 2.3 per cent of total road network but carry 40 per cent of road traffic in India. National Highway authority of India (NHAI) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) of India have framed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for assessment and rating of divided 4 to 6-lane NHs based on highway efficiency, highway safety, and user services for a total of 100 marks. The present study has assessed and rated a 4-lane NH based on highway efficiency carrying 45 marks. A manual survey along with videography was conducted on the Kalka-Shimla NH No. 5 to collect road features and traffic data. There are 15 parameters which will give the overall efficiency of the highway enabling one to assess where and how much each parameter is inefficient, dangerous, and deficient in certain functions. The highway got 35.92 marks out of 45 marks which is approximately 80% score indicating excellent performance of various parameters on the selected highway. The efficiency assessment of highways will not only help in prioritizing highways for maintenance and upgradation but also identify accurately the missing points.