National Highway Authority Research Articles

Spatial plans in post-liberalization India: Who’s making the plans for fast-growing Indian urban regions?

ABSTRACT This article asks who is making the plans for India’s fast-growing urban regions? It begins with the adopted conceptual framework illustrating how the perception of plans within the planning discipline has begun to change with an increasing recognition that a more diverse mix of efforts pursued by different planning players, rather than a singular state-sponsored master plan, shapes contemporary cities and urban regions. Employing a careful analysis of spatial plans and interviews with planners and officials, the article next explains the 4 main kinds of planning efforts I found in India’s National Capital Region (NCR): a growing number of state-led plans at different spatial scales; sectoral plans made by public sector agencies like the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI); project-specific plans, such as those sponsored by private developers and emerging entrepreneurs; and tacit and spontaneous plans, including those pursued by local actors, that often leverage unforeseen opportunities, contesting and transforming the preceding plans. The article concludes by calling upon scholars to pay attention to the interplay between these different kinds of plans that are beginning to shape urban India in an unprecedented manner.

Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential of Coastal Alluvium Using SPT Data - A Comparative Case Study

Earthquake induced soil liquefaction causes large scale damage to the infrastructures, lifeline systems and harbor facilities. Evaluation of the liquefaction potential of a soil subjected to seismic loading is one of the most important steps towards mitigation of liquefaction-induced damages. Nowadays, evaluation of liquefaction potential in case of susceptible soils is considered as a routine practice. The proposed coastal National Highway (NH) connecting Digha of West Bengal to Gopalpur of Odisha under Bharatmala Pariyojana is a major NH project undertaken by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The district Kendrapara lies in 20° 20’ N to 20° 37’ N Latitude and 86° 14’ E to 87° 01’ E Longitude and situated in central coastal plain on the Bay of Bengal and comes under the seismic zone III as per the seismic zoning map of Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016). As the coastal alluvium is susceptible to liquefaction, some of the SPT bore log data collected from the two coastal locations of Kendrapara district of Odisha under the above project is used for evaluation of liquefaction potential of soil following available statistical method, artificial neural network (ANN) based method and multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) based method. It is observed that some layers of the above soil are liquefiable considering a future seismic event of moment magnitude (Mw), 7. All the above three methods are predicting well the liquefaction and non-liquefaction cases.

Leadership styles and Its Impact on Employee Performance with a mediating effect of Organizational Commitment, An empirical study of NHA, Pakistan.

The study was conducted to investigate the relationship between autocratic and democratic leadership on employee performance through the mediation of organizational commitment in National Highway Authority Islamabad head office. The inquiry was conducted in a natural working environment of an organization where respondents are situated/located, that is a filed study. Simple random sampling technique was used to carry out the research using structured questionnaires which were adopted from other researcher's studies. The questionnaires were based on five-point Likert scale measuring autocratic leadership, democratic leadership, Organizational Commitment, and employee performance. 217 questionnaires were distributed among middle-level employees of National Highway Authority out of which all 217 were useable. The data was analyzed using SPSS. The descriptive statistics indicated that autocratic leadership has a negative impact on employee performance but does show the significant effect with that the other variable democratic leadership shows a significant positive impact on employee performance whereas organizational commitment does mediate the relationship between independent variables i-e Autocratic leadership, Democratic leadership and dependent variable i-e Employee Performance. Recommendations to improve employee performance under this study are provided to the organization.

Use of Plastic Wastes and Reclaimed Asphalt for Sustainable Development

The increased cost of virgin material, declining resources and increasing plastic wastes have turned the research momentum towards sustainable and green pavements. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) from the construction industry and plastic wastes disposal is the main problem for Pakistan as well as other developing countries in the face of fewer funds for the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of the extensive road network. In this research, the attempt has been made to study the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and plastic wastes to counter these issues. Virgin binder was modified with three different contents (2%, 4%, and 6%) of Polyethylene Terephthalate and three contents (20%, 30%, and 40%) of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement. Conventional properties of the modified binder were determined by penetration and softening point. At the same time, thermal stability was checked by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, and resistance against rutting was evaluated with the help of Dynamic Shear Rheometer. It is observed that modified binder remains stable up to a temperature of 470 °C and showed improved resistance against rutting. Marshall mix properties were determined and compared to specifications of the National Highway Authority of Pakistan. Optimum Marshall stability was observed with 4% Polyethylene Terephthalate, and 30% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement, while flow and air voids remained in limits. As per the results, utilisation of plastic wastes in asphalt pavements enhances the performance and helps to reduce the environmental pollution and landfill problems due to Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and plastic wastes.

INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ALONG NATIONAL HIGHWAY 83 IN POLLACHITALUK, COIMBATORE

Roads are the most important means of transportation and communication. They play a massive function in the improvement and welfare of the community. Significant import and export of goods, general transport, and communication services within a neighborhood or between cities usually occur via roads. The efficiency of such a function massively depends on the condition and quality of the road. With this view, the National Highway Authority of India has made an effort to widen road (NH83) from Coimbatore city to Pollachi town. This research is to understand the impact of road widening of national highway on the socio-economic and agricultural status of its surrounding regions. Existing and projected conditions of the population were studied and analyzed via a collection of several parameters such as household conditions, literacy, occupation, land use, irrigation, social welfare service, and institutions.

Intelligent Automatic Traffic Challan on Highways and Payment Through FASTag Card

Background/objectives: With the advent of Internet of Things (IoT), Government has taken a huge step in the field of Trafficking to initiate a hassle free and most convenient way such as using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards to pay at the Toll Plaza. Methods/statistical analysis: The Indian Government in association with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), understood the pain and introduced electronic toll collection (ETC), christened it as “FASTag”. So, India’s highways are going cashless with FASTag and vehicles do not need to stop at toll plaza for the cash transactions. Findings: This study deals with the application of the latest technology of the FASTag which is beneficial in avoiding the traffic hassle at the National toll plazas. With the use of FASTag installed on the front windshield of vehicles, toll generation is made a fun job. Automatically, the toll charges are deducted from FASTag account. This technology can also be used for the generation of challan and automatic deduction through the FASTag linked to the vehicle. Improvements/applications: The major applications of this aspect are Automatic Challan generation on the national highways which includes OverSpeeding, Seat Belt, Wrong-way driving, Parking in “No Parking” Zone, driving without a Valid Permit, and Overtaking from the Wrong Side.Keywords: FASTag, RFID, Electronic Toll Collection, ETC, National Highway Authority of India, NHAI

Geotechnical Evaluation of Limestones from Cape Monze and Adjoining Areas, Karachi, Pakistan for Their Utilization as Road Aggregate

Limestone samples (n = 19) were collected from outcrops of Nari and Gaj formations for the determinationof physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Compressive strength of Nari and Gaj formations varied in therange of 29-63 and 94-32 MPA with mean of 44 and 58 MPA respectively. Density of Gaj Formation (range: 2364-3264; mean: 2893 Kg/m3) is relatively higher than Nari Formation (range: 2321-3284; mean: 2565 Kg/m3). Meanspecific gravity of both Nari and Gaj formations is 2.5. Absorption of Nari Formation (mean: 2.64) is higher than theGaj Formation (mean: 1.78). Mean Sulphate soundness of Nari Formation (8.7%) is slightly higher than Gaj Formation(8.5%). Abrasion values of both formations are within the AASHTO reference range (< 40%) where mean value ofLoss Angles for Nari Formation is 34% and Gaj Formation is 26%. Crushing values of both Nari (10-50%) and Gaj(10-25%) formations where mean of Nari (27%) is double the mean of Gaj (13%) Formation. Mean water-solublesulphate and chloride of both formations is same (0.1% and 0.04% respectively). Both formations have alkaline pH(8.1±). Mean TOC content of Nari and Gaj formations is 0.4%. Carbonate% of Nari and Gaj formations is < 46%. Claylumps and friable particles in both formations are highly variable but the mean values are within permissible range (<1%). Elongation Index of both formations is double (30) the standard EI value (15%) set by National HighwayAuthority, Pakistan. Mean Flakiness value of both formations is 20%.

Geotechnical Evaluation of Limestones from Cape Monze and Adjoining Areas, Karachi, Pakistan for Their Utilization as Road Aggregate

Limestone samples (n = 19) were collected from outcrops of Nari and Gaj formations for the determinationof physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Compressive strength of Nari and Gaj formations varied in therange of 29-63 and 94-32 MPA with mean of 44 and 58 MPA respectively. Density of Gaj Formation (range: 2364-3264; mean: 2893 Kg/m3) is relatively higher than Nari Formation (range: 2321-3284; mean: 2565 Kg/m3). Meanspecific gravity of both Nari and Gaj formations is 2.5. Absorption of Nari Formation (mean: 2.64) is higher than theGaj Formation (mean: 1.78). Mean Sulphate soundness of Nari Formation (8.7%) is slightly higher than Gaj Formation(8.5%). Abrasion values of both formations are within the AASHTO reference range (< 40%) where mean value ofLoss Angles for Nari Formation is 34% and Gaj Formation is 26%. Crushing values of both Nari (10-50%) and Gaj(10-25%) formations where mean of Nari (27%) is double the mean of Gaj (13%) Formation. Mean water-solublesulphate and chloride of both formations is same (0.1% and 0.04% respectively). Both formations have alkaline pH(8.1±). Mean TOC content of Nari and Gaj formations is 0.4%. Carbonate% of Nari and Gaj formations is < 46%. Claylumps and friable particles in both formations are highly variable but the mean values are within permissible range (<1%). Elongation Index of both formations is double (30) the standard EI value (15%) set by National HighwayAuthority, Pakistan. Mean Flakiness value of both formations is 20%.

Hybrid Annuity Projects: - 'Study of HAM in Highway Construction Projects-Owner and Contractor Prospective'

India has embarked on a brisk pace of highway development following the policy change in the mid-1990s that gave a high priority to highway development in India. The National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) was launched in 1997 to develop a large highway network in a relatively short period of time. The Public Private Partnerships (PPP) model was adopted for highway development in India, given the intrinsic advantages associated with it over conventional models. Pursuant to the policy decision, a large number highway development contracts were awarded under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) variant of PPP model and other variants with further development of policy’s Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) models were awarded and finally now National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has adopted Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for highway development at rapid pace. This paper first discuss the various features of HAM in road sector of India, later it compares the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) with the conventional DBFOT model of road development so as to find out the advantages and risk associated with HAM both for client & contractor prospective, which will help the stake holders to analyze the latest trends of HAM projects awarded by NHAI.

Highways and Growth : A Causal Analysis for India

The paper investigated the relationship between the growth of highways and economic growth. We tested for mutual causality between the growth of road networks (which were functionally divided as state highways and national highways) and growth in investment and GDP. We employed time series data set containing observations of growth in road route kilometres by type for India over the period from 1972 - 2016 to fit a vector autoregressive model with exogenous variable describing the growth in road networks, GDP, and gross capital formation. We also checked if the establishment of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had any significant impact on the economy. The results indicated the existence of bidirectional causality between growth in GDP and growth in national highways and a unidirectional causality was seen from growth in national highways to growth in gross capital formation. Additionally, it was observed that the growth in state highways led to subsequent growth in national highways as well. The NHDP programme had a significant impact on the expansion of national highways, but no causal influence could be empirically identified on GDP and gross capital formation.

Structural reliability analysis of superstructure of highway bridges on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): a case study

ABSTRACTLive load models representing truck traffic are the governing factors for the design of bridges. In Pakistan, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials-Load Resistance and Factor Design (AASHTO-LRFD) and Pakistan Code of Practice for Highway Bridges (PCPHB) codes are used for the design of bridges. This article presents the reliability analysis of existing bridges of Pakistan for Chinese design trucks which are completely different from Pakistani design truck. Single span and multi-spans bridges are selected on western route of CPEC. Average Daily Truck Traffic data (ADTT) for these bridges was taken from National Highway Authority (NHA). Analysis of bridges is carried out using CSI-Bridge and AASHTO-LRFD, PCPHB and Chinese Codes are used to analyse the bridges. The resultant load effects are extrapolated using non-parametric and linear fit for 75 years return period to carry out the reliability analysis. It is concluded that the reliability index of various bridges is lesser than the target reliability value which is 3.5 in AASHTO-LRFD Code, so the existing bridges are less safe. The probability of failure in single span bridge is maximum using HL-93 truck while in case of multi-span bridges Class-A truck has maximum failure probability.LIST OF ABBREVIATIONSADTT Average Daily Truck TrafficAASHTO-LRFD American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials - Load Resistance and Factor DesignCDF Cumulative Distribution FunctionCOV Coefficient of VariationCPEC China Pakistan Economic CorridorGVW Gross Vehicle WeightIM Impact loadMDOT Michigan Department of TransportationNCHRP National Cooperative Highway Research ProgramNHA National Highway AuthorityTB-3 Taxila Bridge having three SpansWCB-1 Wah Cantt Bridge having single SpanWGB-6 Wah Garden Bridge having six SpansWIM Weight-In- Motion data

Permanent deformation prediction of asphalt concrete mixtures – A synthesis to explore a rational approach

Exploring a reliable laboratory test parameter to predict the rutting (permanent deformation) susceptibility of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures remains a challenge to asphalt industry. Flow Number (FN) test as part of the HMA mix- and structural- design processes is used to characterize the AC mixtures rutting resistance and optimize field performance. Cognizant of the noise-characteristic of FN test data and need to apply post-processing techniques, this study explores a new parameter – FN Index as a ratio of traditional FN (cycles) and corresponding accumulated permanent strains. The FN and dynamic modulus (DM) tests are conducted on the Superpave gyratory compacted specimens. Twelve (six wearing course and six base course) mixtures were selected including Superpave, Asphalt Institute, British Standard dense bituminous macadam, and Pakistan’s National Highway Authority gradations. Under the hypothesis of axial compression applied on the cylindrical specimen, first-order multiple linear regression models are developed for FN and FN Index as a function of the binder, volumetric parameters, gradation, and DM to estimate permanent deformation. The results indicate that FN models are strongly correlated with DM values at 38°C and 54.4°C temperature, gradation, volumetric, and Superpave rutting parameter. The predictive capability of developed models is validated using data of 16 different AC mixtures acquired from published literature. The findings of this study provide guidance to asphalt mix designers for providing cost-effective designs within specified levels of rutting resistance.

Estimation of Pavement Damage Cost for Establishing Equitable Road Use Fee for Commercial Vehicles – An Exploratory Empirical Analysis

Funding the maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction (MR&R) of highway infrastructure is becoming a challenging task for highway agencies around the globe. Highway agencies usually charge road use fees to the highway users that are either mileage based or proportional to the actual share of infrastructure damage occasioned. Current road user charges (highway toll) for commercial vehicles in Pakistan are based on expert opinion, thus completely disregarding equity impacts. Present study used a rational framework by incorporating the actual maintenance strategies used by national highway authority (NHA) of Pakistan for estimation of pavement damage cost. MR&R strategies (treatment type and timings) were formulated using twenty-five year life-cycle length and standard maintenance and rehabilitation treatments used by national highway agency. Marginal pavement damage cost (MPDC) for unit traffic loading was estimated by relating the highway agency pavement MR&R expenditure to the level of pavement loading. MPDC for national highway system was estimated to be Rs. 0.395 (2014 constant Rupees) per ESAL-km. Present study also compared the road use fee based on MPDC with existing road use fee for major truck classes and evaluated equity impacts.

Investigation of Hot In-Place Recycling Effects on Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement

Abstract In March 2006, a hot in-place recycling (HIR) technique was employed for the first time on Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) to rehabilitate sections where the rut depth was about 40 mm. Since HIR technology was new to Pakistan, research was carried out to study the effects of recycled wearing course on overall pavement performance. This was accomplished by comparing structural adequacy of pavement and material characterization before and after recycling. Laboratory investigations included hot mix asphalt (HMA) volumeteric analysis, aggregate gradation analysis, extracted asphalt properties (penetration test and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR)) and resilient modulus. Analysis of recycled HMA wearing course indicated a reduction in modulus for a mix which was stiff and aged prior to recycling. Relative degradation of the aggregates in HMA wearing course, before and after recycling, was observed; however, it remained close to National Highway Authority (NHA) standard specifications. The research enhanced awareness of HIR among local engineers and contractors.

Exploring the Planning Design Opportunities for Road Transportation Network of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India

The transportation system in Kanyakumari District has met the grim situation over the years due to numerous parameters like increasing population, increasing economic activity, increasing vehicular population, negligence from the administrative officials, unethical practices of the locals, etc.; led it to a pathetic condition, especially on National Highway-47. However, to simplify the situation, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Government of India is taking up the effort for developing the new bypass road to the existing NH-47 by diverting form selected few junctions. Unfortunately, this partial solution for the existing NH-47 will give birth to numerous other physical, socio-economic, and ecological problems. The objectives of this study is to identify the possible causes of the inadequacies in prevailing transportation network of Kanyakumari District and put forward logical, scientific and economical conceptual level solutions for the betterment of road users and people of the district. In order to revamp the present dreadful condition, the authors have worked out some simple remedial measures as a solution by conducting exhaustive observation survey, analytical work, discussions with experts and the locals, etc. It includes assessing the prevailing conditions of transportation system in the district, proposing planning design options for rectifying the short comings of the transportation network of the district, conceptualization of the standard flyover design for the NH-47 and ring roads for selected towns of high importance. Further, the paper concludes with plausible and executable recommendations. It is recommended that, in the light of these findings of opportunities and possibilities, the administrative authorities and officials of Kanyakumari district might look into rejuvenating the road transportation scenario of the district.

Sensitivity analysis of dynamic response and fatigue behaviour of various asphalt concrete mixtures

AbstractThis paper presents the dynamic response (|E*|) and fatigue behaviour of various asphalt concrete mixtures subjected to sinusoidal compressive loading. Eight different wearing and base mixtures including Superpave, Asphalt Institute, British Standard dense bituminous macadam and Pakistan's National Highway Authority gradations were selected, and gyratory compacted specimens were fabricated. Laboratory investigations of |E*| at various temperatures (4.4 to 54.4 °C) and loading frequencies (0.1 to 25 Hz) were used to construct stress‐dependent master curves separately, for wearing and base course mixtures. The indicators of dynamic response and viscous (or elastic) properties of the mixtures were used to derive fatigue parameter to estimate the resistance to fatigue, and results revealed that Superpave wearing and NHA‐B base course had better resistance to fatigue for evaluated mixtures. Also, the sensitivity of the dynamic modulus to the variation in hot mix asphalt mix properties using different aggregate gradation, diverse loading frequencies and temperature were evaluated.

India’s Road to Prosperity- The Road Less Travelled

India’s road to prosperity lies in improving the road connectivity between urban cities and rural villages. As the Indian government is not in a position to fund the massive expenditure required in constructing the roads NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) has been constituted to rope in the private sector in national highways construction. Over a period of time EPC ( Enginering, Procurement and Construction) models have been dominated by PPP (Public Private Partnerships) models so that the government takes care of the allotment of the land and according the necessary approvals whereas the private sector assumes the responsibility of national highway construction, financing , maintenance of the national highways. However, PPP models are confined to national highways and state highways and the attempts of the government to propagate PPP models for district and village road construction has not made much success due to the reason that the contractors cannot levy toll charges for district and village roads due to various factors. This paper attempts to explore the possibility of constructing district and village roads under PPP models wherein collection of revenues from the general public is made possible through an innovative approach by going for solar power roads. The paper also suggests introduction of innovative financial products in order to augment the long term resources needed for road construction and cites two specific financial instruments in this regard.

Performance of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixtures Made of Recycled Aggregates

The generation of construction, renovation, and demolition waste in large quantities poses a major challenge for town planners. Recycling can provide an effective solution to this problem, in addition to reducing the rapid depletion of natural resources. This article examines the results of experimental studies that have been conducted to investigate the use of recycled aggregates (RAs) in mixtures of hot mix asphalt. Sources of RA consisted of waste concrete and reclaimed asphalt pavement. Three levels of RA addition with natural crushed stone aggregates (CSAs) and three types of mixtures were considered. The mixtures made with CSA were used as control samples. Marshall mix samples of asphalt-aggregate mixtures were prepared and tested in a Marshall testing machine. The air voids and stability/flow characteristics of these mixtures were investigated. The optimum asphalt contents (OACs) of mixtures were determined using air void data. The performance of the employed mixtures was compared with the criteria established by the National Highway Authority (NHA) for wearing course material in Pakistan. Rutting samples of mixtures similar to those used in the Marshall stability tests were prepared using the OAC data for bituminous binder. These samples were tested in a wheel tracking device. All three types of mixtures used in the studies conformed to the specification requirements for wearing course material given by the NHA. The rutting behaviors of the majority of the mixtures were also satisfactory.

Whistleblowing: Indian Paradigm and Blemishes

A whistleblower is defined as someone who divulges wrongdoing, fraud, corruption or mismanagement. Mostly the person could be an employee because he is the person who becomes adept in about the corruption or frauds which takes place inside a company or organisation. However since all organisations restricts publishing institutional information, the whistleblower often faces retaliation like dismissal from employment and even physical harm. Satyam scam opened the eyes of authorities and drafted Companies Bill 2009 to prevent further corporate frauds. The murder of Satyendra Dubey an engineer worked with National Highway Authority of India and the case of Manjunath Shanmugham induces the necessity of a stringent law which can protect the whistleblower. The introduction of Public Interest Disclosure and Protection to Persons Making the Disclosure Bill, 2010 will make the condition safer but need for an independent competent authority cannot be ignored. Strict criminal prosecution should be instigated in counter to those thwarting whistleblowers from acting against a corporation. SOX Act, 2002 effectively lays down the protection to whistleblowers and that should be followed by our nation a mere amendment to cl.49 will not serve the purpose. Private companies are not coming under the ambit.

Experimental testing of hot mix asphalt mixture made of recycled aggregates

The migration of population towards big cities generates rapid construction activities. These activities not only put pressure on natural resources but also produce construction, renovation and demolition waste. There is an urgent need to find out ways to handle this waste owing to growing environmental concerns. This can reduce pressure on natural resources as well. This paper presents the results of experimental studies which were carried out on hot mix asphalt mixture samples. These samples were manufactured by adding recycled aggregates (RA) with natural crushed stone aggregates (CSA). Three levels of addition of RA were considered in the presented studies. RA were obtained from both the concrete waste of construction, renovation and demolition activities and reclaimed asphalt pavement. Separate samples were manufactured with the coarse and fine aggregate fractions of both types of RA. Samples made with CSA were used as control specimens. The samples were prepared and tested using the Marshall method. The performance of the samples was investigated in terms of density-void and stability/flow analysis and was compared with the performance criteria as given by National Highway Authority for wearing course material in Pakistan. Based on this data optimum asphalt contents were determined. All the samples made by adding up to 50% RA conform to the specification requirements of wearing course material as given by National Highway Authority in terms of optimum asphalt contents, voids in mineral aggregates and stability/flow. A statistical analysis of variation of these samples confirmed that addition is also possible statistically.