SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING RURAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES

Plans to upgrade village roads in India to all-weather status are described. Rural roads are constructed with an emphasis on economic needs and social development. This depends on a road rating based on factors including pavement thickness and condition, and a service rating based on factors such as the facilities served by the road, accessibility during rains and bus route. A computer programme was developed to determine the priority rating on the basis of these factors and tested using Vijayanagaram District with 100 rural road sections. The interpretation of the priority ratings is discussed. The technique proved rapid to use and had a clear systematic approach. Gravel roads in the study area were noted to be in particularly poor condition and required prioritisation.