Sustainable performance evaluation of low-volume rural roads using the analytic hierarchy process

India’s low volume rural roads (LVRRs) constitute 80% of the country's road network, playing a crucial role in economic and social development. However, inadequate maintenance threatens their sustainability, leading to increased travel times, higher vehicle operating costs, decreased agricultural productivity, and more frequent accidents. Sustainable maintenance requires an understanding of societal, economic, environmental, and material factors. In developing countries like India, the challenge is compounded by limited resources, potentially resulting in higher overall costs if maintenance is neglected. With this background, the current research aims to identify and establish interrelationships among various criteria and indicators, ultimately ranking the overall sustainable performance-based indicator using a Multi-criteria decision-making method. Specifically, it employs the analytical hierarchy process approach to ensure a methodologically sound and comprehensive examination of maintenance performance indicators. These indicators encompass environmental, economic, social, and material (EESM) sustainability assessment dimensions of low-volume roads, acknowledging the multi-faceted nature of sustainable development referred to as the quadruple bottom line. The goal of this research is to advance the field by developing a comprehensive tool for formulating effective long-term maintenance plans for LVRRs. This tool, the EESM-SAI, aims to inform decision-makers and stakeholders involved in rural road projects, providing a deeper understanding of LVRRs’ sustainable performance. The introduction of EESM-SAI represents an innovative approach to sustainability assessment, underscoring its critical importance in improving connectivity, safety, and overall road network performance.