A Decision Support Tool for the Sustainability Rating Index for the Maintenance of Low-Volume Rural Roads in India

Rural road maintenance with minimal resources in developing nations like India seems complicated. Deferred rural road maintenance affects society and the environment, which may influence maintenance expenses. A sustainability rating tool seems to be a great approach to compiling, describing, and assessing these effects. In any case, by considering users and neighborhood demands, low-volume rural road maintenance (LVRRM) can provide better services, including increased connectivity and safety. For distinct projects to be compared uniformly, it is essential to consider evaluating the sustainability of LVRRM. Examining the significance and advantages of sustainable LVRRM only informs the sector that it is essential and viable. The rating (evaluation) tool can be used for evaluation purposes and has other benefits. The primary goal of this research is to create a tool for the best creation of long-term maintenance plans LVRRM. As a result, the rural road sustainability index for maintenance (RRSIM), a novel sustainability assessment instrument, is created and may be utilized to assess the sustainability of LVRRM. The quadruple bottom line (QBL), which stands for environment, economy, society, and material, will be covered by this instrument, which also examines eight sustainability assessment systems. The tool tries to minimize green house gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the administration of maintenance solutions while maximizing the network's long-term efficacy, given a maintenance budget.