Road Asset management System

NHAI and MoRTH together with Consultants HIMS Limited, New Zealand and SATRA-IMAN, India JV organised a workshop for discussing feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders on approaches to strengthening the proposed Road Asset Management System (RAMS). The workshop covered aspects such as uses of the system, institutionalization, sustainability, integration, data collection and further upgradation. The workshop was held on 15 May 2015 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The RAMS Workshop provided a platform for stakeholders in the road and highway sector to come together and discuss the role of RAMS in contemporary development practice. Those in attendance included engineers, consultants, contractors, managers and policy-makers.

The workshop began with introduction to the project by Mr. Rajesh Rohatgi, Senior Transport Specialist, World Bank. The welcome address and the details of the project were presented by Mr. Raj Mallela, MD, SATRA Infrastructure Management Services Pvt. Ltd. Mr. R. K. Pandey, CE, MoRT&H described the challenges, and initiatives taken by Ministry in the maintenance and planning of NHs. Dr. Ashok Kumar, Sr. Highway Engineer from World Bank explained the frame work of asset management. Dr. N. C. Pal, EE, PWD, Odisha provided an on-field perspective about their experiences of working on road asset management systems. Mr. V. L. Patankar gave a presentation on initiatives taken by IAHE in road management. The recent development in indigenous Spatial Technology (GAGAN and BHUVAN) was shared by Mr. Udairaj, GM, NRSC.

The second session kicked off with a welcome address by Mr. Atul Kumar, CGM, NHAI, and proceeded with the address given by Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Member (PPP), NHAI. Mr. Neeraj Verma, Joint Secretary, MoRT&H spoke about the Digital India Initiative and the importance of integrated systems. Mr. Atul Kumar, CGM, NHAI and Project Director presented the collected pilot data information and the methodology behind it.

Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport Highways and Shipping, Sh. Nitin Jairam Gadkari addressed the gathering about the strategy for management and monitoring of National Highways in India. Hon’ble Minister also inaugurated the road survey vehicle, fitted with Road Measurement Data Acquisition System (ROMDAS). The workshop ended with the vote of thanks given by Sh. Atul Kumar, CGM, NHAI.

The workshop was an overwhelming success as it served as a knowledge exchange platform and opened up discussions about road infrastructure, and the proposal to create a single road database for all NHs in the country.