JNTU B.Tech III TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING Previous Question Paper (August - 2022 - R18)

Highway alignment is influenced by several factors: Obligatory points (points through which the road must pass, such as bridges or towns), Traffic requirements (directness and connectivity), Geometric standards (gradient, curvature, and sight distance), Economics (construction and maintenance costs), Climate (drainage and snow), and Political/Social factors. The surveys conducted to fix alignment are:

1. Map Study: Analysis of existing topographical maps to identify potential routes avoiding obstacles.
2. Reconnaissance Survey: A field visit to identify major physical features and finalize a few feasible alternatives.
3. Preliminary Survey: Detailed instrumental survey (using leveling and theodolite) to collect data for comparing alternatives and estimating costs.
4. Final Location and Detailed Survey: Marking the final centerline on the ground and preparing detailed drawings for construction.

India has implemented three major long-term road development plans to guide infrastructure growth:

1. First 20-Year Plan (Nagpur Road Plan, 1943-1963): Aimed at a road density of 16 km per 100 sq km. It introduced the star and grid pattern and classified roads into National Highways, State Highways, Major District Roads, Other District Roads, and Village Roads.
2. Second 20-Year Plan (Bombay Road Plan, 1961-1981): Targeted a higher density of 32 km per 100 sq km. It prioritized the development of expressways and aimed to connect all villages with a population over 1500 to the road network.
3. Third 20-Year Plan (Lucknow Road Plan, 1981-2001): Focused on a density of 82 km per 100 sq km. It emphasized energy efficiency, environmental safety, and the development of rural roads to ensure accessibility for all villages, alongside the construction of 2000 km of expressways.