To ensure uniformity in the approach to carry out maintenance of the 4-laned/ 6-laned National Highways implemented through EPC and O&M contracts, the National Highways Authority of India would come up with a Standard Maintenance Manual.

An announcement to this effect was done by Mr Kamal Nath minister for road transport & highways in the capital last week. The manual will not only ensure cost optimization but also generate satisfaction among the road users due to timely and visible maintenance operations.

The Consultant appointed by NHAI for this purpose has already submitted the draft manual comprising three parts -Maintenance Manual Part I, II and III to NHAI for scrutiny and feedback. The final document will be published before 31st December, 2009.

The Manual basically lays down the Operation and Maintenance Methodology to carry out various maintenance activities. Besides this, it also provides for Standard bidding document along with BoQ, Item rate analysis, specifications, drawings, performance standards for Short term Operation and Maintenance including monitoring mechanism for item based contracts and for Performance based contracts.

A standard manual has been necessitated as the highways constitute the largest infrastructure domain in India, and the recent creation of these assets by four laning /six laning of around 10,000 km on GQ & NS-EW corridor has led to the challenging requirement of their comprehensive and effective maintenance. Besides routine maintenance activities, incident management during accidents and breakdown also needs special attention (for which highway patrol, tow-away crane and ambulance have been provided). Also, this manual would ensure standards for Road Property Management and Engineering Improvement.