Evidence based fund allocation system for provincial road networks in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka has faced an unprecedented economic crisis during the year 2022 and the entire infrastructure development sector is now experiencing severe adverse effects. Under prevailing conditions, a cost-effective fund allocation system for all infrastructure development activities has become a mandatory requirement. Road infrastructure plays a pivotal role in sustainable development by providing required facilities for all other sectors. It can be shown that more benefits could be derived from the provincial and rural road improvement projects and road maintenance works if the funds are allocated in a scientific and logical manner. Provincial road development planning needs more research and the main objective of this research paper is to fill at least part of the widening gap between economic aspects and the technical matters related to the development of the provincial roads. Unlike trunk roads and other high-mobility roads, provincial and local roads mainly serve a predefined population group living in the command area. However, those people living in the command area do not enjoy the benefits of a proper transport system mainly due to the substandard condition that prevailed on the roads. This can be directly attributed to the ineffective fund distribution among the provincial roads. The proposed fund allocation system is based on benefits-assets criteria. Finally, it can be shown that net annual financial benefits derived from a single person living in the command area per km, is more than 500 LKR. In addition to trips generated by the people living in the command area, tourist destinations and industrial and agricultural areas are also served by the provincial roads. Part of provincial roads is used as shortcuts by minimizing the traffic congestion on the main roads. Implementing Evidence-based fund allocation for provincial roads makes a strong foundation for sustainable economic development. This research deals with the development of a cost-effective fund allocation system for the provincial road system in Sri Lanka.