Sustainable and Low-Cost Road Construction Techniques in Hilly Regions of Jharkhand: A Case Study of Gumla District

This study focuses on sustainable and low-cost road construction techniques in the hilly regions of Gumla district, Jharkhand, particularly in the Bishunpur and Chainpur blocks. Gumla is characterized by uneven terrain, lateritic soil, dense forest cover, and an average annual rainfall of about 1300 mm, which creates challenges such as slope instability, soil erosion, and drainage problems during road construction. The research examines the use of locally available materials, lime-stabilized soil, gabion retaining walls, bio-engineering methods (such as grass turfing and plantation), and improved drainage systems to reduce construction costs and enhance durability. The case study findings indicate that adopting these sustainable and low-cost techniques can reduce overall project costs by approximately 20–25% while improving environmental protection and long-term road performance in the hilly areas of Gumla district.