Comparative Study of Road Construction Cost: Ranchi Hilly Area vs Normal Plain Area.

Road construction cost is greatly affected by the type of terrain where the road is built. In Ranchi hilly areas of Jharkhand, the land surface is uneven with slopes, rocks, and lateritic soil, which makes road construction more difficult and expensive compared to normal plain areas where the land is mostly flat. This study presents a comparative analysis of road construction costs between Ranchi's hilly terrain and nearby plain regions. The research considers important cost factors such as earthwork, hill cutting, retaining walls, drainage structures, pavement layers, labor, and transportation of materials. Data is collected from local road construction projects, PWD Schedule of Rates, and field observations. The study shows that road construction in Ranchi's hilly area requires additional work like slope cutting, slope protection, and retaining structures, which increases the overall project cost. The analysis indicates that the cost of road construction in hilly terrain is generally 1.5 to 2 times higher than in plain areas due to increased excavation, structural support, and transportation difficulties. The study highlights the importance of proper planning, efficient design, and use of local materials to reduce construction costs in hilly regions. The findings of this research can help engineers and planners in better estimation and cost management of road projects in plateau and hilly terrains.