1. What is this item?

Access Road/s, Tractor Paths, and Internal Roads are the essential infrastructure elements for movement across the farm. These roads provide easy access for vehicles, machinery, and people, making farm operations more efficient.

• Access Roads: Roads that connect the farm to the main road network, enabling entry and exit for vehicles.

• Tractor Paths: Special pathways for tractors and farm machinery, which allow access to different fields or farm sections.

• Internal Roads: Roads that provide access within the farm for easy movement between various structures and agricultural zones (e.g., warehouses, greenhouses).

2. How is the Quantity Estimated?

• Access Roads:

o The length is based on the distance from the farm to the nearest road and the layout of the farm. For example, if your farm is located 1 km from the nearest highway, the access road will be 1 km in length.

o The width of the road typically ranges from 3–5 meters depending on the size and type of traffic (e.g., light vehicles or heavy machinery).

• Tractor Paths:

o The length of tractor paths is determined by the total farm area and how many sections of the farm require tractor access. For instance, for a 10-hectare farm, you may need about 1–2 km of tractor paths.

o Width: Tractor paths typically range between 2.5–3 meters.

• Internal Roads:

o The number of internal roads will depend on the layout and number of buildings. On a 10-hectare farm, internal roads might total 500 meters to 2 km.

3. What are the Cost Components?

• Excavation & Earthworks: Clearing, leveling, and preparing the ground for road construction.

• Base Layer: Materials like gravel, sand, or crushed stone for the foundational layer.

o Cement Blocks: A new, popular option made from pre-cast concrete blocks for paving internal roads.

• Surface Layer:

o For asphalt or concrete paving, the cost is primarily for the materials and labor.

o Cement Block Paving: This includes the cost of purchasing the pre-cast concrete blocks and labor for laying them.

• Drainage: Installation of drainage systems (e.g., side ditches or culverts) to manage water runoff.

• Labor: Labor required for excavation, paving, and installation of drainage and road markings.

• Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance costs for repairing roads, including resurfacing or re-graveling.

4. What are the Going Rates & Per Unit Cost?

• Excavation: ₹80–₹150 per cubic meter (varies based on soil type)

• Gravel Base Layer: ₹500–₹1,500 per metric ton (based on material quality)

• Asphalt Paving: ₹300–₹500 per square meter (depends on thickness and quality)

• Concrete Paving: ₹500–₹1,000 per square meter (depends on type and thickness)

• Cement Block Paving:

o Cement Blocks: ₹40–₹80 per block (depending on size and quality)

o Labor for Laying Cement Blocks: ₹250–₹400 per square meter

• Labor Costs: ₹300–₹500 per worker per day (varies by region)

• Drainage Installation: ₹500–₹2,000 per meter (depends on type of drainage system used)

• Maintenance Costs:

o Asphalt Roads: ₹100–₹200 per square meter for annual maintenance (crack filling, resurfacing)

o Gravel Roads: ₹20–₹50 per running meter for re-graveling

o Cement Block Roads: ₹30–₹60 per square meter for maintenance (e.g., repairing cracks or replacing damaged blocks)

Tips for Choosing the Right Option:

• Asphalt: Ideal for long-lasting, high-traffic roads but may require higher initial costs.

• Cement Blocks: A popular, durable, and aesthetic option for internal farm roads. This method reduces long-term maintenance due to ease of replacing individual blocks and offers better drainage compared to fully paved roads.

• Gravel: Cost-effective for temporary or less-used paths. However, it requires frequent re-graveling and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.