IRC Code 128: Guidelines for Training Highway Professionals

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The IRC Code 128, titled “Guidelines on Training of Highway Professionals”, was published by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) in August 2019. It serves as a comprehensive framework for developing the skills and expertise of professionals working in the highway sector. With India rapidly expanding its road infrastructure, the guidelines in IRC 128 address the urgent need for systematic training to bridge skill gaps and improve the overall quality and efficiency of highway projects.

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The Need for Training in the Highway Sector

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India boasts an extensive road network spanning over 5.6 million kilometers. As the demand for advanced infrastructure grows, so does the need for a skilled workforce. IRC 128 highlights key challenges faced by highway professionals:

• Disparity between theoretical knowledge and practical execution.
• Evolving technological requirements and standards.
• The necessity for specialized knowledge in fields like safety, environment, and project management.

The document emphasizes training at various levels—entry-level engineers, mid-level managers, senior engineers, and top administrators—to ensure a robust highway development strategy.

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Key Objectives of IRC Code 128

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1. Bridge Skill Gaps: Provide structured training modules to enhance technical, managerial, and operational skills.
2. Enhance Efficiency: Focus on minimizing resource wastage and ensuring timely project execution.
3. Promote Safety: Equip professionals with the knowledge to integrate safety measures into planning, design, and construction.
4. Adapt to Modern Techniques: Prepare professionals to adopt innovative construction materials, modern machinery, and advanced technologies like GIS and GPS.

Training Framework in IRC 128

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1. Levels of Training:
   • Entry-Level Training: Focus on basics such as specifications, design principles, and construction techniques.
   • Mid-Level Training: Enhance knowledge of project execution, quality control, contract management, and safety audits.
   • Senior-Level Training: Emphasize policy planning, financial management, and modern construction technologies.
   • Top-Level Training: Develop strategic thinking for policy formulation, inter-agency coordination, and national infrastructure planning.
2. Training Areas:
   • Planning and development of highways and bridges.
   • Legal frameworks like the Land Acquisition Act and Environmental Laws.
   • Advanced construction techniques, including tunneling and geotechnical engineering.
   • Road safety audits and disaster management strategies.
   • Maintenance and asset management of road infrastructure.
3. Organizing Training:
   • Training should be provided through institutions like the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) and the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).
   • Certifications should be linked to promotions and career development.
   • Regular workshops and on-site training programs should be mandated.

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Modern Challenges Addressed by IRC 128

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1. Technological Integration: The document advocates the adoption of intelligent transport systems (ITS) and modern equipment like tunnel boring machines and GPS-based survey instruments.
2. Sustainability: Encourages the use of environmentally friendly construction materials and methods.
3. Global Standards: Aligns training programs with international practices and funding agency guidelines (e.g., World Bank, JICA).

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Conclusion

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IRC Code 128 is a pivotal document for the Indian highway sector, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern infrastructure projects. By bridging knowledge gaps and promoting continuous professional development, it lays the foundation for sustainable and efficient highway development.

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