Application of Microsoft Project for Resource Optimization of NH-347BG from Balwara to Dhangoan, M.P.

Abstract

Highway infrastructure development in India faces persistent challenges related to resource allocation inefficiencies, delays, and cost overruns. With the growing scale of national highway projects, there is an urgent need to adopt advanced project management tools that can ensure optimal utilization of manpower, machinery, materials, and time. This research investigates the application of Microsoft Project (MSP) software for resource optimization in the context of the NH-347BG highway project from Balwara to Dhangoan in Madhya Pradesh. A detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) was developed for all project components, including site preparation, earthwork, subgrade formation, pavement layers (GSB, WMM, DBM, BC), drainage structures, culverts, and signage. Activities were logically sequenced in MSP with appropriate task dependencies and durations based on realistic estimates derived from the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and comparable projects in the region. Resources were assigned to each activity, and over-allocations were resolved using MSP’s resource leveling functionality. The analysis included a comparison of project timelines, resource histograms, and cost distribution before and after optimization. The Gantt chart comparison showed a reduction in the overall project duration from 420 to 370 days, indicating enhanced scheduling efficiency. Weekly labor histograms for masons and helpers reflected balanced deployment and reduced idle time. A cost analysis revealed a reduction of approximately 6.3% in total project cost, attributed to better alignment of resource demand with availability and minimized overtime. Furthermore, a cost distribution pie chart post-optimization showed a rational split among labor (22%), equipment (24%), and materials (54%), with minimal overhead. The case study conclusively demonstrates that MSP can serve as a vital decision-support tool in large-scale infrastructure projects, enabling precise scheduling, conflict resolution, and cost savings. It also offers a replicable methodology for future highway projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The study recommends mandatory integration of MSP in DPR-level planning and regular training for engineers in advanced project management practices to foster efficient, timely, and economically sound infrastructure delivery.

Introduction

India’s highway infrastructure is rapidly expanding under national programs like Bharatmala Pariyojana and the National Infrastructure Pipeline, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth. The NH-347BG project in Madhya Pradesh is a key example, enhancing central India’s transport links. However, large-scale projects often face delays, cost overruns, and resource mismanagement.

Traditional project scheduling methods are static and inadequate for managing complex highway construction. Microsoft Project (MSP) offers a dynamic tool for planning, scheduling, and resource optimization, including features like Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), resource leveling, and Gantt charts to improve efficiency and decision-making.

This study applies MSP to optimize resources (labor, equipment, materials) in the NH-347BG project. It compares pre- and post-optimization results, demonstrating time and cost savings and better resource utilization. The research advocates for integrating MSP into government infrastructure projects to enhance transparency, accountability, and delivery speed.

Key Points:

• Traditional methods are inflexible and lead to inefficiencies.

• MSP supports detailed scheduling, resource assignment, and conflict resolution.

• Prior studies show MSP reduces project duration and costs but lack focus on public highway projects.

• The study develops a WBS, assigns resources, performs leveling, and analyzes outcomes for NH-347BG.

• Results show reduced project duration (from 420 to 370 days) and balanced labor usage.

• The study proposes a replicable MSP-based framework for national highway projects.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, the following key conclusions can be drawn: 1) Microsoft Project (MSP) significantly improved the scheduling efficiency of the NH-347BG project by reducing the total project duration by approximately 12%. 2) Labor deployment became more consistent and efficient, reducing peak loads, overtime, and idle time. 3) Equipment utilization was optimized, minimizing redundant operation hours and improving fuel and cost efficiency. 4) Project costs were reduced by approximately ?54 Lakhs (6.3%), mainly due to better scheduling and resource leveling. 5) Post-optimization cost distribution aligned with industry norms, avoiding over-concentration of expenses in any one category. 6) The application of MSP enabled early detection of resource bottlenecks and cost-intensive tasks, aiding proactive project management. 7) Scenario analysis and progress forecasting became more feasible through baseline tracking and Earned Value Management features. 8) The approach provides a practical framework for integrating MSP into DPR preparation and project execution for MoRTH and NHAI projects.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Mintu Mahaseth, Dr. Bhavesh Joshi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.