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

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 overallocations 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 decisionsupport 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).