What is Highway Engineering?
The importance of transportation in the development of a country is multidimensional. Transportation is vital for the economic development of any region, since every product produced such as food, clothing, industrial products or medicine needs transport at all stages from production to distribution.
The inadequate transportation facilities retard the process of socio- economic development of a country. All human beings are interacting over distance and time for food, shelter, work, business, recreation, and security. All agricultural and industrial raw materials, products, and equipment are needed to be transported from one place to another.
We have learnt that there are three basic mode of transports are:
- Land- Road Transport, Railway Transport
- Water- Water ways
- Air- Airways
The four major modes of transportation are:
- Roadways
- Railways
- Waterways
- Airways
Road transport is one of the most common modes of transport. The transportation by road is the only mode which could give maximum service to one and all. This mode also has the maximum flexibility for travel with reference to route, direction, time, and speed of travel etc. through any mode of road vehicle. Door to door service can only be provided by road transport.
The planning, design, construction, maintenance of roads, roadway facilities and the need of road traffic are covered under Highway Engineering, an important subject is Civil Engineering.
Given below are some links to the important topics related to highway engineering that will be beneficial for aspiring civil engineers who want to have a comprehensive and strong grasp on this subject:
Table of Contents
Highway Development Planning
Planning is a basic requirement for any new project or the expansion of an existing facility. Planning assumes greater significance when the funds available are limited and the requirement is much higher. The aim should be to utilize the available resources in the best possible way and in a systematic manner.
Highway planning is equally important for its development. Highway development planning involves:
- Assessing traffic volumes
- Considering environmental impacts
- Preparing a master plan
- Phasing the program
- Conducting field studies
- Considering safety and physical constraints
- Selecting cross- selection elements
What is Highway Construction?
Highway construction is the process of building roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure to make it easier for people and goods to move around. Highway construction involves many activities:
- Planning and design
- Construction
- Maintenance
Highway construction is important as it helps to connect communities and contribute to economic growth.
Online Courses for Highway Engineering (CE):
Candidates pursuing civil engineering can see high competition while preparing for government engineering exams such as GATE, ESE, SSC JE, RRB JE,and many others. While government jobs bring along a stable career and job security, it is not easier to crack the exam. Such exams expect hard work, dedication and a well strategic planning and study routine. MADE EASY is here to support your preparation journey of GATE, ESE and PSU exams. Our courses are curated by renowned experts that focus on providing quality lectures from the basic level to advanced level. MADE EASY provides aspirants the right guidance to maximize their performance and achieve success. Civil engineering candidates are advised to visit on the links given below to know more about courses that include key concepts of engineering branches taught from basic level and prepare aspirants for the future.
- GATE : 1 Year Foundation Course
- ESE+GATE : 1 Year Foundation Course
- GATE + SES (GS) : 1 Year Foundation Course
- GATE & SES (GS) 2025-26 Live Online Foundation Course
- ESE + GATE + SES (GS) 2025-26 Live Online Foundation Courses
Recommended Books for Highway Engineering
Books are still an essential part of learning as they offer in-depth knowledge in various topics. Learning books are well structured and provide comprehensive understanding making them invaluable for students and lifelong learners. MADE EASY Publications is one such platform for students who are looking for high quality and well structured content for their preparation. Our platform consists of government engineering exams books which are curated by a team of experts and experienced authors. Civil engineering aspirants are suggested to click on the links mentioned below to learn more in depth about highway engineering:
- GATE-2025: Civil Engineering Previous Year Solved Papers
- ESE 2025: Preliminary Exam: Civil Engineering Objective Solved Paper Vol-1
- A Handbook on Civil Engineering
MADE EASY faculty have briefly explained Highway Engineering. Click on the given links to learn more about.
SSC-JE 2024-25 Practice Programme: Highway & Civil Engineering
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FAQs:
What is gradient in highway engineering?
Ans. In Highway Engineering, gradient is the rate of rise or fall of a road in relation to the horizontal.
What is the scope of highway engineering?
Ans. Highway Engineering deals with the following broad elements:
- Planning and Location
- Alignment selection and Geometric design
- Pavement design
- Materials, Construction and Maintenance
- Traffic operations and its control
- Economics, Finance and Administration
- Environmental and Social aspects
What is the role of highway engineer?
Ans. Highway Engineer’s job include many tasks:
- Design
- Maintenance
- Project management
- Compliance
- Collaboration
- Risk Assessment
What is the salary of a highway engineer in India?
Ans. The salary of a Highway Engineer in India depends on the Qualification, Experience, Project, Location and many other factors that determine it.