Improving Transport Project Appraisals
In the Islamic Countries
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Road Asset Management System
A Road Asset Management System (RAMS) is a tool which can be employed to optimally allocate
resources for the operation and maintenance of road infrastructure. Given the limited
availability of both human- and financial-resources in Afghanistan, this methodology is essential
in facilitating the necessary allocation of such resources to meet the public’s demands
illustrates the steps in the execution of a RAMS.
Figure 4.1: Steps in a RAMS
Source: Afghanistan Transport Sector Master Plan Update (2017-2036)
4.5 Content
Methodology
Two types of appraisal methods are applied in Afghanistan:
 Cost-benefit analysis in accordance with the requirements and partnership agreements of
IFIs, such as the WB and ADB.
 Multi-criteria analysis in the process of identifying and prioritising transport projects in the
context of the ATSMPU.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Afghanistan closely collaborates with development partners and IFIs on investment projects
and the reconstruction of its transport infrastructure. Institutions, such as the WB and ADB,
require project appraisal, mostly in the form of CBA, to be carried out in compliance with the
partnership agreements. This requirement ensures that granted funds or loans meet financial
and socio-economic objectives. No information has been found regarding the specific elements
of this analysis, such as economic costs and benefits or social impacts. It is unknown if project
appraisal is a mandatory step of projects funded though domestic funds.