Technical feasibility studies include carrying out several activities to determine the technical viability of the project. A project being developed in a particular region will have a set of technical studies that are specific to it. It is critical to carry out such studies to ensure that when the project is bid for, bidders will have all the details needed for informed decision-making.

Indicative Technical Investigation Studies

1. Roads

• Alignment studies

• Topographic studies

• Traffic study including origin-destination surveys, willingness to pay survey, willingness to shift survey, junction traffic assessment etc. The traffic study would generally be carried out for a 7-day period to screen out outlying conditions

• Infrastructure requirement based on the alignment, topography and traffic studies is determined

Annexure 5A of this Module sets out a sample Terms of References (ToR) for selection of consultant for preparation of feasibility report for development of roads.

2. SWM

• Quantum of waste generation

• Source wise waste generation

• Waste characterisation

• Assessment of calorific value

• Mapping of waste management system

• Landfill site assessment

3. Water Supply

• Base network map, setting out the assets (bulk and distribution) and their respective locations, location of any other utility lines

• Quality checks of the water samples

• Soil characteristics

• Hydraulic testing

• UFW assessment

• Inventory and status of assets (sub and super-surface) including source details, length of transmission and distribution networks, type of material, year of construction and installation as applicable, reservoirs and overhead tanks, pumping machinery, bore wells, water treatment plants (capacity, type and current status)

4. Ports

• Equipment Requirement Assessment

• Traffic studies

• Bathymetric & Seismic studies

• Sub-surface investigation surveys

• Geo-technical surveys

• Topographic surveys

• Wave analysis

• Navigational channel, turning circle survey, navigation requirement surveys

In addition to the above, It may also be necessary to undertake an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) as part of technical investigation studies. The findings of the technical investigation studies would be useful for preparing designs and drawings of the chosen technology/engineering option for the project.

What are pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies, detailed project reports & master plans?

1. Pre-feasibility Study refers to the preliminary assessment of project viability that usually takes place in the identification stage of the project cycle. Pre-feasibility studies generally cover the same subjects as feasibility studies, but in much less detail. The module on Project Identification and Organisation details the contents of a pre-feasibility study.

2. Feasibility Study is the investigation that tries to establish clearly whether a project is do-able and will achieve its expected results. Such a study usually evaluates in detail a project's technical design, its costs and benefits, social and environmental aspects, institutional issues, financial aspects, market assessment, etc. Feasibility studies usually are carried out in the development stage of the project cycle. The feasibility study would include technical feasibility (discussed in this module), legal and financial feasibility (these are discussed in separate modules).

3. Detailed Project Report (DPR) is the base document for decision-making, approval, planning and implementing a project. The DPR contains, in addition to the contents in the feasibility report, project description, planning and implementation of the project, specification, layouts and flow diagrams. In some cases, project authorities may specify exactly how the DPR is to be prepared, as for instance, in the case of the erstwhile Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

4. Master Plan is a blueprint for the future. It is a comprehensive document with a long-term perspective that is intended to guide development in a particular area. Master plans are usually carried out for area development or sector studies by development authorities/urban local bodies. It comprises vision and mission statements, objectives and key focus areas, land use plans, concept plans, investment estimates and long-term, mid-term and short-term action plans for implementation.