DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Results of a study on the travel speed and cost of timber transportation by gattu (small truck) in Siran Forest Division, N.W.F.P. show that the average travel speed of loaded and empty gattu in the forest roads is 5.6 and 7.9 km/hour, respectively. A gattu generally carries an average load o f about 15 logs, with a volume of 6.75 m3 (239.6 cft) under bark. The cost of timber transportation is calculated as Rs. 19.91/m3/km (Re.0.56/cft/km). It was observed that road gradient has considerable effect on transportation cost, which is minimum as Rs. 5.88/m3/km (Re.0.17/cft/km) for an average road gradient of 8%. It is concluded that standard forest roads are essential for speedy and economic transportation of timber in the mountainous forests of Pakistan.