Spatial variations of transport infrastructure and Urban development, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The concept of a smart city is well entrenched in everyday vocabulary, with enthusiasm for smart projects at the centre of any discussion on the future of cities or urban development. At a high level, a smart city means using digital technology for smarter urban transport networks, upgraded utilities and more efficient use of resources. Transport infrastructure is one of the physical infrastructures which have a direct impact on growth and overall development of any urban areas. Transport is an essential category of infrastructure for smart development of any city. An effective transport system is crucial for sustained economic growth and modernization of economy. The present research will try to study the regional variations in the development level of transport infrastructure in the non-tribal areas which are the most important potential areas in terms of urban development in the Himachal Pradesh during last three decades of twentieth century. The study has been conducted at tehsil level by utilizing multi-temporal secondary data available for 1971, 1991, and 2011 census years. The principal component analysis technique has been used to obtain an overall composite score of development. The spatial variations in transport infrastructural development have been shown with the help of choropleth technique. The study reveals that there has been development in transport infrastructure between 1971 and 2011. However, there has been increase in almost all the component indicators of transport infrastructural development during the study period but development has not been remain same at all the places. On the basis of this different level of development, the present study will try to identify the potential urban areas in non-tribal regions of the state.