Trend and Growth Pattern of Road Infrastructure in India in General and Karnataka in Particular

Abstract

Road network provides the arterial network to facilitate, transport, trade economic development and social integration. It facilitates specialization, extension of markets and exploitation of economies of scale. It is used for the smooth conveyance of both people and goods. Transportation by road has the advantage over other means of transport because of its easy accessibility, flexibility of operations, door-to-door service and reliability. Consequently, passenger and freight movement in India over the years have increasingly shifted towards roads from other means of transport. The economy of India is predominantly agrarian in nature. For the development of agriculture, the timely availability of inputs to the farm fields and timely marketing of produce especially perishable products are very much required which are only possible through the improved connectivity. Therefore, Road transport network is one of the most vital of all physical infrastructures. While the demand for expansion of transport generally derives from the needs of the other sectors of the economy, to an extent, the transport sector also acts as a leading factor in stimulating socioeconomic development.