Citation

Gupta D. Indian Highw. 1990; 18(5): 15-18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper discusses previous progress and future plans for connecting India's 590000 villages by road. It is estimated that about 330000 villages still await connection. The Third 20-year Road Development Plan, covering the period 1981-2001, aims to provide accessibility to all villages by the year 2000; perhaps 130000 more villages could be connected by 1995. It is estimated that about 2200000km of roads will be required to meet this target; they will consist of: (1) all-weather black-topped roads (200000km); (2) all-weather WBM roads (400000km); (3) roads with gravel surface, provided with cross-drainage structure (800000km); (4) roads with earth surface, provided with some cross-drainage structure (800000km). Several states have prepared district-wide master plans to expand and upgrade their rural road networks; other states should also adopt this policy. The roads should be built with simple designs, and use low-cost technology for their construction and maintenance; use should also be made of better engineering management, rationalisation, locally available materials, and local manpower. The rural road programme should be handled by technically competent engineering organisations in each state. Maintenance of existing rural roads should receive high priority. (TRRL)