Citation

Pathak U, Kanagadurai B, Murty AVSR. Indian Highw. 1992; 20(7): 15-22.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper addresses some of the issues relating to the formulation of an appropriate national rural transport policy for India. Its aim is to provide some ideas for thought and debate, rather than recommend solutions. The relevant issues include: (1) the concept of accessibility; (2) demand versus need in rural transport; (3) the case for access by motor vehicles; (4) the appropriateness of technology borrowed from the developed countries; (5) local transport needs; (6) criteria for investment; and (7) the need for state intervention and financing. Apart from the acute shortage of resources for investment, there are several other reasons why the extensive provision of motor transport in Indian rural areas is not economically justified. Conventional motor transport systems can play only a very limited part in rural areas, and need to be supplemented by low cost vehicles other than cars and lorries. Such vehicles will include both powered and unpowered two- and three-wheeled vehicles. Human and animal powered transport is still widely used. To provide appropriate transport for rural areas in developing countries, the most fundamental change needed is to ensure that transport planning explicitly appraises small farmers' needs and transport mode constraints. Criteria for investment include: (1) saving road users' cost; and (2) increasing agricultural production.