Citation

Sikdar P. Indian Highw. 2002; 30(6): 59-68.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The national mission of India to provide rural connectivity with all-weather roads is described. It is anticipated that rural connectivity will achieve rural prosperity by creating an urban to rural continuum. Fifty per cent of tax collected from the sale of high-speed diesel is earmarked for rural connectivity but other sources of funding will still be required. The roads should be negotiable throughout the year except at major river crossings. It is expected that about 160,000 habitations of the total 350,000 unconnected habitations will benefit from the plan to connect all villages with more than 500 people by 2007. Network planning guidelines, road design, construction quality, maintenance, and financing of maintenance are outlined.