Trends in rural roads of West Bengal and its socio-economic impact on rural livelihood patterns

Development of rural areas has been a priority of the government since the advent of the planning process. Keeping in view the crucial role of rural roads in the all-round growth of the rural economy, a number of measures have been taken by the Government of India to facilitate the rapid growth of rural roads. Construction and maintenance of rural roads have remained an important component and have received impetus through increased central and state funding in a number of development schemes. In light of the above, a study has been undertaken where an effort has been made to see the trends in rural roads of West Bengal leading to the growth and development of rural masses in West Bengal. It has been found that rural roads, although defined as low traffic volume roads, are a key component of rural development, since they promote access to economic and social services, thereby generating increased agricultural productivity, non-agricultural employment, non-agricultural productivity, which in turn expands rural growth opportunities and real income through which poverty can be reduced. Better road connectivity raises awareness, personal knowledge, leading to improved accessibility to the health services, further use of sanitation which enables people to pursue different livelihood strategies. Secondary data for different variables also lead to significant results. The study concluded that rural roads with a positive trend bear a relationship with rural infrastructure and can change rural livelihood patterns.