INTRODUCTION
The economy of India is predominantly agrarian in nature. Regardless of prompt growth in other
sectors, agriculture and allied sectors still the major sector contributing 16 percent towards the Gross Domestic
Production (2014-15). About two third of the total population of the country lives in rural areas which are
directly or indirectly allied with agriculture. According to estimates agriculture sector has occupied about 53
percent of total labor force and its direct and indirect contribution in annual exports of the country is around
23percent. Indian agriculture is characterized by lack of proper infrastructure facilities. As far as nature of
infrastructure is concerned, agricultural infrastructure plays an important role especially in a developing country
context where a larger percentage of poorer section of the society depends on this sector for subsistence. The
enhancing infrastructure warrants a closer relationship between the levels of agricultural development.
Among agricultural infrastructure road infrastructure plays a very significant role in accelerating
agricultural production. Rural Roads Connectivity is one of the key components for rural development, as it
promotes access to economic and social services, generating increased agricultural income and productive
employment. About 600 million people of India live in nearly 6 lakh villages scattered all over the country.
Access roads provide the means to bring the rural population on to the main stream. A good road network
reduce transport cost, accelerates efficient delivery of farm inputs and enhance special agricultural production
and distribution. A good network of roads will expand the distribution of agricultural goods as well as open up
additional opportunities for agricultural trade (Inoni 2009). Good infrastructure leads to expansion of markets,
economies of scale and improvement in factor market operations. It also opens up the rural economy to greater
competition. This may take the form of cheaper products from lower-cost sources of supply or new or improved
products that may displace some locally produced items. The majority of studies recognize that infrastructure
investment has a strong impact on rural incomes and especially on small holders. There was a direct relationship
between increase in acreage of export crop cultivation and the standard of roads and distance from the main
commercial centers. There is enhanced entrepreneurship activity, sharp decline in freight and passenger charges
and improved services as a result of investment in rural roads (Bonney, 1964).Road are always recognized as an
infrastructure and arteries of the nation. Rural infrastructure assumes great importance in India because of the
country‘s predominantly rural nature.