Critical evaluation of road infrastructure in India: a cross‐country view

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the current status of road infrastructure in India, working out the gap in the availability of required length and the quality of roads besides the comparison with other economies. It also seeks to analyse the socio‐economic‐political environment in India to assess the country's attractiveness towards private sector participation in road infrastructure development.

Design/methodology/approach

The targets for the road sector development set by the Government of India and the current road status of China are taken as benchmarks to enumerate the existing gap in road development in the country. Growth trends of the road sector and their impact on the manufacturing sector have been worked out to assess the development of road infrastructure and its impact on the industry in the country.

Findings

The study advocates that the present pace of road infrastructure development is inadequate in India vis‐à‐vis other developing economies. The quality of roads compared with China is far below expectations and this poor hinterland connectivity is affecting the trade growth in the country.

Originality/value

The paper significantly contributes in assessing the state of road infrastructure in India and highlighting the weaknesses while comparing it with other developing and developed economies. The key issues identified are of immense help to the policy makers in the country for having detailed insight and correcting the road infrastructure development programmes.

Citation

Sharma, A.K. and Vohra, E. (2009), "Critical evaluation of road infrastructure in India: a cross‐country view", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 73-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980910927903