A recent study has explored the impact of increased access to paved roads on development outcomes, focusing on fertility decisions and child health investments in India. The study utilized data from a large-scale rural road construction program, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which aimed to connect previously isolated villages with paved roads.
Analyzing the variation in road access across districts, researchers found that improved road connectivity at the district level led to several positive outcomes. Notably, increased access to paved roads correlated with decreased fertility rates, improved investments in child health, and reduced infant mortality. The study identified mechanisms through which these improvements occur: better access to healthcare facilities and higher immunization rates among children, facilitated by local road networks.
The findings suggest that enhanced road infrastructure can accelerate demographic transition by making it easier for households to achieve their desired family size amidst improved child survival rates. Despite the potential economic incentives from infrastructure improvements, such as increased household incomes, the study did not find evidence of a corresponding rise in fertility rates.
Using data sources including the Socioeconomic High-Resolution Rural–Urban Geographic Platform for India (SHRUG) and the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS), the study underscores the broader social benefits of rural road development. These benefits extend beyond healthcare improvements to potentially enhancing educational attainment and economic opportunities, thus contributing to long-term societal advancement.
From a policy perspective, the study advocates for continued investment in rural road infrastructure as a means to foster positive social outcomes and accelerate demographic transitions in developing regions.
