Due to the vastness of our country and the spread of villages throughout its length and breadth, no mode of transport other than road transport can adequately and effectively meet the requirement of passenger transport demand in rural areas. India has a predominantly agricultural and rural-oriented economy with 70 to 80 per cent of its total population living in villages. Its development is, therefore, linked with the development of its villages and this requires adequate, efficient and well-coordinated passenger transport network. Bus is the most convenient, speedy and cheap means of passenger transport. An attempt has been made to review the various studies conducted in India and abroad on rural road passenger transportation and its impact on the socio-economic development of the rural people. A brief picture of the rural transport scene in India covering development of roads under Five Year Plans, present status of rural roads and the means of transport used and a short profile of a State Road Transport Corporation covering various aspects of its functions are amongst the issues touched upon in this book. Analysis about the accessibility to various amenities like medical aid, educational facilities, government offices, banks, railway stations, post offices etc., role of transport in the economic development and shaping the social life of rural people are the other aspects discussed in this volume. Finally, a summary of the study and the suggestions emanating from the analysis form part of the last chapter.
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