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Optimum Network
As described in the above methodology, using the GIS software, first the growth centers- (6 nos), connected villages- (8 nos) and unconnected villages- (37 nos) are identified as shown in figure-6. All the villages, located within the population of unconnected village will reach the already connected villages within its influence area having the required utility services (facilities) through a shortest route. From the several possibilities based on available fair-weather roads/ tracks etc. or new alignments, three options based on shortest route access are identified for the final selection.

The shortest route from an unconnected village to the nearest major centre along the existing route is generated using the ‘Multiple Shortest Path Method’ available in the GIS Software. The best link option shall be based on the highest benefit that it offers. The maximum accessible link has been identified for provision of connectivity. The generated optimum network has been shown in figure-7.

GIS can also generate the analyzed information in tabular and other graphical forms. The information about total length of network classified by surface type and number of links extracted form the road network layer and has been displayed in a tabular format (Table-1). The total road length of existing road network is about 157.72 km. Out of this 68.17 km. of road network is proposed to connect the 37 unconnected villages in the block benefiting 60989 population.

Table-1 Details of Existing and Proposed Roads

Existing road length			Proposed road length			Category of the Village	No. of Villages	Population
Surface Type	Length (km)	No. of Links		Length (km)	No. of Links
BT	20.04	24
WBM	7.72	10	WBM to BT	7.72	10	GC	6	54103
BS	9.18	14	BS to BT	7.8	12	CV	8	26722
KR and EB	120.78	120	KR to BT	52.65	62	UCV	37	60989
Total	157.72	168	Total	68.17	84
GC=Growth center, CV=Connected village, UCV= Unconnected village

Figure-6 Map showing growth centers, connected and unconnected villages


Figure-7 Optimum Network of Rupauli Block
Conclusions
The Village and Road Information System (V&RIS) developed under GIS environment is very much useful for problem identification, planning, allocation of resources and location of various socio-economic facilities for an integral rural development. It is also useful for creation, maintenance and accessing the GIS database. V&RIS can serve as an efficient tool for decision making with respect to any rural development programme. Further using the information available at the road network layer, it will be easy to estimate the construction cost of selected links. Based on overall information, the budget required for providing all-weather road access to all villages and its priority can also be calculated for phase wise development. Road Maintenance Management System can also be developed using the database, which will sustain the road for a longer time with minimal efforts.

Acknowledgement
The authors are grateful to Prof. P. K. Sikdar, Director, Central Road Research Institute, for kind permission to publish the paper. The authors are thankful to Dr. P.K. Nanda, Area Coordinator for his valuable suggestions.

References

• Mahendru, A.K., Sikdar, P.K. and Khanna S.K. (1983a), “Spatial Distribution and Functional Planning of Settlement Hierarchies in Rural Road Networks”, Indian Highways, Special Number, July 12-26.
• Mahendru, A.K. Sikdar, P.K. and Khanna S.K. (1983b), “Linkage Pattern in Rural Road Network Planning”, Journal of Indian Roads Congress, Vol. 44-3, 649-675.
• Sikdar, P.K. (2000), “How to Provide Total Road Connectivity in India, Indian Highways”, June (pp 45-53)
• Sikdar P.K., Kanagadurai, B, Mahesh Chand and Singh A.K. (2002), “ Rural Road Network Planning based on Functional Accessibility”, Proceedings of the International conference on Advances in Civil Engineering, January 3-5, IIT Kharagpur.
• Sikdar, P.K, Kanagadurai, B, Prasada Rao, I., and Jain, P.K., (2002) “GIS Based Functional Accessibility Approach for Rural Road Network Planning – A Case Study”, ROTRAN 2002, IIT Kharagpur, Vol-II, pp 57-69.
• Singh, A.K, Sikdar, P.K. and Dhingra, S.L. (1999), “Geographic Information System (GIS): Information Technology for Planning and Management of Transport Infrastructure in next Millennium”, 59th Annual Session of the Indian Roads Congress, Hyderabad.
• Thill, J.C., (2000), “Geographic Information System for Transportation in Perspective”, International Journal, Transportation Research, Vol. 8C, 1-6.

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