ABSTRACT
Rural road infrastructure is a critical determinant of agrarian growth and regional equity. This research paper evaluates the structural development of rural road networks in Karnataka, India, under the framework of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the Karnataka Rural Roads Development Agency (KRRDA). Utilizing a comparative analytical framework, the study examines institutional funding, regional disparities, and socio-economic outcomes across distinct agro-climatic zones. The findings reveal that while connectivity has catalyzed a transition toward high-value commercial agriculture and reduced multi-dimensional poverty, severe institutional challenges remain. These include post-construction asset maintenance deficits, structural mismatches in last-mile public transit availability, and ecological vulnerabilities within the Western Ghats. The study concludes with policy recommendations for climate-resilient engineering and integrated agro-logistics planning.

Keywords: Village Road, Rural Road Network, Road Development Plans, Accessibility.