DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjebm.2024.v11i11.005

Pages: 377-383

Background: Jodhpur, a historical city and the commercial hub of western Rajasthan, has seen a massive road upgradation spree in the last ten years. As a gateway to the Thar Desert and a key centre for tourism, handicrafts, and logistics, changes taking place in the city’s transport make a major contribution to determining the direction of job-creation and share the road. Even after significant investment, the strategic as well as sectoral implications of road building had largely been neglected in academia and policy discourse. Objective: The objective of the present study is to investigate the impact of road infrastructure on the economy of Jodhpur during the year 2010 to 2023. In particular, it examines the role of physical links on sectoral productivity, the creation of employment, and investment patterns between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. The latter research also identifies strategic SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) factors in the context of the infrastructure-growth nexus. Methods: We used an integrated methods approach that combined spatial analysis, economic data interpretation, and stakeholder consultation. The primary data were obtained from interviews, field visits, and participatory workshops, whereas secondary data sources included road maps, investment files, and economic indicators (at the district level). Spatial and qualitative dimensions were analyzed using GIS tools and thematic coding. Results: The findings suggest that road infrastructure has significantly increased the traffic of tourists, particularly reduced the wastage of production among agricultural products, improved the logistics system of export of handicrafts, and the overall supply chain of MSMEs. Job and private investment have boomed, with much of the development along main roads such as NH62 and SH68. "Rural last-mile access, urban congestion, and environmental sustainability, however, are still challenges. Conclusion: To conclude, the road endowment in