Rural India is experiencing a remarkable transformation with significant advancements in electrification and road infrastructure. As of 2019, the government fulfilled its promise of 100% village electrification, with the goal set in 2014 by Prime Minister Modi. While 97% of villages were electrified by 2015, over 3 crore households still remain without power, but efforts are ongoing to connect them in the near future. Electrification, which includes ensuring power access to schools, healthcare centres, and public institutions, has not only enhanced living standards but has also expanded employment opportunities in rural areas.
In terms of road connectivity, rural roads form 73% of the total 1.7 million km of Indian roads. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), a crucial rural road networking scheme, has significantly improved the connection between villages and urban centers. However, 30% of villages with populations over 250 are still awaiting access to this essential infrastructure. To address this, the government launched Phase-3 of PMGSY, a five-year initiative to revamp and widen 1.25 lakh km of roads by 2024-25, aiming to boost connectivity to hospitals, schools, and markets, further enhancing rural economic growth.
In addition to road and electrification efforts, agricultural markets (mandis) play a crucial role in the rural economy. There are over 7,500 regulated agricultural markets across India, providing farmers with vital access to sell their produce and acquire necessary goods. These markets are not only economic hubs but are central to the agrarian lifestyle and the overall growth of the rural economy. The development of these sectors—electricity, road networks, and market infrastructure—represents tremendous potential for businesses and marketers looking to tap into the expanding rural market.
These efforts contribute to the structural transformation of India’s rural landscape, unlocking vast business opportunities and driving the country’s economic growth, especially in the agriculture and service sectors.