Change in Levels of Road Connectivity in Sri Ganganagar District: A Case Study

Road connectivity plays a crucial role in regional development by facilitating mobility, economic activities, and spatial integration. This study examines the changes in the levels of road connectivity in Sri Ganganagar District, Rajasthan, over a period of thirty years (1990–2021). Using graph theory and transport network analysis, the road network was analysed through identified nodes and edges for both time periods. Four structural indices—cyclomatic number, alpha, beta, and gamma—were employed to measure the degree of connectivity at the tehsil level. Additionally, Aggregate Transportation Scores (ATS) were computed to present a consolidated picture of road connectivity. The results reveal significant spatial variations and temporal changes in connectivity across tehsils, with Suratgarh, Ganganagar, and Karanpur showing consistently high connectivity, largely due to the presence of national and state highways. In contrast, tehsils such as Raisinghnagar and Padampur exhibit comparatively low connectivity. The study highlights the improvement in overall road connectivity in the district over time, while also emphasizing the need for focused infrastructural development in less-connected tehsils to ensure balanced regional development.