Political Economy of Road Networks: What Happens to a Local Economy when a New Road is Built?

This research project analyzes what are (if any) wider economic benefits of new road networks on a local economy. In Pakistan, it is commonly noted that construction of new road networks are influenced by political actors to facilitate their favorites. But at the moment there is no concrete evidence how the a construction of new road networks alter dynamics of local political economy. This research has aimed to fill this void.

From a policy perspective, state (policy makers) should prioritize allocation of resources for road networks in those places where it can generate positive externalities for majority of the people, especially for historically disadvantaged and marginalized segments of society.

This study was funded by the IGC (2018-19).

Key Output(s)

Report: Political Economy of Road Networks: What happens to a local economy when a new road is built?