District-wise infrastructure assessment in Vidarbha: A composite index approach

Abstract

The present study aims to analyse the composite indices of infrastructural growth across the districts of the Vidarbha region in Maharashtra. Time series data for various infrastructural growth indicators were gathered from official government publications, reports, and relevant websites for all districts within Vidarbha. The composite index of infrastructural growth was estimated following the method proposed by Narain (2007). The analysis revealed the significant disparities in infrastructural development across the region. Among the districts, Nagpur and Amravati exhibited the lowest composite index values, classifying them as “Developed.” In contrast, districts such as Bhandara, Akola, Buldhana, Wardha, and Yavatmal were categorized as “Moderately Developed,” while Chandrapur and Washim were classified as “Under developed.” The highest composite index values were observed for Gadchiroli and Gondia, placing them in the “Backward” category. Overall, Nagpur district had the lowest composite index value i.e. 0.37 in the region, making it as an model district for infrastructural development. Conversely, Gadchiroli and Gondia showed the least infrastructural growth, highlighting significant regional disparities within Vidarbha. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to address the infrastructural imbalances, particularly in the backward districts.