Connectivity and Accessibility: The Road Network of Rural Periodic Market Centers in Dakshin Dinajpur District, West Bengal, India

The road network plays a crucial role in shaping the spatial and functional dynamics of rural periodic market centres, particularly in agrarian regions like Dakshin Dinajpur district in West Bengal, India. The road network of this district is predominantly composed of a mix of paved roads, rural link roads, and district highway, which vary in quality and reliability. Periodic markets which commonly held once or twice a week are often located at strategic points such as road junctions, village cores, or near transport corridors. However, many of these centres suffer from limited all-weather connectivity, which hampers the efficient movement of goods and people, particularly during the monsoon season. The analysis highlights significant spatial disparities in transport access, with western and middle parts of the district enjoying better connectivity compared to the more remote or Bangladesh border areas. Improved road infrastructure, last-mile connectivity, and integration with regional transport plans are essential for enhancing the viability and sustainability of these rural market centres. Strengthening the transport network would not only bolster local livelihoods and agricultural marketing but also contribute to rural development and regional integration. This study examines the structure, connectivity, and accessibility of transport infrastructure supporting these rural markets, which serve as vital nodes for local trade, agricultural exchange, and socio-economic interaction. Graph theory has been used to measure the connectivity of road network. The indices of Graph theory are α, β and γ. For describe the degree of network accessibility the Shimbel Index (based on Shortest Path Matrix) and Associated Number Index have been calculated for each of the blocks of this district.