Transport Connectivity and Accessibility in Sacred Hamlets: A Case Study of Gujarat

Transport accessibility plays a vital role in improving the quality of life in rural areas and supporting sustainable tourism development. This study focuses on Parekha village, located in Dabhoi taluka of Vadodara district, Gujarat, where access to reliable public transport remains a significant challenge. The village has a total of 243 households, out of which 90 households were surveyed through a structured questionnaire to understand daily travel patterns, transport difficulties, and mobility needs. The findings reveal that nearly 60\% of the surveyed households experience inadequate public transport services and poor road resurfacing conditions. Many residents depend on private vehicles or irregular transport options, which increases travel costs and limits access to education, healthcare, markets, and employment opportunities. These mobility constraints also affect tourism potential, as visitors face difficulties reaching the village comfortably. To quantitatively assess transport connectivity, an extended Accessibility Index model was developed incorporating road condition, transport availability, and distance to the nearest public transport facility. The existing accessibility level was found to be approximately 0.40, indicating poor mobility conditions in the village. Using the proposed mathematical model, simulation of improved road infrastructure and the introduction of regular bus services indicates that accessibility could increase to nearly 0.75. This improvement would significantly enhance rural mobility, socio‑economic opportunities, and tourism potential in the region.