The distribution of roads in India is not uniform. The density of roads varies from only 12.14 km in Jammu and Kashmir to 517.77 km in Kerala with a national average of 142.7 km in 2011.

● The density of roads is high in most Northern States and in southern states.

● It is low in the Himalayan states, Northeast region, Madhya Pradesh and in Rajasthan as well. The factors that have led to such distortions include :

1. Nature of terrain - construction of roads is easy in plains and cheaper as well. It is costly and difficult in mountainous terrain. Hence, density of roads is better in plains (ex- Northern plains) as compared to high altitude areas, rainy and forested areas (ex-Northeast states).

2. Level of economic development - This is also a major determinant of the density of roads in any area. Construction and maintenance of roads require a lot of capital which can only be supplied if the state/country is well off. Hence, road density is higher in developed countries (ex-USA) as compared to developing countries (ex-India)