Agglomeration Economies in Rural Electrification

Economies of Agglomeration refer to the benefits, savings or cost reductions resulting from the clustering of activities or settlements. The forces of agglomeration lead to the concentration of industrial and other activities at a particular location and can generate economies in the long run. Such economies can also accrue in case of provision of services and facilities when extended to compact settlements. This book attempts to reveal the potential benefits that agglomeration of settlements and activities can foster in rural electrification and examines what role the Compact Townships can play in this regard. The study investigates the electrification scenario of the rural settlements and growth centres in Bajitpur Upazila of Kishoreganj District in Bangladesh and analyses the relationship between compactness of settlements and profitability of electrification projects as well as the stimulating effects brought about by the electrification of growth centres. The book may be of particular interest to those concerned with policy making, planning and designing for economical and beneficial provision of infrastructure.