Based on primary data collected through a nationwide survey, the report aims to resolve some of the contradictions that have stymied the expansion of infrastructure in rural India with the aim of encouraging balanced regional growth of rural infrastructure. It proposes* Forming public-private partnerships* Greater decentralisation of regulation and ownership* Greater reliance on user fees to recover costs* Greater use of microfinance This is a definitive report on the state of rural infrastructure in the four major sectors of power, telecommunications, roads and transport, and water and sanitation. Given that the solutions to rural infrastructure problems are necessarily going to be unique in rural areas, where people are already underserved, this study focusing on rural infrastructure is valuable in that it advocates for new financing methods; attracting new players to provide services; adopting new policies to support privatisation and decentralisation of infrastructure services. In sum, it outlines a financially sustainable and inventive new approach. Table of Contents* Foreword by RAKESH MOHAN* Preface by SUMAN BERY* Policy Overview* I THE PROMISE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN RURAL INDIA* Rural Infrastructure, Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation* The Context of This Study II TELECOMMUNICATIONS* The Status of Rural Telecommunications* A Critique of the Existing Approach* Towards a New Approach* Financing the New Approach* Regulation and Governance* Decentralised Governance and Transparency* Conclusion* III POWER* The Status of Rural Power* A Critique of the Existing Approach* Towards a New Approach* Financing the New Approach* Regulation and Governance* Combating Power Thefts* Conclusion* IV ROADS AND TRANSPORT* The Status of Rural Roads and Transport* A Critique of the Existing Approach* Towards a New Approach* Financing the New Approach* Regulation and Governance* Conclusion* V WATER AND SANITATION* The Status of Rural Water and Sanitation* A Critique of the Existing Approach* Towards a New Approach* Financing the New Approach* Regulation and Governance* Conclusion* VI CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES* Infrastructure as the Foundation for Development* The Essence of the New Approach* Implementation of the New approach* Annexures