This is a study of the concerns associated with the economic development in certain service sectors in India. The objective of the article is to bring to light the necessity of improved transport and communication in India, especially due to its rapid rate of growth. The author addresses the lack of mobility options within India, a necessity in these booming times. An example he provides explains that a third of the half a million villages in India, which are a minimum of 5 miles apart have no dependable road connections, thereby making the only mode of commute by foot. This problem is being exacerbated by the fact that the government is not paying due attention to this economic sphere. For example, when India's gross income rose by 58% in the late 1950's, road and rail fright rose by 170%; yet the government did not take any adequate measure to compensate for this growth, leaving the transport industry in dire need of reformation.

Neither Apu nor Durga had ever seen a train while they lived in their village. One might argue that the highlight of the movie is when they run through the fields waiting in anticipation for the train to arrive, as they share a moment of awe in silence. Although the movie was made in the 1950's, right after India's independence, it is shocking to note that half its population had not even seen what a train looked like. Apu's father in the film traveled by foot, and then by bullock cart when he needed to make his way to Benaras or another nearby town. But, with the coming of the train was ingrained a ray of hope for Durga who also wished to explore and move out of her village. Unfortunately, this dream was never fulfilled as she died due to a fever she caught while playing out in the fields in the rain. This exemplifies the level of underdevelopment and need for change within India, especially for the villagers who form a majority of India's population.