The process of planning and regional development: the road infrastructure in region Norte de Minas Gerais

Abstract

This paper is a review process of planning and network development of road infrastructure in the north of Minas Gerais, associated with the implementation process of regional development policies. This research was conducted by means of bibliographical studies and using data from secondary sources, collected from government institutions. In Brazil, in mid 1950, the national development policy made possible by the state prioritized mode of road transport over other modes of transport, seeking to serve the interests of the national elite and foreign capital represented by the automobile industry. In the process of internalization of the Brazilian economy in the early 1970, the region norte-mineira was “covered” by the road infrastructure to facilitate the implementation of policies for regional development and economic modernization. The process of economic modernization, represented by industrial activities, agricultural and agribusiness, took place in a concentrated form, especially in those municipalities endowed with better infrastructure in transport, energy and communications.