The paper describes the use of computer‐based decision models for rural infrastructure planning, applied to develop a plan for the Dharampur taluka (sub‐district) in Gujarat State, NW India. The optimization models developed produce location choices for service centre locations and road networks that are substantially better than those made by non‐computer methods. They also provide valuable insight into the trade‐off between spending more on infrastructure and providing better access. An interesting feature is the use of interactive computer graphics for communicating with decision makers.