CBSE · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Lifelines of National EconomyExplain the significance of the roadways in India. Discuss the classification of roads in India in detail along with their importance.
Significance of Roadways in India\nRoad transport plays a pivotal role in the economic and social development of India. Unlike railways, roads can be constructed on undulating topography, steep slopes, and high mountain ranges, making them more accessible to remote areas.
Classification of Roads in India\nRoads in India are classified into six major categories based on their capacity and maintenance:
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1. Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways: The government has launched a major road development project linking Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai and Delhi by six-lane Super Highways. The North-South corridors linking Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) and Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), and East-West Corridor connecting Silchar (Assam) and Porbandar (Gujarat) are part of this project. These highway projects are implemented by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
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2. National Highways: National Highways link extreme parts of the country. These are primary road systems and are laid and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). A historic road, Sher Shah Suri Marg, is called National Highway No. 1, between Delhi and Amritsar.
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3. State Highways: Roads linking a state capital with different district headquarters are known as State Highways. These are constructed and maintained by State Public Works Department (PWD) in state and union territories.
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4. District Roads: These roads connect the district headquarters with other places of the district. These roads are maintained by the Zila Parishad.
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5. Rural Roads: These roads, which link rural areas and villages with towns, are strategically important under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
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6. Border Roads: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) a Government of India undertaking constructs and maintains roads in the bordering areas of the country. These roads are of strategic importance in the northern and north-eastern border areas.