India has one of the largest road networks in the world with a total length of about 62.16 lakh km. About 85 per cent of passenger and 70 per cent of freight traffic are carried by roads every year. Road transport is relatively suitable for shorter-distance travel.  Road transport in the modern sense was very limited in India before World War II. The first serious attempt was made in 1943 when the ‘Nagpur Plan’ was drawn. This plan could not be implemented due to a lack of coordination between the princely states and British India.

Which of the following statements is correct?

a- The National Highways constitute only about 20 per cent of the total road length
b- The National Highways carry 40 per cent of the road traffic.

Only statement b is correct.

The main roads which are constructed and maintained by the Central Government are known as the National Highways. These roads are meant for inter-state transport and movement of defence men and material in strategic areas. These also connect the state capitals, major cities, important ports, railway junctions, etc. The length of the National Highways has increased from 19,700 km in 1951 to 1,36,440 km in 2020. The National Highways constitute only about 2 per cent of the total road length but carry 40 per cent of the road traffic.