The pathways and unmetalled roads have been used for transportation in India since ancient times. With economic and technological development, metalled roads and railways were developed to move a large volume of goods and people from one place to another. Ropeways, cableways and pipelines were devised to cater to the demands of transporting specific goods under special circumstances.

What does the acronym NHAI stand for with reference to roads in India?

The National Highways Authority of India

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was operationalised in 1995. It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Surface Transport. It is entrusted with the responsibility of development, maintenance and operation of National Highways. This is also the apex body to improve the quality of the roads designated as National Highways.