Explain the importance of road transport in india.Discuss the progress under the plan period in the country
Answers
Explanation:
Road transport plays a vital role in the country’s transport system.
Road transport acts as complementary to rail transport. It is a cheaper mode of transportation.
Progress of Road Transport:
In 1951, total road length in India was 4 lakh km. out of which 22.2 thousand km was national highway. In 2000-01, the total road length has increased to 3420 thousand km. Out of which 58110 km was national highway. This shows that during last 50 years, road length has increased at an annual average rate of 5%.
Roads in India have been classified as follows:
(a) National Highways:
These refer to the main roads which connect state capitals, ports and big cities. Construction and maintenance of these roads are the responsibility of Centre Govt.
(b) State Highways:
There are the main roads of the state. These connect the capitals and the cities of the state. State Govts. are responsible for their maintenance.
(c) District Roads:
These roads connect district mandies and production areas. These are maintained by District Board.
(d) Village Roads:
These roads connect the village with district roads. Panchayats construct these road.
(e) Border Roads:
These roads are constructed with the help of Border Road Organisation (BRO). These roads are strategic for defence. In India, only 50% of the road length is provided with a proper surface. Even in National Highways 30% of the road length has a single lane. 36% of the villages in the country do not have road connection and 65% of our villages are without all weather roads.