Which is the apex body in India to improve the quality of national highways? Examine the significance of national highways.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is an independent agency of the Government of India, accountable for the management of a network of over 50,000 km of National Highways out of 1,15,000 km in India. It is a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is the apex body and the main function of this agency is to maintain the national highway and construct many new highways in India.

Golden Quadrilateral Super Highway is a major road project linking Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata by six-lane Super Highways. The North-South corridors linking Srinagar and Kanyakumari and the East-West Corridor connecting Silcher and Porbandar are also a part of the project. It reduces the time and distance between these mega cities of India. These projects are undertaken and implemented by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

National Highways link the extreme parts of the country. These are the chief road system of the country. These road networks are laid and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). A large number of major National Highways run in North-South and East-West directions.

The significance of the national highways

• Security

The national highways are much more secure than any other roads because all the national highways are monitored by the speed trackers. Also, the highway police will be roaming in the highway to maintain peaceful security.

• Fastest

National highways are mainly connected to the other state boundaries and therefore it makes easier to reach the other state in the country very fast and easy.

• Mostly used

The national highways are mostly used by the people in India. Even the total volume of national highway is 2% but they carry the traffic of 40%. This shows the usage of national highways.

• Promote harmony

The national highways connect to the different regions of the country were different religion and culture is followed. This will promote harmony among the people and promotes unity in diversity among the people.

Therefore the national highways are very significant for the development of the economy as a whole.