The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a premier road construction agency under the Ministry of Defence. It is primarily mandated to develop and maintain road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The primary objective of the BRO is to secure India's borders by developing infrastructure in remote and difficult terrain of the North and North-East states. It maintains roads in border areas to ensure strategic connectivity for the armed forces and socio-economic development of remote regions.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The construction and maintenance of National Highways in metropolitan cities and general plains are typically the responsibility of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or the State Public Works Departments (PWD). The BRO does not generally operate in metropolitan cities; its jurisdiction is confined to strategic border belts and difficult terrains.
Key Takeaway: The BRO functions under the Ministry of Defence and focuses on strategic infrastructure in border and remote areas, whereas the NHAI operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for general national highway networks.