Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) is a major national highway network in India. It was launched under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The project aims to establish faster transport networks between major cities and ports, thereby facilitating economic growth.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Golden Quadrilateral connects the four major metropolitan cities of India, which serve as the country's primary economic, cultural, and political hubs.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The fundamental objective of the Golden Quadrilateral project was to reduce the distance and travel time between the mega-cities of India. By expanding highways to four or six lanes and improving infrastructure quality, the project has significantly decreased travel time and transport costs, rather than increasing them.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The network forms a quadrilateral shape by linking the four anchor cities: Delhi (North), Mumbai (West), Chennai (South), and Kolkata (East).
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The Golden Quadrilateral is the largest highway project in India and the fifth-longest in the world, specifically designed to connect Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata to reduce logistics costs and travel time.