Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Indian road network is one of the largest in the world, administratively classified into National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, and Rural Roads. The distribution of road length and traffic volume varies significantly across these categories, and road density is heavily influenced by geographical terrain.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: National Highways (NH) constitute approximately 2% of the total road network in India. Despite this small share in terms of length, they carry nearly 40% of the total road traffic, acting as the backbone for inter-state transport and heavy logistics.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: State Highways do not constitute the majority of the road network; they account for roughly 3% of the total length. The vast majority of India's road network consists of Rural Roads (over 70%), followed by District Roads.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Road density is defined as the length of road per 100 sq. km of area. The Northern Plains exhibit high road density due to flat terrain, high population density, and intensive agricultural and industrial activity. In contrast, the Himalayan region has low road density due to rugged mountainous terrain, landslide risks, and construction challenges.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: While Rural Roads comprise the largest portion of India's road length, National Highways bear the highest traffic burden relative to their length. Geographical factors such as terrain ruggedness are primary determinants of road density distribution.