Golden Quadrilateral was started by?
VerifiedAnswer: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Explanation:
The Golden Quadrilateral project was launched by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999. This ambitious infrastructure development initiative was designed to connect India's four major metropolitan cities through a network of high-quality highways, creating better connectivity and boosting economic growth across the country.
The Golden Quadrilateral forms a quadrilateral shape on the map, connecting four major cities: Delhi in the north, Mumbai in the west, Chennai in the south, and Kolkata in the east. The total length of this highway network spans approximately 5,846 kilometers, making it one of the largest highway projects ever undertaken in India. The project was developed as part of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), which aimed to modernize India's road infrastructure.
Under Vajpayee's leadership, this project was conceived with multiple objectives in mind. The primary goals included reducing travel time between major cities, improving road safety standards, facilitating faster movement of goods and services, and promoting economic development in regions along the highway corridors. The project also aimed to create employment opportunities and boost industrial growth in various states.
The implementation of the Golden Quadrilateral brought several significant improvements to India's transportation system. The highways were constructed with modern specifications, including four to six-lane divided carriageways, better drainage systems, and improved safety features. These enhancements resulted in reduced vehicle operating costs, decreased accident rates, and faster cargo transportation across the country.
The project was implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and involved significant investment in infrastructure development. The construction work continued over several years, with different phases being completed at various times. The project represented a major step forward in India's infrastructure modernization efforts and demonstrated the government's commitment to improving connectivity between major urban centers.
Today, the Golden Quadrilateral continues to serve as a crucial transportation backbone for India's economy. It has successfully reduced travel distances and time between major cities, facilitated smoother cargo movement, and contributed to regional development. The project stands as a testament to Vajpayee's vision for modern infrastructure development and remains one of the most significant highway projects in Indian history.
