National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was set up in:

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 1988.
· National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was established in 1988 under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988, by the Government of India. It became fully operational in 1995.
· This autonomous agency operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
· Purpose of NHAI: The primary role of NHAI is to develop, maintain, and manage the national highway network in India. This network is crucial for facilitating smooth interstate and intrastate travel and plays a vital role in the country's economy by improving transportation efficiency.
· Key Responsibilities:
· Expansion and Upgradation: NHAI undertakes projects for the construction, expansion, and upgradation of highways. It often partners with private sector companies under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for large-scale projects.
· Maintenance: It ensures the maintenance of existing highways to provide safe and efficient transportation routes.
· Project Implementation: NHAI implements significant national projects, including the Golden Quadrilateral and North-South and East-West Corridors, which connect major cities and regions.
· Significant Projects:
· Bharatmala Project: A major infrastructure initiative by NHAI aimed at connecting economically and strategically important areas.
· National Highways Development Project (NHDP): A program launched to improve national highways across the country.