Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct with respect to the Nagpur Road Plan? (i) It classifies the roads of the country into 5 categories (ii) It assumes a star and grid pattern of road network (iii) It considers railway track length independent of the road system, focusing on connecting every town with a population of over 2,000 (and lower in hilly areas) with metalled roads
- AOnly (i)
- B(i) and (ii)Correct
- C(ii) and (iii)
- D(i), (ii) and (iii)
Solution
Concept
Nagpur Road Plan classification and network pattern
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Statement (i) is correct: Nagpur Plan classified roads into five categories (NH, SH, MDR, ODR, VR). 2. Statement (ii) is correct: A star and grid road network layout was adopted. 3. Statement (iii) is incorrect: Railway track length was subtracted in the road length formula rather than treated independently. 4. Hence, statements (i) and (ii) are correct. Answer: B
Explanation
The Nagpur Road Plan (1943–1963) classified Indian roads into five categories: NH, SH, MDR, ODR, and VR. It adopted a star and grid (radial and grid) network pattern. Railway mileage was not considered independent; in fact, existing railway route length was subtracted in the formula for surfaced roads to avoid duplication of transport facilities.
Why the other options are wrong
A) Incorrect because statement (ii) is also true. C) Incorrect because statement (iii) is false and statement (i) is true. D) Incorrect because statement (iii) is false.
Shortcut
Nagpur Plan = 5 categories + Star & Grid pattern; existing rail length is deducted.
Common mistake
Assuming statement (iii) is correct by not remembering that railway length was explicitly deducted from road target calculations.
Correct answer: B) (i) and (ii)