What is the approximate total length of the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) highway network?

The correct answer is 5,846 km.

Key Points

• The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) is a highway network connecting major industrial, agricultural, and cultural centers of India.
• The total length of the Golden Quadrilateral is approximately 5,846 kilometers.
• It links four major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
• This project was launched by the Government of India in 2001 and completed in 2012.
• The GQ is a part of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) and has significantly improved the transportation infrastructure in India.

Additional Information

• National Highways Development Project (NHDP)
  • The NHDP is a project to upgrade, rehabilitate, and widen major highways in India to international standards.
  • It includes seven phases aimed at improving connectivity and infrastructure across the country.
  • The Golden Quadrilateral was part of Phase I of NHDP.
  • Other key projects under NHDP include the North-South and East-West Corridors.
• Benefits of the Golden Quadrilateral
  • Enhanced connectivity between major cities, boosting trade and commerce.
  • Reduction in travel time and fuel consumption.
  • Improved safety and reduction in accident rates due to better road conditions.
  • Promotion of tourism and economic development in regions along the route.
• Key Features of the GQ
  • Four-lane and six-lane highways designed for high-speed traffic.
  • Constructed using modern engineering techniques and materials.
  • Equipped with facilities like rest areas, service stations, and toll plazas.
  • Regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure road quality and safety.
• Future Developments
  • Plans to further expand and upgrade the GQ to accommodate increasing traffic.
  • Integration with other highway networks to form a comprehensive transportation grid.
  • Introduction of smart technologies for traffic management and monitoring.
  • Continued focus on improving road safety and reducing environmental impact.