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UPSC Prelims 1998 · Indian Geography · India’s Land and Borders
What is the correct sequence of the following Indian states in descending order of their length of surface roads per 100 km² of their areas? 1. Haryana 2. Maharashtra 3. Punjab 4. Tamil Nadu Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 4, 3, 2, 1
- (b) 4, 3, 1, 2
- (c) 3, 4, 1, 2
- (d) 3, 4, 2, 1
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) 4, 3, 2, 1
Tamil Nadu > Punjab > Maharashtra > Haryana (per 100 km², 1998 data).
The idea
Road density is road length divided by land area, here expressed per 100 square kilometres. A large State can have more roads in total but a lower density. Surfaced-road density also differs from density calculated using every road, so both the category and statistical year matter.
Why the others are wrong
(b) Puts Haryana above Maharashtra.
(c) Puts Punjab first.
(d) Puts Punjab first.
The trap
A data recall.
Also know
Road length per person measures access relative to population, while road length per unit area measures network coverage. National highways, State highways and village roads are separate classes. A 1998 ordering should not be reused as a current ranking without a comparable dated table.
🔒 Road density today: Kerala, West Bengal, Goa lead.
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