Which one of the following states ranks first in India in length of roads?

The correct answer is A) Maharashtra. In the Basic Road Statistics of India published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Maharashtra reports the largest total road length of any state in the recent editions, with Uttar Pradesh usually close behind. Road length is a different measure from area, so don't assume it follows geography.

Why the others fall short:

• B) Uttar Pradesh: Very large in population and a dense network, but in total length it generally sits at second place.
• C) Madhya Pradesh: Large in area, yet its total road network is well below Maharashtra's and Uttar Pradesh's.
• D) Rajasthan: The largest state by area, but its road network is spread thin over a vast, sparsely populated land, so its total length is smaller.

Core concept: state-wise road length and road density, which are tracked through the MoRTH data. For Mains (GS-III, infrastructure), this links to how road density relates to connectivity, the PMGSY and Bharatmala programmes, and regional disparities. Figures change every year, so always check the latest edition of the statistics.

Trap: Aspirants pick Rajasthan because it is the largest state by area. Area and road length are different indicators, and the question asks about length.