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Excavations in the sites of Indus valley, Mohenjo-dero and Harappan
civilizations revealed the existence of planned roads in India as old as
2500-3500 BC.
The Mauryan kings also built very good roads. Ancient books like
Arthashastra written by Kautilya, a great administrator of the Mauryan
times, contained rules for regulating traffic, depths of roads for various
purposes, and punishments for obstructing traffic.
During the time of Mughal period, roads in India were greatly improved.
Roads linking North-West and the Eastern areas through gangetic plains were
built during this time.
After the fall of the Mughals and at the beginning of British rule, many
existing roads were improved.
The construction of Grand-Trunk road connecting North and South is a major
contribution of the British.
However, the focus was later shifted to railways, except for feeder roads to
important stations.
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