Understanding Autonomous Bodies under Ministry of Surface Transport

The question asks about an autonomous body that began operating in 1995 under the Ministry of Surface Transport. Identifying the correct body requires knowledge of the establishment and operational history of key infrastructure organizations in India.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option provided:

1. Border Roads Organization (BRO): This organization is responsible for developing and maintaining road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring countries. The BRO was established in 1960 and primarily functions under the Ministry of Defence, although it also supports projects for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (which evolved from the Ministry of Surface Transport). Its establishment year and primary ministry do not match the question's criteria.
2. Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS): CRIS is an autonomous society under the Ministry of Railways. It is involved in developing and managing information technology solutions for the Indian Railways. Its focus on railways and its parent ministry mean it is not the correct answer concerning the Ministry of Surface Transport or its related ministries focused on roads and highways.
3. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): IWAI is responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. It was constituted in October 1986 under the Ministry of Surface Transport. While it falls under the correct ministry type, its operationalization date (1986) does not match the 1995 requirement.
4. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): NHAI is a statutory body established by the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988. It is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways in India. While the Act was passed in 1988, NHAI became operational in 1995. It functions under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which evolved from the Ministry of Surface Transport. This aligns perfectly with the question's criteria of an autonomous body operationalized in 1995 under the ministry responsible for surface transport.

Comparing the Options - Establishment and Operational Dates

Let's put the key details into a table for clarity:

Identifying the Correct Autonomous Body

Based on the analysis, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the only body among the options that fits the description: an autonomous body operationalized in 1995 under the Ministry of Surface Transport (or its successor ministry responsible for road transport).

Conclusion on Autonomous Body Operational in 1995

The autonomous body operationalized under the Ministry of Surface Transport in 1995 was the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Revision Table: Key Details for Exam Prep

Additional Information: Understanding NHAI and Ministry Evolution

The Ministry responsible for surface transport has undergone several name changes over the years. It was the Ministry of Surface Transport around 1995. Later, it was bifurcated or renamed. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) consistently falls under the purview of the ministry responsible for roads and highways, which was the Ministry of Surface Transport in 1995.

NHAI's mandate includes planning, developing, collecting tolls on, and maintaining national highways across India. Its operationalization in 1995 marked a significant step in accelerating highway development projects in the country.