The correct answer is: C. Individual state
State highways are maintained by the individual state in which they are located. The state government is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of state highways. The state government may also contract with private companies to help with the maintenance of state highways.
The central government is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of national highways. National highways are the most important roads in the country and connect the major cities and towns.
Private companies are not allowed to build or maintain state highways. However, they may be contracted by the state government to help with the maintenance of state highways.
Here are some additional details about each option:
- Option A: Centre and state governments jointly. This is not correct because state highways are maintained by the individual state in which they are located. The state government is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of state highways. The state government may also contract with private companies to help with the maintenance of state highways.
- Option B: Private companies preferred by state government. This is not correct because private companies are not allowed to build or maintain state highways. However, they may be contracted by the state government to help with the maintenance of state highways.
- Option C: Individual state. This is the correct answer because state highways are maintained by the individual state in which they are located. The state government is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of state highways. The state government may also contract with private companies to help with the maintenance of state highways.
- Option D: Central government. This is not correct because the central government is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of national highways. National highways are the most important roads in the country and connect the major cities and towns.