The Golden Quadrilateral highway project for the development and four lane strengthening of major national highways in India was initiated under the leadership of which Prime Minister?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to infrastructure development and political leadership in India. The Golden Quadrilateral is a flagship highway project connecting four major metropolitan cities by modern, high capacity roads. It is part of the National Highways Development Project and is frequently associated in public memory with a particular prime minister who championed large scale infrastructure initiatives.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The project in question is the Golden Quadrilateral highway network.
• It connects major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
• The question asks under which prime minister this project was initiated.
• Options list several former prime ministers: P V Narasimha Rao, I K Gujral, Manmohan Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and H D Deve Gowda.

Concept / Approach:
The Golden Quadrilateral was conceived and launched during the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who placed strong emphasis on road infrastructure and connectivity. It was a central part of the National Highways Development Project, along with other initiatives like the North South and East West corridors. The correct approach is to link the Golden Quadrilateral with Vajpayee's government, rather than with the earlier economic reforms of Narasimha Rao or the later tenure of Manmohan Singh.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Golden Quadrilateral connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata in a highway loop. Step 2: Remember that this project gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Step 3: Note that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was prime minister during this period and promoted major road building initiatives. Step 4: Compare this timeline and policy emphasis with the options provided. Step 5: Select Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Government documents and historical summaries of the National Highways Development Project clearly mention that it was launched in 1998 under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Speeches and policy notes from that time highlight road development as a key focus of his government. Later governments continued and expanded the work, but the initial launch is consistently credited to Vajpayee. Therefore, cross checking multiple sources leaves no doubt that Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
P V Narasimha Rao: He is associated with economic liberalisation in the early 1990s but not with the specific launch of the Golden Quadrilateral project.
I K Gujral: His term as prime minister was short and not linked to major highway network projects of this scale.
Manmohan Singh: While significant progress on highways continued during his tenure, the project was already initiated under Vajpayee before he took office.
H D Deve Gowda: His government preceded the Vajpayee government when the project was actually launched, so this option is not correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may assume that because Manmohan Singh served as prime minister for a long time, many infrastructure projects must have begun under his tenure. Others may mix up economic liberalisation under Narasimha Rao with infrastructure expansion. A clear mental link that connects Golden Quadrilateral, National Highways Development Project, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee helps avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
The Golden Quadrilateral highway project was initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.