The document provides an introduction to highway engineering. It discusses the objectives of understanding transportation engineering and the road development process. Transportation engineering is defined as applying technology and science to safely and efficiently move people and goods via various modes of transportation. The scope of highway engineering includes development and planning, design, traffic performance, materials and construction, economics and administration. Key aspects covered are historical road development in India, the Jayakar Committee report, and the transportation system as diverse, changing, and requiring an understanding of engineering, economics and other disciplines.