01 · Explore
The Role of Transport in Development
The pace of a country's development depends not just on the production of goods and services, but also on their efficient movement over space.
Goods and services do not move from supply locales to demand locales on their own. This movement necessitates transport, facilitated by traders who bridge the gap between producers and consumers. In the modern era, the world has been converted into a 'large village' through efficient and fast-moving transport systems.
Transport, communication, and trade are complementary. India, despite its vast size and socio-cultural diversity, is well-linked globally. The integration of railways, airways, waterways, and digital communication has enriched life and added to the growing amenities and comforts available to citizens.
The movement of goods and services occurs across three domains: land, water, and air. A dense and efficient network of these modes is a prerequisite for local, national, and global trade today.
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Why are transport and communication considered complementary to trade?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF page 1.
02 · Explore
Roadways: The Flexible Network
India possesses the second largest road network in the world, aggregating to about 62.16 lakh km as per 2020–21 data.
Roadways have an edge over railways for several reasons. The construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines. Furthermore, roads can traverse more dissected and undulating topography, including high gradients in mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Road transport is highly economical for transporting few persons and smaller amounts of goods over short distances. It provides door-to-door service, which significantly reduces the cost of loading and unloading. Additionally, roads serve as 'feeders' to other modes, linking railway stations, air ports, and sea ports.
Roads are classified into six classes based on their capacity: Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways, National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, Other Roads (Rural), and Border Roads.
| Feature | Roadways | Railways |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Cost | Relatively lower | Very high |
| Topography | Can handle steep slopes and uneven terrain | Requires relatively level land |
| Service Type | Door-to-door service | Station-to-station service |
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State one reason why roads are preferred in mountainous regions over railways.
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03 · Explore
Classification of Indian Roads
India's road network is categorized to manage traffic flow and connectivity across different administrative levels.
The Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways link Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai by six-lane highways. This project includes the North-South corridor (Srinagar to Kanniyakumari) and the East-West corridor (Silchar to Porbandar), managed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
National Highways are the primary road systems linking extreme parts of the country. State Highways link state capitals with district headquarters, while District Roads connect headquarters with other places in the district.
Rural roads receive special impetus under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, aiming to link every village to a major town with all-season motorable roads. Border Roads, maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (established in 1960), are vital for strategic defense and economic development in northern and north-eastern border areas.
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Which organization is responsible for maintaining roads in the bordering areas of India?
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04 · Explore
Railways: The Principal Mode of Transport
Railways are the backbone of India's transport system for both freight and passengers, acting as a great integrating force for over 150 years.
The Indian Railways network is the largest public sector undertaking in the country. The first train steamed off from Mumbai to Thane in 1853, covering 34 km. In the chapter’s account, the network is described as having 17 zones and operates on multiple gauges: Broad Gauge (1.676m), Metre Gauge (1.000m), and Narrow Gauge (0.762m and 0.610m).
The distribution of the railway network is influenced by physiographic, economic, and administrative factors. The Northern Plains, with level land and high population density, are most favorable. In contrast, the Himalayan region is unfavorable due to high relief and sparse population. The Konkan railway along the west coast has facilitated movement in a vital economic region, despite challenges like landslides.
Despite its importance, the railways face problems such as ticketless travel, thefts, and damage to property. Unnecessary pulling of the emergency chain often causes delays and heavy damage to the system.
| Gauge Type | Width (metres) | Route (Km) [2019-20] |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Gauge | 1.676 | 63,950 |
| Metre Gauge | 1.000 | 2,402 |
| Narrow Gauge | 0.762 and 0.610 | 1,604 |
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Why were the Northern Plains more favorable for railway construction than the Himalayan region?
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Sign inNew here? Sign up freeNCERT reference: chapter PDF pages 4, 5.