Previous Year Questions 2025
Q1: How did improvement in transportation technology stimulate the globalisation process? Explain. (2 Marks)
Ans:
- Improvement in transportation technology made the movement of goods and services faster, cheaper, and more efficient across countries.
- Modern means of transport such as roadways, railways, airways, and waterways reduced time and distance barriers, expanding trade beyond limited spaces and turning the world into a “large village,” thereby accelerating the process of globalisation.
Q2: Attempt any three questions: (3 Marks)
(i) Name the eastern terminal station of the East-West Corridor.
(ii) Name the leading state in coffee production.
(iii) Name the place where nuclear power plant is located in Uttar Pradesh.
(iv) Name the place where a major sea port is located in Odisha.
Ans:
(i) The eastern terminal station of the East-West Corridor is Silchar in Assam.
(ii) The leading state in coffee production is Karnataka.
(iii) The place where a nuclear power plant is located in Uttar Pradesh is Narora.
(iv) The place where a major sea port is located in Odisha is Paradwip.
Q3: Attempt any three questions: (3 Marks)
(i) Name the place where an international airport is located in West Bengal.
(ii) Name the place where a software technology park is located in Karnataka.
(iii) Name the place where a nuclear power plant is located in Maharashtra.
(iv) Name the place where a major sea port is located in Odisha.
Ans:
(i) The place where an international airport is located in West Bengal is Kolkata.
(ii) The place where a software technology park is located in Karnataka is Bengaluru.
(iii) The place where a nuclear power plant is located in Maharashtra is Tarapur.
(iv) The place where a major sea port is located in Odisha is Paradwip.
Q4: Attempt any three questions: (3 Marks)
(a) Name the place where the major dam is located on the Chenab river.
(b) Name the place where Nuclear Power Plant is located in Uttar Pradesh.
(c) Name the place where a major Software Technology Park is located in Karnataka.
(d) Name the place where a major Sea Port is located in Odisha.
Ans:
(a) The major dam located on the Chenab River is the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir.
(b) The Nuclear Power Plant located in Uttar Pradesh is at Narora.
(c) The major Software Technology Park in Karnataka is located at Bengaluru.
(d) The major Sea Port located in Odisha is Paradwip.
Q5: Attempt any three questions: (3 Marks)
(i) Name the leading state in production of rice.
(ii) Name the place where coal-mines are located in Tamil Nadu.
(iii) Name the place where major sea port is located in Karnataka.
(iv) Name the oil field located in Maharashtra.
Ans:
(i) The leading state in the production of rice is West Bengal.
(ii) The place where coal mines are located in Tamil Nadu is Neyveli.
(iii) The major sea port located in Karnataka is New Mangalore Port.
(iv) The oil field located in Maharashtra is Mumbai High.
Q6: Attempt any three questions: (3 Marks)
(i) Name the place where an International Airport is located in Punjab.
(ii) Name the place where major sea port is located in Gujarat.
(iii) Name an oil field of India located in Arabian Sea.
(iv) Name the place where nuclear power plant is located in Uttar Pradesh.
Ans:
(i) The place where an international airport is located in Punjab is Amritsar.
(ii) The major sea port located in Gujarat is Deendayal Port (Kandla).
(iii) The oil field of India located in the Arabian Sea is Mumbai High.
(iv) The nuclear power plant located in Uttar Pradesh is Narora.
Previous Year Questions 2023
Q1: How are waterways an important mode of transport for both passenger and cargo traffic in India? Explain. (2023)
Ans: Waterways is an important mode of transport for both passenger and cargo traffic in India.
(i) The most ancient mode of water transport includes rivers, canals, lakes and coastal areas. Cargo as well as passenger was transported from one place to another through boats and steamers.
(ii) Heavy and bulky goods being exported or imported are easier for trans-shipment from water ways to ship on the coast as the waterways led to ports.
(iii) Inland waterways are the only means of transport in dense forests. Also, heavy cargo goods like coal, cement, timber and metallic ores can be transported through this mode.
(iv) It is fuel efficient and environment friendly mode of transport, so it most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods and people over long distance.
(v) Its importance has been recognised in the developed world for both domestic and international trade. Efforts have been made to modify rivers to enhance navigability by dredging, stabilising river banks, and building dams and barrages for better regulation of water flow.
Q2: Explain the important features of Air Transport in India. (2023)
Ans: (i) The air travel, today, is the fastest, most comfortable and prestigious mode of transport.
(ii) It can cover very difficult terrains like high mountains, dreary deserts, dense forests, and long oceanic stretches with great ease, serving India (varied relief and terrain) adequately.
(iii) In India, it is because of air travel that visits to the north-eastern part of the country marked by dissected relief, big rivers, dense forests, frequent floods and international frontiers has become much convenient and easier,
(iv) Air transport is essential in providing for import and export of various goods.
(v) It also provides for quick relief measures and rescue operations in difficult times of natural calamities and disasters.
The advancement in the means of air transport has proved to be of great importance to the efficiency of the Indian economy as a whole. From increasing the popularity of tourist destinations to the role of a lifesaver during emergency situations, it has significantly added to the vitality of the Indian Economy.
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Previous Year Questions 2022
Q3: Read the following table and answer the question that follow:
The Indian Railway nework
(I) Which gauge covers maximum of track length in hilly areas in India?
(II) Which gauge has the highest length in India? (2022)
Ans:
Q4: Read the source given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Lifelines of National Economy
For a long time, trade and transport were restricted to a limited space. With the development in science and technology, the area of influence of trade and transport expanded far and wide. Today, the world has been converted into a large village with the help of efficient and fast moving transport. Transport has been able to achieve this with the help of equally developed communication system. Therefore, transport, communication and trade are complementary to each other. Today, India is well linked with the rest of the world despite its vast size, diversity and linguistic and socio-cultural plurality. Railways, airways, waterways, newspapers, radio, television, cinema and internet, etc. have been contributing to its socioeconomic progress in many ways. The trades from local to international levels have added to the vitality of its economy. It has enriched our life and added substantially to growing amenities and facilities for the comforts of life.
(i) How is science an important factor in the development of transport?
(ii) How has transport integrated socio-cultural plurality? Explain.
(iii) Analyse the significance of communication for a nation. (Term-2,2021-22)
Ans: (i) Today transport is cheaper, carries goods farther and get us to our destination easily. It is an outcome of science that improved and developed the operational characteristics such as speed, affordability, price, etc.
(ii) Transport integrated the socio-cultural plurality by efficiently moving goods and people from one place to another.
(iii) Communication helps in quick transmission of ideas, information and messages from person to person and from one place to another. It has connected all regions of a nation and all nation with the world. Well-developed communication also gives boost to transport system of a nation.
Q5: Read the following source and answer the questions that follows:
Tourism
Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades. More than 15 million people are directly engaged in the tourism industry. Tourism also promotes national integration, provides support to international understanding about our culture and heritage. Foreign tourists visit India for heritage tourism, eco tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism and business tourism. There is a vast potential for development of tourism in all parts of the country. Efforts are being made to promote different types of tourism for this upcoming industry.
(i) Explain the importance of tourism.
(ii) Give an example of ‘Heritage tourism’.
(iii) Assess the benefits of improving tourism in India. (Term-2,2021-22)
Ans: (i) Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens.
(ii) Monuments like Qutub minar, Taj mahal, etc. are examples of cultural heritage.
(iii) Tourism has great capacity to create large scale employment of diverse kind – from the most specialised to the unskilled. Tourism can only be sustainable when it is carefully managed. It helps to preserve several places which are of historical importance by declaring them as heritage site. Tourism can also help in conserving the natural habitats of many endangered species.
Previous Year Questions 2021
Q6: Match the following and select the correct option:
(a) I – 1, II – 2, III – 3, IV – 4
(b) I – 2, II – 3, III – 1, IV – 4
(c) I – 4, II – 3, III – 2, IV -1
(d) I – 4, II – 3, III – 1, IV – 2
Ans: (c)
I – 4, II – 3, III – 2, IV -1
- Kandla (I) is located in Gujarat (4), and it’s one of the major ports on the west coast of India.
- Tuticorin (II) is in Tamil Nadu (3) and serves as an important port for trade and fishing.
- Paradwip (III) is located in Odisha (2) and is known for its deep-water harbor, primarily used for exporting iron ore.
- Haldia (IV) is in West Bengal (1) and is a significant port for handling cargo and shipping.
| Also read: NCERT Textbook: Lifelines of National Economy |
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q7: Which is the oldest artificial sea port of India? (Delhi 2020)
Ans: Chennai
Q8: Name the first major sea port developed soon after Independence on the Western Coast. (2020)
Ans: Kandla port was developed soon after independence, jion the western coast.
Q9: Name the inland riverine major sea port of India. (2020)
Ans: Kolkata port is the inland riverine major port of India.
Q10: Which is the deepest, landlocked and well-protected sea port of India? (Delhi 2020)
Ans: Visakhapatnam
Q11: Which organization is responsible for constructing and maintaining State Highways in India? (2020)
Ans: Border roads have improved the accessibility in areas of strategic importance and of difficult terrain. They also helped in the economic development of these areas.
Q12: Name the organization that constructs and maintains the District Roads. (2020)
Ans: State Public Works Department (SPWD)
Q13: Suggest any one way to enhance pilgrimage tourism through Indian Railways. (Delhi 2020)
Ans: Railways for enhancing pilgrimage -Pilgrim special tourist train, by providing tourist packages, by making different boarding and de-boarding stations.
Q14: “Rail transport suffers from certain problems in India.” Support the statement with examples. (2020)
Ans: Problems faced by railway transport:-
(i) Indian railway receives low investment as compared to other departments.
(ii) It has also faced a problem as sinking of track in some stretches and land slides.
(iii) Poor infrastructure such as old track, poor quality of food etc.
Q15: “Efficient means of transport are pre-requisites for fast development.” Express your views in favor of this statement. (2020, Delhi 2016)
Ans: We need various things to sustain our lives in the form of goods, services and support systems. The same applies to all occupational activities. Each of the requirements cannot be in the close vicinity of our place of living. We need to move the goods and services from the supply localities to the demand localities and this is done by the transportation system. We also need efficient transportation for people to reach their places of work, play and learning efficiently. All these activities, which are integral in the economic growth of the local population and the country as a whole is greatly dependent on the transport sector. Thus a dense and efficient network of transportation is a pre-requisite for local and national development. Examples are as follows:
(i) Fast and efficiently moving transport is required for traded items to reach their destinations on time, otherwise business will suffer.
(ii) Transport is required to carry raw materials to production centres.
(iii) From manufacturing hubs to market particularly for perishable goods.
Q16: Describe the growing importance of road transport. (2020)
Ans: The growing importance of road transport:
(i) Construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines.
(ii) Roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography.
(iii) Roads can negotiate higher gradients of slopes and as such can traverse mountains such as the Himalayas.
(iv) Road transport is economical in transportation of few persons and relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances. (v) It also provides door-to-door service, thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower.
Q17: Suggest any one way to improve the postal system in India. (2020)
Ans: Use of technology in the postal system, such as digitalization, automation, and online tracking services.
Q18: “Communication provides entertainment and creates awareness among masses”. Justify the statement. (2020 C)
Ans: Communication refers to convey messages and ideas between individuals or masses. They provide entertainment and create awareness among the masses and integrated the people in the following ways:
(i) Everyday at regular intervals, we hear or watch the news on the radio and television.
(ii) News are given on variety of subjects and topics and people come to know what is happening in the society, politics and economy.
(iii) Doordarshan, the national television channel of India, is one of the largest terrestrial networks in the world. It broadcasts a variety of programmes for entertainment, educational, sport etc. for people of different age groups.
(iv) People are entertaining through watching videos, feature films and short films.
(v) India is one the fastest growing mobile networks in the world. Mobile phones have change the way of business. Now, even low-income group people like vegetable vendors, plumbers and carpenters do better businesses because they are connected through mobile phones.
Q19: “Tourism in India provides large amount of employment and promotes national integration.” Justify the statement. (2020 C)
Ans: There has been a sustained growth in tourism in India over the last three decades. More than 15 million people are directly engaged in the tourism industry. Over 10 million foreign tourists arrived in India in 2017. Tourism also promotes national integration, provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits. It also helps in the development of international understanding about our culture and heritage. Foreign tourists visit India for heritage tourism, eco- tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism and business tourism.
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q20: “Roadways still have an edge over railways in India.” Support the statement with examples. (2020 C, Delhi 2019, Al 2016)
Ans: Roadways still have an edge over the railways. This is because:
(i) Construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines and construction time is also comparatively less.
(ii) Roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography which is a limitation in case of railways.
(iii) Roads can negotiate higher gradients of slopes and as such can traverse mountains like the Himalayas, whereas the mountainous regions are unfavourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief. Similarly it is difficult to lay railway lines on the sandy plains in the deserts, swampy or forested tracks.
(iv) Road transport is economical in transportation of few persons and relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances, whereas railways are suitable for transportation of large number of people and goods in bulk, especially over long distances.
(v) Roadways provide the “last mile connectivity” and provide the door to door service, thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower.
(vi) Road transport is the idea to feeder mode of transport to other modes of transport such as they provide a link between railway stations, air and seaports.
Q21: Highlight the significance of pipelines as a means of transportation, with suitable examples. (2019 C)
Ans: Pipeline transport is the transportation of goods or materials through a pipe. In the past, pipes were used to transport water to cities and industries. Now, these are also used for transporting crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to refineries, fertiliser factories and big thermal power plants. Solids can also be transported through a pipeline when converted into slurry.
The far inland locations of refineries like Barauni, Mathura, Panipat and gas based fertiliser plants have been functioning only because of pipelines. Initial cost of laying pipelines is high but subsequent running costs are minimal. It rules out trans-shipment losses or delays.
Q22: Highlight any five major problems faced by road transport in India. (2019 C)
Ans: Road transportation in India faces a number of problems. Keeping in view the volume of traffic and passengers, the road network is inadequate. About half of the roads are unmetalled and this limits their usage during the rainy season.
The National Highways are inadequate too. Moreover, the roadways are highly congested in cities and most of the bridges and culverts are old and narrow.
Q23: Why is air travel preferred in North-Eastern States of India? Explain with examples. (2019 C)
Ans: Factors that made air travel prominence in North- Eastern states in India.
(i) It can cover difficult terrains area like high mountains which are, by road difficult to reach.
(ii) The north-eastern part of the country marked with the presence of big rivers, dense forest and frequent floods and international frontiers has made the air travel important.
(iii) As per the geographical location of north-eastern states, the area known by road can be accessed to siliguri corridor (Sikkim) is the only route to connect with other parts of India. In this scenario, air travel is placed on utmost importance.
Q24: Describe any five benefits of tourism in India. (Al 2019)
Ans: Tourism is very important for the Indian economy:
(i) According to the World Travel and Tourism Council tourism generated US$230 billion or 9.4% of the nation’s GDP in 2017 and supported 41.622 million jobs, 8% of its total employment. Over 10 million foreign tourists arrived in India in 2017.
(ii) Tourism also promotes national integration, provides support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits.
(iii) It also helps in the development of international understanding about our culture and heritage. Foreign tourists visit India for heritage tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism and business tourism.
(iv) The various industries that benefit from tourism are handicraft industry, sculpture, sea-shell, regional handloom etc.
(v) Hospitality is another sector that benefits tremendously from tourism. So does the transport sector including air, railways and road transport.
Previous Year Questions 2018
Q25: Recognize the form of power sharing which is represented by the Community Government in Belgium. (CBSE 2018)
Ans: The community government represented power sharing among different social groups like the religious and linguistic groups.
| Also read: NCERT Textbook: Lifelines of National Economy |
2017 & Rest of Years Questions
Q26: Name the river related to National Waterways No. 2. (Al 2017)
Ans: The Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri (891km)
Q27: Name the river which is related to National Waterways No. 1. (Al 2017)
Ans: The Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia (1620 km)
Q28: Name the state related to National Waterways No. 3. (Foreign 2017)
Ans: Kerala
Q29: Examine with an example the role of means of transport and communication in making our life prosperous and comfortable. (Al 2017)
Ans: Means of transport and communication play a crucial role in improving our lives and contributing to prosperity and comfort. Here’s an example to illustrate this:
Example: Online shopping and doorstep delivery
The advent of e-commerce platforms and efficient means of transportation have revolutionized the way we shop. Online shopping allows us to browse through a wide range of products from the comfort of our homes and make purchases with just a few clicks. The role of transportation in this context is to ensure the timely delivery of these products to our doorsteps.
Benefits:
1. Convenience: Online shopping eliminates the need to visit physical stores, saving time and effort. We can shop at any time, from anywhere, and have the products delivered to our desired location.
2. Wide selection: E-commerce platforms offer a vast range of products, giving us access to items that may not be available locally. This expands our choices and allows us to find specific products that meet our needs and preferences.
3. Competitive pricing: Online shopping often offers competitive prices and discounts compared to traditional retail stores. This enables us to find better deals and save money on our purchases.
4. Comfortable experience: By eliminating the need to travel and navigate crowded stores, online shopping provides a more comfortable and stress-free shopping experience. We can avoid long queues, parking hassles, and the physical strain of carrying heavy shopping bags.
Transportation and communication play a crucial role in the success of online shopping. Efficient transport systems ensure the timely delivery of products, while communication networks enable us to track our orders, receive notifications, and communicate with sellers if needed. This integration of transport and communication enhances the overall shopping experience, making our lives more prosperous and comfortable.
Q30: What is a new arrival on the transportation map of India? (2016)
Ans: Pipeline transportation network, which transports gas, liquids, and solids in slurry form.
Q31: Elaborate any three advantages of railways in India. (2016)
Ans: Railways in India offer several advantages that contribute to the country’s development. Here are three key advantages:
1. Efficient long-distance travel: Railways provide a reliable and efficient mode of transportation for long-distance travel. They offer comfortable and affordable options for individuals to commute between cities and towns.
2. Freight transportation: Railways are instrumental in transporting bulky goods and raw materials across the country. They have a higher carrying capacity compared to other modes of transport, making them ideal for the movement of heavy cargo.
3. Employment generation: The railway sector provides significant employment opportunities. From train operations to maintenance and infrastructure development, railways create jobs for a diverse range of professionals and laborers, contributing to economic growth and livelihoods.
Q32: What is pipeline transportation? Write two merits and demerits of the same. (2016)
Ans: Pipeline transportation is a mode of transport that involves the movement of liquids, gases, or slurry through pipelines. Here are two merits and two demerits of pipeline transportation:
Merits:
1. Cost-effective: Once the pipeline network is established, the running costs are relatively low compared to other modes of transport. It requires minimal human intervention for operation.
2. Safety and efficiency: Pipelines offer a safe and reliable way to transport liquids and gases, minimizing the risk of accidents and spillage. They also provide a continuous flow of materials without delays or trans-shipment losses.
Demerits:
1. High initial investment: The construction and establishment of pipeline networks require substantial upfront investment. This can be a significant financial barrier, especially for developing countries.
2. Limited versatility: Pipelines are primarily designed for the transportation of specific materials, such as oil, gas, or water. They may not be suitable for transporting a wide variety of goods, limiting their applicability in certain industries or regions.
Q33: How do modern means of transport serve as lifelines for our nation? Explain. (2016)
Ans: Modern means of transport serve as lifelines for our nation in the following ways:
(i) Economic development: Transport and communication networks are essential for the economic development of a region or country. They connect areas of production with areas of consumption, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and support industrial growth.
(ii) Accessibility and connectivity: Modern means of transport provide accessibility and connectivity to remote areas, ensuring their integration into the national economy. They link villages with towns, connect agricultural areas with industrial centers, and enable trade and commerce across regions.
(iii) Social integration: Transport networks promote social integration by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and ideas. They enable cultural exchange, tourism, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences.
(iv) Emergency response: Modern means of transport play a crucial role in emergency response and disaster management. They enable the quick transportation of relief materials, rescue operations, and the evacuation of affected populations during natural calamities.
(v) National defense: Transport networks are vital for national defense and security. They ensure the rapid movement of troops, equipment, and supplies during times of war or crisis.
(vi) Employment generation: The transport sector creates employment opportunities in various fields, including logistics, maintenance, and administration. It contributes to both formal and informal sectors, supporting livelihoods and economic growth.
Q34: What is the major objective to develop superhighways? (2015)
Ans: The major objective behind developing superhighways is to reduce the distance and travel time between large cities in India.
Q35: Why was Jawaharlal Nehru port developed? (2015)
Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru port was developed to decongest the Mumbai port and serve as a hub for the region.
Q36: Why was the Haldia seaport set up? (2015)
Ans: The Haldia seaport was set up as a subsidiary port to reduce the load on the Kolkata port.
Q37: Describe the rural roads in India. (2015)
Ans: Rural roads in India are crucial for connecting rural areas and villages with important towns and cities. Here are some key features of rural roads in India:
1. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): The government of India launched the PMGSY to improve rural connectivity. Under this scheme, efforts are made to provide all-weather motorable roads to every village, ensuring accessibility throughout the year.
2. Connectivity: Rural roads aim to connect remote and isolated areas with major towns and cities. They promote accessibility to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets.
3. Infrastructure: Rural roads are often built using cost-effective materials like gravel, crushed stone, or bitumen. They are designed to withstand the local weather conditions and accommodate the transportation needs of rural communities.
Q38: Describe any three features of waterways in India. (AI 2015)
Ans: Waterways in India have unique features that make them an important mode of transport. Here are three key features of waterways in India:
1. Extensive network: India has a vast network of waterways, including rivers, canals, and coastal areas. These waterways cover a significant portion of the country, providing connectivity to various regions.
2. Cost-effective: Waterways are known for their cost-effectiveness, especially for bulk transportation. Compared to other modes of transport, such as road or rail, water transport is relatively cheaper, making it suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods.
3. Environment-friendly: Water transport has a lower carbon footprint compared to road or air transport. It is considered a more sustainable mode of transportation as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes fuel consumption.
Q39: Describe any three factors that accord prominence to airways as a mode of transportation. (2015)
Ans: Airways, or air transport, have several factors that make them prominent in the transportation sector. Here are three key factors:
1. Speed and efficiency: Airways are the fastest mode of transportation, allowing people and goods to reach their destinations quickly. Air travel significantly reduces travel time and enables businesses to operate more efficiently.
2. Accessibility to remote areas: Air transport plays a vital role in connecting remote and inaccessible areas. It allows people living in remote regions to access essential services and facilitates economic development in these areas.
3. Emergency response: Airways play a crucial role in emergency situations like natural disasters or medical emergencies. The ability to quickly transport relief materials, medical supplies, and personnel to affected areas can save lives and provide timely assistance.
Q40: Why are metalled roads better than unmetalled roads? What is the role of border roads and national highways in transportation? (2015)
Ans: Metalled roads, also known as paved roads, offer several advantages over unmetalled roads. Here’s why metalled roads are better:
1. Durability: Metalled roads are made with materials like concrete, asphalt, or bitumen, making them more durable and resistant to wear and tear caused by traffic and weather conditions. They have a longer lifespan compared to unmetalled roads.
2. All-weather usability: Metalled roads can be used year-round, regardless of weather conditions. They can withstand heavy rains, floods, and other adverse weather events, providing reliable transportation throughout the year.
Border roads and national highways play vital roles in transportation:
1. Border roads: Border roads connect strategically important and challenging areas along the country’s borders. They aid in the movement of defense personnel, supplies, and equipment, ensuring the security and accessibility of border regions.
2. National highways: National highways are primary road networks that connect major cities, towns, and industrial centers across the country. They facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people on a large scale, supporting economic development and regional integration.
Q41: “Road transport and Rail transport in India are not competitive but complementary to each other.” Justify the statement. (Foreign 2015)
Ans: Road transport and rail transport in India are not competitive but complementary to each other due to the following reasons:
(i) Different capacities: Road transport is suitable for smaller amounts of goods and a few passengers over short distances, while rail transport is more efficient for bulk transportation and long-distance travel.
(ii) Accessibility and connectivity: Road transport provides last-mile connectivity, linking rural areas and towns to railway stations and other modes of transport. It acts as a feeder route for rail transport, ensuring accessibility to remote areas.
(iii) Flexibility: Road transport offers flexibility in terms of routes and schedules, allowing for quick and customized transportation. Rail transport, on the other hand, provides a fixed and reliable schedule for mass transportation.
(iv) Perishable goods: Road transport is ideal for the transportation of perishable goods over short distances, ensuring their freshness and quality. Rail transport is more suitable for non-perishable goods and bulk commodities.
(v) Cost-effectiveness: Road transport has lower construction and maintenance costs compared to rail transport. It is more economical for transportation over shorter distances and smaller quantities of goods.
(vi) Urban congestion: Road transport helps alleviate urban congestion by providing local transportation within cities and towns. It reduces the burden on rail transport in heavily populated areas.
(vii) Intermodal connectivity: Both road transport and rail transport are essential for intermodal connectivity, facilitating the seamless movement of goods and passengers between different modes of transport, such as ports, airports, and railway stations.
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Land Degradation