Transport and Communication — NCERT Solutions

Communication means the exchange of views, ideas and messages from one place to another or from one individual to another through different means.

The chief means of transportation in India are road transport, rail transport, water transport and air transport.

The development of these means depends on several factors. Road transport developed with economic and technological progress and is influenced by urban concentration, terrain and road conditions. Railways developed with industrial and economic growth and are affected by relief, gauge, and the need to move large volumes of goods and passengers. Water transport depends on navigable rivers, canals, backwaters and coastline, but many rivers became less navigable because of diversion of water for irrigation. Air transport depends on distance, terrain, climate, and the need for fast movement in a large country. Overall, transport develops more where there are cities, industries, ports, and good physical conditions, and it is less developed in hilly, forested, remote and difficult regions.

Indian Railways is one of the longest railway networks in the world. It began in 1853 when a line was constructed from Bombay to Thane covering 34 km. After Independence, railway routes were extended to other areas. The network was later divided into 17 zones for better management.

On the basis of track width, Indian Railways has broad gauge, metre gauge and narrow gauge. The system has been modernised by converting metre and narrow gauges into broad gauge, and by replacing steam engines with diesel and electric engines, which increased speed and haulage capacity. The development of Konkan Railway in 1998 was a major achievement.

Railways are important because they carry both passengers and freight, connect different regions, and contribute to economic growth. They remain the main means of transport for the masses and help bring people of diverse cultures together. They are also useful for long-distance movement of goods and people across the country.

Roads play a very important role in the economic development of India. They are the main means of transport for moving goods and passengers, and about 85% of passenger traffic and 70% of freight traffic are carried by roads every year. Roads connect villages, towns, cities, markets, railway stations, ports and other important places, so they help in trade and movement of raw materials and finished goods.

Road transport is especially suitable for shorter distances and for areas where railways are not available. National Highways link state capitals, major cities, ports and strategic areas. State Highways, district roads and rural roads provide further connectivity within states and districts. Roads are vital for rural development because they connect farmers to markets, schools, hospitals and other services. Good roads reduce transport time and cost, improve access to resources, and help expand economic activities in both urban and rural areas.