Ch. 7 Lifelines of Indian Economy

Q. How are roadways beneficial to people in comparison to railways?

Q. State the merits of roadways.(NCERT)

A. The growing importance of roadways over railways is because of the following reasons:

 ・construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines

・ roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography

・ roads can negotiate higher gradients of slopes and as such can traverse mountains such as the Himalayas

・ road transport is economical in transportation of few persons and relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances

・ it also provides door-to-door service, thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower

・ road transport is also used as a feeder to other modes of transport such as they provide a link between railway stations, air and sea ports.

Q. What are the factors that affect the distribution of railway networks in India?

A. The distribution pattern of the Railway network in the country has been largely influenced by physiographic, economic and administrative factors.

・ The northern plains with their vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provided the most favourable condition for their growth. However, a large number of rivers requiring construction of bridges across their wide beds posed some obstacles. 

・In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region, railway tracts are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels. 

・The Himalayan mountainous regions too are unfavourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population and lack of economic opportunities. 

・It is difficult to lay railway lines particularly in the sandy plains of western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat, forested tracks of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand. 

・The stretch of Sahyadri could be crossed only through gaps or passes (Ghats).

Q. What are the advantages of waterways?

A. The advantages of waterways are:

・Waterways are the cheapest means of transport. 

・They are most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods.

・ It is a fuel-efficient and environment friendly mode of transport.

・ India's trade with foreign countries is carried from ports. 95% of the country's trade volume (68% in terms of value ) is moved by sea.

Q. Tourism has vast potential in the development of the country. Justify with suitable examples.

A. Tourism has vast potential because:

・Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades. 

・Foreign tourist’s arrivals in the country witnessed an increase of 11.8 per cent during the year 2010 as against the year 2009, contributing Rs 64,889 crore of foreign exchange in 2010.

・More than 15 million people are directly engaged in the tourism industry.

・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.

Q. What are the major characteristics of the Indian Postal System?

A. ・The Indian postal network is the largest  in the world. 

・It handles parcels as well as personal written communications. 

・Cards and envelopes are considered first–class mail and are airlifted between stations covering both land and air. 

・The second–class mail includes book packets, registered newspapers and periodicals. They are carried by surface mail, covering land and water transport. 

・To facilitate quick delivery of mails in large towns and cities, six mail channels have been introduced recently. They are called Rajdhani Channel, Metro Channel, Green Channel, Business Channel, Bulk Mail Channel and Periodical Channel.