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Transport and Communication: NBSE class 10 social science
Get here the notes/solutions/extras of NBSE Class 10 Social Science Chapter 9 Transport and Communication. However, the study materials should be used only for references and nothing more. The notes can be modified/changed according to needs.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The chapter discusses the importance of transport and communication networks in India and how advancements in these areas have connected the remotest corners of the country for inclusive development.
Roadways: India has one of the largest road networks in the world spanning about 2.3 million km. The roads can be categorized into:
National Highways: These roads connect states to each other and to the national capital Delhi. They constitute only 2% of road network but carry 40% of road traffic. They are constructed and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Example: Sher Shah Suri Marg between Delhi and Amritsar.
State Highways: Connect state capitals with district headquarters and important towns. Constructed and maintained by State PWD.
District Roads: Connect district headquarters with other locations in the district. Maintained by Zila Parishads.
Rural Roads: Link villages with towns. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, every village is to be connected by all-weather motorable roads.
Border Roads: Constructed along border areas by Border Roads Organisation. Strategically important.
Road transport is preferred for short and medium distances as it provides door-to-door connectivity. Useful for carrying passengers and small amounts of goods. However, inadequacy of roads, narrow bridges, lack of maintenance etc are some problems.
Railways: Indian Railways is the largest public sector undertaking in India with network spanning over 67,000 km. For administrative purposes divided into 17 zones. It is vital for long-distance movement of bulk freight and passengers. Metro trains within cities also gaining popularity. Different gauges exist based on distance between rails. Distribution of network influenced by physiography, economy and administration. Hilly terrains pose challenges. Problems include ticketless travel, theft and overcrowding.
Waterways: Cheapest means for carrying heavy and bulky goods over long distances. National Waterways declared along major river systems like Ganga, Brahmaputra. Total navigable inland waterways about 14,500 km including 5,685 km by mechanized boats. Major and minor ports along 7,500 km coastline handle 95% of EXIM trade volume. Advantages include fuel efficiency, low costs and reduced trans-shipment losses.
Pipelines: Used to transport petroleum products, natural gas etc from ports to refineries, fertilizer factories and power plants. Advantages include ability to cross difficult terrains, negligible maintenance costs and reduced pilferage.
Airways: Fastest means of transport essential for remote areas and disaster management. Air India and private airlines provide domestic and international services. Pawan Hans helicopters used in difficult areas like North-East, J&K, etc. Air travel is expensive, but special provisions have been made to connect remote areas.
Personal communication like letters is handled efficiently by nationwide postal services and international courier services. India has over 1.5 lakh post offices, with 89% in rural areas. Six-channel mail sorting was introduced in cities for quicker delivery.
Telecommunications revolutionised after privatisation in 1990s. Ranked 5th largest network globally. Competition reduced call rates substantially. 37,500 telephone exchanges across India provide STD/ISD facilities. Landline facing competition from rapidly growing mobile services.
Mass communication like television, radio, films, newspapers catalyzes mass awareness. Doordarshan is public broadcaster of terrestrial TV while private channels have proliferated after 1990s. Over 200 radio stations of All India Radio along with private FM channels entertain and inform people across languages. India is Asia’s hub for commercial films. A large variety of newspapers and periodicals published in about 100 languages.
Advanced transportation and communication networks have been critical for India’s inclusive development through exchange of information, ideas and resources. They have enabled trade, administration and helped integrate the socio-cultural diversity. Affordable modes of transport and information access can further bridge the rural-urban divide.
Textual questions and answers
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. India has one of the largest networks of which of the following modes of transport.
(a) Roadways (b) Railways (c) Waterways (d) Pipelines
Answer: A. Roadways
2. Which of the following are the primary road systems of our country?
(a) National Highways (b) State highways (c) District roads (d) Border roads
Answer: A. National Highways
3. Which of the following was the first port to be developed soon after independence?
(a) Bombay (b) Calcutta (c) Paradip (d) Kandla
Answer: D. Kandla
4. An economical and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, best suited for carrying heavy and bulky goods at lower costs, is:
(a) Air Transport (b) Rail Transport (c) Water Transport (d) Road Transport
Answer: C. Water Transport
5. Imagine you are a transportation manager responsible for overseeing rail operations. Which of the following challenges directly impacts rail transport’s efficiency and revenue generation?
(a) Lack of passengers (b) Insufficient railway stations (c) Ticketless travellers and thefts (d) Overcrowded trains
Answer: C. Ticketless travellers and thefts
6. You’re an environmental advocate looking for a transportation solution that minimizes fuel consumption and has a positive impact on the environment. Which mode of transport aligns with your goals?
(a) Air transport (b) Roadways (c) Waterways (d) Railways
Answer: C. Waterways
7. Read the following statements – Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose one of the correct alternatives given below.
(a) Both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. (b) Both the Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. (c) The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false. (d) The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true. (e) Both the Assertion and Reason are false.
Answer: A. Both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Very Short Answer Questions
1. What are state highways?
Answer: These highways join state capitals with towns and the district headquarters and provide the link with the national highways.
2. What is the name of the highway that connects the four large metro cities?
Answer: Golden Quadrilateral Super High ways
3. Write two advantages of airways.
Answer: The two advantages of airways are:
- Airways provide the fastest means of transport.
- For inaccessible, remote, and hostile areas, airways are the best means of transport
Short Answer Questions
1. Name any four means of communication.
Answer: The four means of communication are television, radio, newspapers, and magazines.
2. What are national highways? Who constructs and maintains them?
Answer: National highways connect one state with another and are of national importance. These highways link extreme parts of the country. They are laid out and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
3. Give two advantages to waterways.
Answer: The two advantages of waterways are:
- Waterways are the cheapest means of transport.
- It is the best means of transport to carry bulky and heavy goods at lower costs.
Long Answer Questions
1. Mention four merits and four demerits of road transportation with reference to India.
Answer: The merits of road transportation in India are as follows:
- Road transport provides a link between railway stations, air, and sea ports, serving as feeders to other modes of transport.
- Roads can traverse regions of dissected and undulating relief and negotiate steep slopes, thus connecting mountains and deserts with other parts of the country.
- Roads can be constructed at a much lower cost than railways, making them cheap and easy both in construction and maintenance.
- They directly connect fields with markets, factories with farms, and provide door-to-door service, thereby reducing the cost of loading and unloading.
The demerits of road transportation include:
- Inadequate road networks to meet the needs of the people.
- National Highways, which were built long ago, are not as wide, and most of the old bridges and culverts are low and old.
- Almost half the roads are unmetalled, hence, their usage during the monsoon is limited.
- Many of these roads pass through congested cities, creating problems, and there is a lack of roadside amenities, making road travel cumbersome.
2. Give four reasons why the means of transport and communication are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy.
Answer: The means of transport and communication are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy for several reasons, including:
- They enable trade expansion from national to international levels, connecting the country globally despite its vast area, diversities, and socio-cultural pluralities.
- Modern transport and communication systems have made life easier, with more amenities and comforts readily available, enhancing both social and economic enrichment.
- They support the integration of various regions with the rest of the world, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people across borders and within the country.
- The development of a fast and efficient network of transport and communication has significantly shrunk distances, making the world a global village and making distances seem immaterial.
3. Why is road transport more useful than rail transport in India? Give four reasons. [HOTS]
Answer: Road transport is more useful than rail transport in India for the following reasons:
- Road transport provides a link between railway stations, air, and sea ports. They are used as feeders for other modes of transport.
- Roads can traverse regions of dissected and undulating relief and negotiate steep slopes. Hence, such a system can connect mountains and deserts with other parts of the country.
- Roads can be constructed at a much lower cost than railways. They are cheap and easy, both in construction and maintenance.
- They directly connect fields with markets, factories with farms, and provide door-to-door service. Thus, the cost of loading and unloading is lower. They are best for transporting perishable goods over short or medium distances.
4. What is mass communication? What are the different means of mass communication?
Answer: Mass communication includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, books, and even films. It is so named because it can communicate ideas, policies, and national issues directly to the masses. This helps create awareness among the people.
- In India, only the government-owned Doordarshan is allowed to broadcast terrestrial television signals. Doordarshan broadcasts many programmes, which range from educational to entertainment to sports.
- The All India Radio, which is also known as Akashwani, is a very forceful mass medium. It broadcasts programmes in national, regional, and local languages for people of all regions and all age groups.
- India publishes a large number of dailies and periodicals in different languages from various cities. Newspapers are published in about 100 languages and dialects.
- India is the hub of commercial films in Asia. It produces short films, video feature films, and video short films.
Extra MCQs
1. What is the total length of India’s road network?
A. 1.5 million km B. 2.0 million km C. 2.3 million km D. 3.0 million km
Answer: C. 2.3 million km
2. Who built roads during the Mughal period as an important activity?
A. Akbar B. Shah Jahan C. Aurangzeb D. Sher Shah Suri
Answer: A. Akbar
3. What is the route length of the Indian Railways network?
A. 60,000 km B. 65,000 km C. 67,000 km D. 70,000 km
Answer: C. 67,000 km
4. How many railway zones are there in India after the recent reorganisation?
A. 16 B. 17 C. 18 D. 20
Answer: B. 17
5. What is the percentage share of broad gauge routes in the Indian Railways network?
A. 80% B. 85% C. 90% D. 95%
Answer: B. 85%
6. Which of the following is NOT an issue faced by Indian Railways?
A. Overcrowded trains B. Insufficient railway stations C. Ticketless travelers D. Thefts and damage
Answer: B. Insufficient railway stations
7. What is the total length of navigable inland waterways in India?
A. 10,000 km B. 12,000 km C. 14,000 km D. 16,000 km
Answer: C. 14,000 km
8. Which of the following is declared as National Waterway No. 1?
A. Ganga River B. Brahmaputra River C. Godavari River D. Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system
Answer: D. Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system
9. When was the Border Roads Organisation established?
A. 1950 B. 1955 C. 1960 D. 1965
Answer: C. 1960
10. How many major ports are located along India’s coastline?
A. 8 B. 10 C. 12 D. 15
Answer: C. 12
11. Which is the deepest landlocked port in India?
A. Mumbai B. Kochi C. Visakhapatnam D. Kandla
Answer: C. Visakhapatnam
12. When was air transport in India nationalised?
A. 1947 B. 1950 C. 1953 D. 1956
Answer: C. 1953
13. What is the market share held by Air India as of May 2017?
A. 10% B. 12% C. 13% D. 15%
Answer: C. 13%
14. Which company provides helicopter services to ONGC?
A. Air India B. Pawan Hans C. Indigo D. GoAir
Answer: B. Pawan Hans
15. How many telephone exchanges are there in India’s telecom network?
A. 35,000 B. 36,000 C. 37,565 D. 39,000
Answer: C. 37,565
16. When was the telecommunication sector in India opened for private companies?
A. 1980s B. 1990s C. 2000s D. 2010s
Answer: B. 1990s
17. Which agency certifies films in India?
A. Central Board of Film Certification B. Film Certification Authority of India C. Indian Motion Picture Producers Association D. National Film Development Corporation
Answer: A. Central Board of Film Certification
18. Golden Quadrilateral highways connect which four metro cities?
A. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata B. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru C. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru D. Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai
Answer: D. Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai
19. The North-South Corridor connects which two cities?
A. Srinagar and Thiruvananthapuram B. Srinagar and Kanyakumari C. Leh and Kanyakumari D. Jammu and Thiruvananthapuram
Answer: B. Srinagar and Kanyakumari
20. National Highways constitute what percentage of total road length in India?
A. 1% B. 2% C. 4% D. 5%
Answer: B. 2%
21. Border roads are maintained by which organisation?
A. State PWD B. National Highways Authority of India C. Border Roads Organisation D. Municipal Corporation
Answer: C. Border Roads Organisation
22. Which of these connectfields with markets and factories with farms?
A. State Highways B. District Roads C. Rural Roads D. Border Roads
Answer: C. Rural Roads
23. What is the rank of India’s telecom network in Asia?
A. Second largest B. Third largest C. Fourth largest D. Fifth largest
Answer: D. Fifth largest
24. Who operates terrestrial TV signals in India?
A. Zee TV B. Star TV C. Doordarshan D. Sony TV
Answer: C. Doordarshan
25. How many radio stations does All India Radio have?
A. 100 B. 150 C. 200 D. 250
Answer: C. 200
26. In how many languages are newspapers published in India?
A. 50 B. 75 C. 100 D. 150
Answer: C. 100
27. What is the rank of India’s postal network in the world?
A. Largest B. Second largest C. Third largest D. Fifth largest
Answer: A. Largest
28. What percentage of post offices in India are in rural areas?
A. 50% B. 60% C. 80% D. 89%
Answer: D. 89%
29. When was the six mail channel system introduced in India?
A. 1990s B. 2000s C. 2010s D. Exact year not given
Answer: D. Exact year not given
30. Which of these carries both land and air mail in India?
A. First Class Mail B. Second Class Mail C. Business Mail D. Green Channel
Answer: B. Second Class Mail
31. STD facility has been extended to how many villages in India?
A. Most villages B. Two-thirds of villages C. Half of the villages D. One-third of villages
Answer: B. Two-thirds of villages
32. Which zones are telephone circles divided into in India?
A. Roughly along district boundaries B. Along state boundaries C. Along regional boundaries D. Along rural-urban boundaries
Answer: B. Along state boundaries
33. Which of these led landline services to improve in the face of competition?
A. Internet B. Mobile phones C. Pagers D. Video conferencing
Answer: B. Mobile phones
34. What percentage of India’s trade volume is carried through sea ports?
A. 75% B. 85% C. 90% D. 95%
Answer: D. 95%
35. Which is an oldest artificial port in India?
A. Kochi B. Mumbai C. Chennai D. Visakhapatnam
Answer: C. Chennai
36. National waterways are declared by whom?
A. State governments B. Central government C. Port authorities D. Ministry of Shipping
Answer: B. Central government
37. What is the natural harbor present at Kochi port?
A. Lake B. Lagoon C. Bay D. Creek
Answer: B. Lagoon
38. Which state has the highest density of roads in India?
A. Punjab B. Haryana C. Kerala D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: C. Kerala
39. Which mode of transport is fuel efficient and environment friendly?
A. Roadways B. Pipelines C. Railways D. Waterways
Answer: D. Waterways
40. Which port was developed to ease dependence on Mumbai port?
A. Chennai B. Kandla C. Cochin D. Vishakhapatnam
Answer: B. Kandla
41. Which inland riverine port requires constant dredging?
A. Chennai B. Vishakhapatnam C. Kolkata D. Kochi
Answer: C. Kolkata
42. Which port specialises in export of iron ore?
A. Paradip B. Tuticorin C. Kandla D. Marmagao
Answer: A. Paradip
43. Which port caters to the export of iron ore from Kudremukh mines?
A. New Mangalore B. Kochi C. Mormugao D. Chennai
Answer: A. New Mangalore
44. Which city’s port is second only to Mumbai in volume of trade and cargo?
A. Kolkata B. Chennai C. Vishakhapatnam D. Kochi
Answer: B. Chennai
45. Which challenges directly impacts rail transport’s efficiency and revenue generation?
A. Insufficient railway stations B. Overcrowded trains C. Ticketless travelers D. Thefts and damage
Answer: C. Ticketless travelers
46. Which transportation mode aligns with environmental conservation goals?
A. Roadways B. Air transport C. Railways D. Waterways
Answer: D. Waterways
47. What is the total network of national highways aimed to be achieved under NHDP?
A. 4,000 km B. 10,000 km C. 20,000 km D. 50,000 km
Answer: C. 20,000 km
48. Which NHDP phase focused on the Golden Quadrilateral?
A. Phase I B. Phase II C. Phase III D. Phase IV
Answer: A. Phase I
49. When was the Konkan railway developed?
A. Exact year not given B. 2000s C. 1990s D. 1980s
Answer: A. Exact year not given
50. Which zone was created by reorganisation of the existing 9 zones of Indian Railways?
A. Central zone B. North Central zone C. East Coast zone D. West Coast zone
Answer: B. North Central zone
51. What is the percentage of broad gauge routes in Indian Railways?
A. 80% B. 85% C. 90% D. 95%
Answer: B. 85%
52. Which is NOT an issue faced by road transportation in India?
A. Inadequate road density B. Low bridges over rivers C. Roads passing through congested cities D. Lack of passenger amenities
Answer: C. Roads passing through congested cities
53. Which national highway connects Delhi to Mumbai?
A. NH-1 B. NH-2 C. NH-7 D. NH-44
Answer: D. NH-44
54. How much percentage of India’s trade volume is carried by sea routes?
A. 65% B. 75% C. 85% D. 95%
Answer: D. 95%
55. Which canal in Kerala is declared as National Waterway 3?
A. Champakara canal B. Buckingham canal C. Kerala backwaters D. Both A and B
Answer: D. Both A and B
56. Which helicopter company is under the Central government?
A. Pawan Hans B. Deccan Charters C. Indocopters D. Blade India
Answer: A. Pawan Hans
57. When was Air India merged with Indian Airlines?
A. 1997 B. 2002 C. 2007 D. 2012
Answer: C. 2007
58. How many radio stations does All India Radio have?
A. 100 B. 200 C. 300 D. 500
Answer: B. 200
59. Who is allowed to broadcast terrestrial TV signals in India?
A. Zee TV B. Star TV C. Doordarshan D. Sony TV
Answer: C. Doordarshan
60. How are telephone circles divided in India?
A. Along state boundaries B. Along regional boundaries C. Along rural-urban boundaries D. Random division
Answer: A. Along state boundaries
Extra questions and answers
1. When was the Grand Trunk Road built?
Answer: The Grand Trunk Road was built by Sher Shah Suri across the Indo-Gangetic plain, from Chittagong (Bangladesh) to Peshawar (Pakistan) during the Mughal period.
2. What are the three important domains that can be used to move goods and services?
Answer: The three important domains that can be used to move goods and services are – air, water and land.
3. What are the six main types of roads according to their importance?
Answer: The six main types of roads according to their importance are – Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways, National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, Other Roads like Rural roads and Border Roads.
4. What percentage of total road network is constituted by National Highways?
Answer: National Highways constitute 2 per cent of the total road network.
5. Which organization constructs and maintains the Border Roads?
Answer: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) constructs and maintains the Border Roads.
6. How many railway zones are there in India?
Answer: There are 17 railway zones in India.
7. What are the three different gauges in the Indian Railways?
Answer: The three different gauges in the Indian Railways are – Broad Gauge, Metre Gauge and Narrow Gauge.
8. When was the Indian Railways system nationalized?
Answer: The Indian Railways system was nationalized in 1951.
9. What do pipelines transport?
Answer: Pipelines transport crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas.
10. How many National Waterways are there in India?
Answer: There are 5 National Waterways in India.
11. When was Air India nationalized?
Answer: Air India was nationalized in 1953.
12. Which helicopters are used in difficult terrains?
Answer: Pawan Hans Helicopters are used in difficult terrains.
13. What are the two types of communication?
Answer: The two types of communication are – Personal Communication and Mass Communication.
14. How many post offices does India have?
Answer: India has 1.5 lakh post offices.
15. What is STD facility?
Answer: STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialling) facility provides uninterrupted 24 hour communication between villages and towns.
16. Who provides terrestrial television signals in India?
Answer: Only Doordarshan is allowed to broadcast terrestrial television signals in India.
17. How many radio stations does All India Radio have?
Answer: All India Radio has 200 radio stations.
18. In how many languages are newspapers published in India?
Answer: Newspapers are published in about 100 languages in India.
19. Which is the authority that certifies films in India?
Answer: The Central Board of Film Certification certifies films in India.
20. Which are the four metro cities connected by Golden Quadrilateral?
Answer: The four metro cities connected by Golden Quadrilateral are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
21. What is the total navigable length of inland waterways in India?
Answer: The total navigable length of inland waterways in India is 14,500 km.
22. Which is the deepest and well protected port in India?
Answer: Vishakhapatnam is the deepest and well protected port in India.
23. Which state has the highest density of roads?
Answer: Kerala has the highest density of roads.
24. What is the Golden Quadrilateral highway system?
Answer: Golden Quadrilateral is the system connecting the four metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata by six-lane express highways.
25. Which is the first international airport built in India after independence?
Answer: Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the first international airport built in India after independence.
26. What are the problems faced by road transportation in India?
Answer: Problems faced by road transportation in India are – inadequate road network, narrow bridges, lack of roadside amenities etc.
27. Which port was developed to relieve pressure on Kolkata port?
Answer: Haldia port was developed to relieve pressure on Kolkata port.
28. Which state has the lowest density of roads?
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir has the lowest density of roads.
29. What is the share of India’s trade volume handled by sea ports?
Answer: 95% of India’s trade volume is handled by sea ports.
30. What are the primary forms of transport?
Answer: The primary forms of transport are roadways, railways, waterways, airways, and pipelines.
31. How has the development of transport and communication systems impacted global trade?
Answer: The development of transport and communication systems has had a significant impact on global trade. For a long time, trade and transport moved within restricted boundaries of space and time. But with the development in the field of science and technology, trade and transport have spread all over the world. The world has become one big village and distances have become immaterial or to be more precise distances seem to have shrunk. This has been made possible by the development of a fast and efficient transport and communication system. Thus, trade, transport, and communication complement each other.
32. Can you name the three important domains utilized for transport?
Answer: The three important domains utilized for transport are air water and land.
33. How has the domestication of animals influenced the development of transport?
Answer: The domestication of animals influenced the development of transport as it made transport easier, faster and more comfortable compared to when man carried his own load.
34. Who built the Grand Trunk Road, and what was its route?
Answer: The Grand Trunk Road was built by Sher Shah Suri, and its route spanned from Chittagong (Bangladesh) to Peshawar (Pakistan), passing through Howrah-Delhi-Amritsar and terminating in Kabul (Afghanistan).
35. What are the six main types of roads in India?
Answer: The six main types of roads in India are:
- Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways
- National Highways
- State Highways
- District Roads
- Other Roads
- Border Roads
36. Describe the purpose and impact of the Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways.
Answer: The purpose and impact of the Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways are to link Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai together, creating a six-lane Super Highway with a total length of 5846 km. This project aims to “interconnect many major cities and ports and help industrial growth in small towns along its route, providing vast opportunities for transport of agricultural produce to cities and ports for export, and creating job opportunities. It is expected to “reduce the time and distance between the megacities of India.
37. How do national highways contribute to India’s infrastructure?
Answer: National highways contribute to India’s infrastructure by connecting one state with another and are of national importance, constituting 2 per cent of the total road networks but carrying 40 per cent of the total road traffic. These highways link extreme parts of the country and are laid out and maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), playing a critical role in long-distance connectivity and economic integration.
38. What differentiates state highways from national highways?
Answer: State highways differ from national highways as they join state capitals with towns and the district headquarters and provide the link with the national highways. Unlike national highways, which are maintained by the CPWD, state highways are constructed and maintained by the State Public Works Department (PWD) in the State or the Union Territories, focusing more on intra-state connectivity.
39. What is the role of district roads within the transport system?
Answer: District roads connect the district headquarters with other places of the district and act as a link between district roads and state roads. These roads are maintained by the Zila Parishads.
40. How are village or rural roads significant for local communities?
Answer: Village or rural roads connect rural areas and villages with towns. Under the “Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana” special provisions have been made so that every village in the country is linked to a major town by a motorable road which can be used in all seasons.
41. Discuss the strategic importance of border roads.
Answer: Border roads are constructed and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) which functions directly under the Central Government. These roads are of strategic importance as they connect to the National Highways that pass through the concerned states. It is due to these roads that accessibility in areas of difficult terrain has become possible. Border roads have also contributed to the economic development of these areas.
42. How is road density calculated, and what does it indicate?
Answer: The length of road per 100 sq. km. of area is known as density of roads. The density of roads indicates the extent of road coverage in a particular area and is not uniform across different regions. It varies from just 39.0 km in Jammu and Kashmir to 528.8 km in Kerala (as on 31st March 2016), with the national average being 170 km (as on 31st March 2016).
43. Why is road transport increasingly preferred over rail transport?
Answer: Road transport is gaining importance vis-a-vis rail transport because it provides a link between railway stations, air, and sea ports. Roads can traverse regions of dissected and undulating relief, and negotiate steep slopes. Roads can be constructed at a much lower cost than railways. They directly connect fields with markets, factories with farms, and provide door-to-door service, reducing the cost of loading and unloading. For short or medium distances, roads are the ideal means of transport, especially for transporting few passengers and smaller amounts of goods. They are also best for transporting perishable goods over short or medium distances.
44. What challenges face road transportation in India?
Answer: The challenges faced by road transportation in India include inadequate road networks to meet the needs of the people, national highways that were built long ago and are not as wide, old and low bridges and culverts, almost half the roads being unmetalled and hence their usage during the monsoon is limited, many roads passing through congested cities creating problems, and a lack of roadside amenities which make road travel cumbersome.
45. How did the Indian Railways evolve since its introduction in 1853?
Answer: Since its introduction in 1853, the Indian Railways has evolved significantly. Initially, the first train from Mumbai to Thane covered a distance of 34 km. By the year of India’s independence in 1947, it had grown to 42 rail systems. In 1951, the system was nationalised as one unit, becoming one of the largest networks in the world. Indian Railways has been divided into 17 zones for administrative convenience, a significant expansion from the initial structure. Today, it consists of a vast network of 7349 stations spread over a route length of 67368 km with a fleet of 11452 locomotives, 70937 passenger coaches, 11452 other coaches, and 277987 wagons as of March 2016. It has served as a great integrating factor for the country for the past 150 years, connecting far-flung places and bringing people closer to each other.
46. What are the gauges used in Indian Railways, and how do they impact the railway network?
Answer: The gauges used in Indian Railways include Broad Gauge (1.676 m), Metre Gauge (1000 m), and Narrow Gauge (0.762 and 0.610). The broad gauge covers 91.55% of the total route share, metre gauge covers 5.18%, and narrow gauge covers 3.27%. The choice of gauge impacts the railway network distribution in India, which is dependent on many factors such as physiography, economy, and administrative factors.
47. Describe the challenges and advantages of developing railways in different geographical regions of India.
Answer: Developing railways in different geographical regions of India faces various challenges and advantages. The level and extensive Northern Plains, with their high population density, industrial activity, and rich agriculture, favor the development of railways, although crossing the wide rivers requires additional costs for bridges. The Himalayan region, with its high relief, sparse population, and lack of economic opportunities, creates unfavorable conditions for laying railway lines, compounded by frequent landslides and rockfall. The Peninsular regions’ hilly terrain makes it difficult to lay tracks, necessitating the construction through low hills, gaps, or tunnels. Similarly, the low flood plains of Assam and Bihar, sandy plains of western Rajasthan, forest areas of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand, and the swamps of Gujarat present challenges in maintaining railway lines. The deserts of Rajasthan and the hilly tracks of the Sahyadris were also unfavorable for development, although the Konkan Railway has enabled the movement of passengers and goods in this economically important zone, despite issues like sinking of tracks and landslides.
48. How do pipelines enhance the transport of petroleum products and natural gas?
Answer: Pipelines enhance the transport of petroleum products and natural gas by being used to transport crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to refineries, fertilizer factories, and big thermal power plants.
49. What are the major advantages and challenges associated with pipelines?
Answer: The major advantages of pipelines include their ability to be laid under water or over mountains and under varied terrain, only requiring initial costs of laying pipes with almost negligible running or repair and maintenance costs. New pipelines are made of materials that do not corrode, reducing wastage and oil spills, trans-shipment losses, and delays. They enable thermal power plants based on gas to be constructed at a much lower cost and in a much shorter time period, are easy to monitor, and make far inland locations of refineries and gas-based fertilizer plants feasible.
Challenges associated with pipelines include the high cost of laying pipelines, the danger of leakage, political problems if the pipeline passes through another country, the danger of sabotage, and restricted land use.
50. Which river stretches have been declared as National Waterways, and what is their significance?
Answer: The river stretches declared as National Waterways by the government include the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hugli River system between Allahabad (in Uttar Pradesh) and Haldia (in West Bengal), the Brahmaputra River system between Sadiya and Dhubri in Assam, and the West Coast-Kottapuram, Komman, Udhogmandal, and Champakara Canals in Kerala.
These waterways are significant as they are the oldest and cheapest means of transport, best for carrying bulky and heavy goods at lower costs, fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, and allow the use of all perennial rivers almost throughout the year.
51. How do inland waterways contribute to India’s transport system?
Answer: Inland waterways contribute to India’s transport system by being the cheapest means of transport, especially suitable for carrying bulky and heavy goods at lower costs, being fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, and because all perennial rivers can be used almost throughout the year. India has total navigable inland waterways of 14500 km in length, out of which 5685 km are navigable by mechanized boats.
52. Discuss the importance of major sea ports in India’s international trade.
Answer: The importance of major sea ports in India’s international trade is highlighted by the fact that most of India’s trade with foreign countries is carried through these ports. India has 12 major ports and 187 minor or intermediate ports along its coastline of 7516 km, accounting for 95 per cent of the country’s trade volume (68% in terms of value). These ports include Kandla, Kolkata, Haldia, Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Marmagao, Paradip, Vishakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Ennore, Chennai, Kochi, and Port Blair. These ports are crucial for easing imports and exports across regions, serving the hinterland of major rivers, and specializing in the export of commodities like iron ore.
53. Which is the fastest and most comfortable means of travel and why?
Answer: Air transport is considered the fastest and most comfortable means of travel because it provides the fastest means of transport, although it is the costliest. It is also the most comfortable and prestigious mode of transportation. For inaccessible, remote, and hostile areas, airways are the best means of transport. During natural and man-made disasters, airways have played a vital role.
54. Explain the significance of air transport in the north-eastern part of India.
Answer: The significance of air transport in the north-eastern part of India is highlighted by the fact that this area is covered with dense forests. Many rivers with their frequent flooding schedule, dissected physiography, and international frontiers create many problems. Accessibility and movability in these areas is difficult and laying roads and railways is a Herculean task. Air travel on the other hand is the best option to access these areas. This mode of transport can traverse difficult terrains, dense forests, dreary deserts, large rivers, and even large oceanic stretches with great ease. Though air travel is more expensive than any other mode of transport, special provisions are provided to extend the services to the common people only in the north-east.
55. How has the structure of air transport in India changed since independence?
Answer: Since independence, the structure of air transport in India has undergone significant changes. Initially, air transport was operated by private operators. It was nationalised in 1953. After liberalisation, private sector was allowed entry into this field. In 2007, Air India and Indian Airlines were merged under Air India Limited. As of May 2017, Air India was the third largest carrier in India (after Indigo and Jet Airways) with a market share of 13 per cent. However, on 28th June 2017, the Government of India announced the privatisation of Air India.
56. What role do helicopters play in India’s transport system?
Answer: Helicopters play a crucial role in India’s transport system as they are utilised to access difficult areas and remote and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the North-Eastern states. Pawanhans Helicopters Ltd. supplies its services in off-shore operations to Oil and Natural Gas Commission and for traversing difficult terrains.
57. What advancements have been made in the field of communication in India?
Answer: Advancements in the field of communication in India include the fact that India has one of the largest telecom networks in Asia. It is ranked as the fifth largest in the world. India has about 37,565 telephone exchanges distributed throughout the country. For the past one decade or so, telecommunication activities have gained momentum in India. Efforts are on from both governmental and non-governmental sectors to enhance the infrastructure. The focus is to help India’s socio-culturally diverse society to become familiar with and apt in using modern telecommunication technology so that our country gets recognition as a nation of technology-aware people.
58. How does India’s postal network cater to personal communication needs?
Answer: India’s postal network caters to personal communication needs by handling mail which is categorized as First Class Mail (cards, envelopes, etc., airlifted between stations) and Second Class Mail (book packets, registered newspapers, periodicals, etc., carried by surface mail covering land and water). The Indian postal network is rated as the largest in the world, boasting 1.5 lakh post offices in the country, with 89 per cent in rural areas and the remaining in urban areas.
59. Describe the six mail channel system introduced in big towns and cities of India.
Answer: The six mail channel system introduced in big towns and cities of India consists of 1. Rajdhani Channel, 2. Metro Channel, 3. Green Channel, 4. Business Channel, 5. Bulk Mail Channel, and 6. Periodical Channel. Special letter boxes have been set up at strategic places in those cities where this system exists, with mail collected in different boxes (each with a distinctive color) for the first three channels. Mail of the business, bulk mail, and periodical channels has to be booked at the concerned post offices.
60. How have courier services impacted the postal system?
Answer: Courier services have impacted the postal system by entering the field and offering quick service for the same facilities all over the world. This has provided an alternative to the traditional postal services, offering faster delivery times and often more reliable tracking of parcels and documents.
61. What is the significance of India’s telecom network on a global scale?
Answer: India’s telecom network’s significance on a global scale is highlighted by being ranked as the fifth largest in the world. India has about 37,565 telephone exchanges distributed throughout the country. Efforts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors are aimed at enhancing the telecommunication infrastructure, which reflects India’s strong position in the global telecommunication landscape.
62. How has the introduction of private companies affected India’s telecommunication system?
Answer: The introduction of private companies has affected India’s telecommunication system by causing prices to fall down due to competition, making calls across India among the cheapest in the world. Landlines today are facing stiff competition from mobile telephones, which forced landline services to improve. The telecommunication system in India was opened to private companies in the 1990s, leading to significant improvements in service quality and accessibility.
63. How does mass communication differ from personal communication?
Answer: Mass communication differs from personal communication in that it includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, books, and even films, communicating ideas, policies, and national issues directly to the masses. This helps in creating awareness among the people. Personal communication, on the other hand, involves direct communication between individuals, such as through postal services, and is handled by the Indian postal network with its vast array of post offices. Mass communication has a broader reach and is aimed at informing or entertaining a large audience simultaneously.
64. Why is Doordarshan significant in the context of Indian television?
Answer: Doordarshan is significant in the context of Indian television because it is the only government-owned entity allowed to broadcast terrestrial television signals. It broadcasts a wide range of programs, including educational, entertainment, and sports, designed for different age groups. Today, while a large number of private channels have started operating and have become very popular, Doordarshan remains an important platform for reaching diverse audiences across India, including regional areas where it is in great demand.
65. What role does All India Radio play in mass communication?
Answer: All India Radio, also known as Akashvani, plays a crucial role in mass communication by broadcasting programs in national, regional, and local languages for people across all regions and age groups. With 200 radio stations and some 327 transmitters, it serves as a very powerful mass medium. The introduction of FM (frequency modulation) radio stations by private companies has further expanded the radio broadcasting landscape in India.
66. How have FM radio stations impacted the radio broadcasting landscape in India?
Answer: FM radio stations, introduced by private companies, have significantly impacted the radio broadcasting landscape in India by diversifying the range of content available to listeners. This expansion has allowed for a wider variety of music, talk shows, and other forms of entertainment and information, making radio a more dynamic and engaging medium for the public.
67. Discuss the diversity and reach of newspapers in India.
Answer: The diversity and reach of newspapers in India are vast, with a large number of dailies and periodicals published in about 100 languages and dialects from various cities. This wide range of publications ensures that news and information are accessible to a broad spectrum of the Indian population, catering to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country.
68. How does the Indian film industry contribute to mass communication?
Answer: The Indian film industry contributes significantly to mass communication by being the hub of commercial films in Asia. It produces short films, video feature films, and video short films, with the Central Board of Film Certification serving as the authority that certifies both Indian and foreign films. This industry plays a key role in shaping culture, trends, and societal norms, reaching a wide audience both domestically and internationally.
69. What are the merits and demerits of road transportation in India?
Answer: The merits of road transportation in India include providing a link between railway stations, air, and sea ports; the ability to traverse regions of dissected and undulating relief; lower construction and maintenance costs; direct connection between fields and markets; and being ideal for transporting perishable goods over short or medium distances. The demerits include inadequate road networks, narrow National Highways, low and old bridges and culverts, unmetalled roads limiting use during monsoon, roads passing through congested cities, and lack of roadside amenities.
70. Why are transport and communication considered lifelines of a nation and its economy?
Answer: Transport and communication are considered the lifelines of a nation and its economy because they complement each other and modern means of transport and communication are the lifelines of our nation and its economy. Trade be it local, national or global depends largely upon a dense network of transport and communication system. The pace of development and economy is largely dependent on and speeded by these two components.
71. Compare the usefulness of road transport with rail transport in India.
Answer: Road transport is seen as increasingly important compared to rail transport because:
- Road transport provides a link between railway stations, air, and sea ports.
- Roads can traverse regions of dissected and undulating relief and negotiate steep slopes.
- Roads can be constructed at a much lower cost than railways.
- They directly connect fields with markets, factories with farms, and provide door-to-door service.
- They are best for transporting perishable goods over short or medium distances.
Rail transport, on the other hand, is significant because:
- The railways are regarded as the main artery of inland transport in India and are the principal mode of transport for freight and passengers.
- Large scale and long-distance movements of people and goods take place through the railways.
72. Define mass communication and list the different means of mass communication.
Answer: Mass communication is described as a way to communicate ideas, policies, and national issues directly to the masses. This helps in creating awareness among the people. The different means of mass communication include television, radio, newspapers, magazines, books, and even films.
73. How can the development of transport and communication be seen as making the world a global village?
Answer: The development of transport and communication makes the world a global village as it has shrunk distances and made the world a global village, facilitated by a fast and efficient transport and communication system.
What are the challenges faced by rail transport in terms of efficiency and revenue generation?
Answer: Challenges faced by rail transport include:
- Ticketless travellers: Many people travel without tickets. This causes loss of revenue.
- Thefts and damages: Anti-social elements often steal things such as bulbs, handles, etc. from trains and also damage other railway property.
- Chain-pulling: At times people pull the chain unnecessarily which leads to delay in trains. This causes inconvenience and loss of revenue.
74. Why is air transport preferred in inaccessible and remote areas, despite being the costliest mode of transport?
Answer: Air transport is preferred in inaccessible and remote areas because it provides the fastest means of transport and is also the most comfortable and prestigious mode of transportation. It is especially vital for inaccessible, remote, and hostile areas and during natural and man-made disasters where it plays a crucial role, making it the best option despite its cost.
