The process of moving goods from production sites to consumers is fundamental to our daily lives. Transportation enables the delivery of products like food, clothes, and household items from markets to homes. Similarly, communication involves the exchange of ideas and messages using various methods. Both transport and communication systems serve as essential pillars of modern society, facilitating the movement of physical goods and ideas.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of different transportation modes and their evolution.
- Grasp the significance of communication systems in modern life.
- Insight into the relationship between transport, communication, and economic development.
- Knowledge of key projects and infrastructures shaping India’s transportation system.
India boasts one of the world’s largest road networks, totaling approximately 56 lakh km. Roads are crucial for short-distance travel and carrying 85% of passenger traffic and 70% of freight traffic. India’s road transport system evolved significantly with the construction of metalled roads, beginning with the ancient Shahi road, later renamed Grand Trunk (GT) road, connecting key regions.
Important Note
National Highways Development Projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral and North-South and East-West Corridors aim to significantly reduce time and cost of travel between major cities.
Railways are the backbone of India’s freight and passenger transport. Indian Railways, established in 1853, is the largest government-operated railway system. It consists of broad gauge, meter gauge, and narrow gauge lines.
Important Note
The Konkan Railway, spanning 760 km, is an engineering marvel connecting Maharashtra to Karnataka. It includes Asia’s largest tunnel, crossing 146 rivers and 91 tunnels.
Once the primary mode of transportation, inland waterways now play a limited role in India. However, with 14,500 km of navigable waterways, India has five national waterways designed for cargo traffic:
India’s coastline of 7,517 km is dotted with 12 major and 185 minor ports. Oceanic routes handle 95% of the nation’s foreign trade by volume and are essential for connecting the country with international markets.
Air transport has become the fastest mode of transportation, reducing travel times across large distances. India’s air transport began in 1911 with a small route between Allahabad and Naini.
Pipelines offer an efficient way to transport liquids, gases, and even slurry over long distances. Key pipelines include:
The internet has transformed communication, offering direct access to information and facilitating e-commerce. It allows efficient and cost-effective personal communication.
Communication through mass media has evolved with advancements in technology:
| Mode of Transport | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Road Transport | Flexible, door-to-door, short distances | Traffic congestion, pollution |
| Rail Transport | Efficient for large volumes of goods and passengers | Requires heavy infrastructure |
| Waterways | Cheap, fuel-efficient, eco-friendly | Limited to navigable rivers, slow |
| Air Transport | Fast, covers long distances quickly | Expensive, limited cargo capacity |
| Pipelines | Continuous transport, low operational costs | High initial investment, limited to liquids |
Important Note
Bharatmala focuses on connecting underdeveloped regions and improving national integration through better road networks.MCQ
Question: Which of the following is a feature of Bharatmala project?
a) Construction of metro rails
b) National Waterways development
c) Road development in coastal areas
Answer: c) Road development in coastal areas
This compact yet detailed overview of India’s transport and communication systems highlights the significance of both in supporting economic growth and national integration. From ancient roadways to modern satellite communications, the infrastructure connecting India’s vast regions continues to evolve and meet the demands of a rapidly growing nation.