14.

TRANSPORT

SHORT ANSWERS:

1. Name the types of roads used in India. Which agency is responsible for
maintenance of each category separately?

The types of roads used in India are as follows:

Roads Agency responsible for maintenance

National Highways National Highways Authority of India
State Highways State Public Works Department
District roads Zilla Parishad
Rural roads Gram Panchayats and National Rural
Infrastructure Development Agency
Border roads Border Road Organisation

2. What are National Highways?

1. National Highways are controlled, managed and maintained by the Central
government through the CPWD (Central Public Works Department).
2. These are main highways connecting major ports, state capitals, large industrial
and tourist centres of a country.

3. Name the organisation responsible for the development and maintenance

of national highways in India.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the
development and maintenance of national highways in India.

4. What is meant by NHAI? What is the major role played by this organisation?
NHAI means the National Highways Authority of India. It is responsible for the
development and maintenance of the roads

5. Name two major projects developed by NHAI.

The two major projects developed by NHAI are:
1. The Golden Quadrilateral connecting Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai by six-
lane super highways.
2. North-South-East-West Corridor connecting Srinagar in the north to
Kanyakumari in south and Silchar in east to Porbandar in the west.

6. What are Freeways? Give example.

Freeways are the highest class of controlled access highways and are designed
for high-speed vehicular traffic.
Eastern Freeway and Western Freeway.
7. What is an Expressway? Name two examples.
An Expressway is a six-lane controlled access road network where entrance and
exit is controlled by the use of slip roads, designed to provide smooth high-speed
movement without any on- road obstacles like traffic or speed breakers.
E.g., Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Yamuna expressway.

8. What is North South and East West corridor?

It is the second phase of National Highway connecting Srinagar in north to
Kanyakumari in south and Silchar in east to Porbandar in west.

9. What are State Highways?

The State Highways are constructed and maintained by the State Governments.
They join state capitals with district Headquarters and other important cities.

10. Name the scheme launched by Government of India in December 2000 to

provide connectivity to rural areas.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna. [PMGSY]

11. State the purpose of PMGSY.

PMSGY was launched by government of India to provide connectivity to rural
areas as a part of a poverty eradication measure.

12. Name the road built by the Mughal ruler Sher Shah Suri?
The Mughal ruler Sher Shah Suri built the famous Grand Trunk Road connecting
Kolkata to Peshawar to strengthen and consolidate his empire.

13. Name the National Highway 1 and 2.

1. The stretch of road between Delhi to Amritsar (Sher Shah Suri Marg) is referred
to as National Highway 1.
2. The stretch of road between Kolkata and Delhi is referred to as National Highway
2.

14. How roadways have helped people staying in backward areas?

Roadways enable transportation of people and goods, lead to diversification of
agricultural activities and boost rural as well as overall economic growth of the
country.

15. What is meant by a rail Gauge?

A rail gauge is the distance between the inner sides of the two parallel rails
that make up a single railway line.

16. Name the types of gauges of railways used in India. OR

What are the three railway gauges?
1. Broad gauge
2. Meter gauge
3. Narrow gauge
17. What are the two prerequisites of waterways to be navigable?
1. Waterways should have appropriate depth to allow the ships and boats to
navigate safely.
2. Waterways must also be free of barriers such as waterfalls and rapids.

18. What is a hinterland?

1. Hinterland refers to the area surrounding a port, over which the port exerts its
influence.
2. The hinterland provides the export products. It also supplies, raw materials to
the industries in the harbour area.
3. Roads, railways and other means of transport start from the port and spread out
to all parts of the hinterland. The larger the port the larger is the hinterland

19. Name the regulatory body looking after air transport in India. Write its
function.
The Airports Authority of India.
It is the nodal agency responsible for providing safe, efficient Air Traffic Services
and aeronautical communication services in the country.

20. Name the authority that provides helicopter services.

Name two areas where helicopter services may be used. OR
Write two primary objectives of providing helicopter services.
1. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. provides helicopter services.
Objective:
To provide helicopter support services to the oil sector in offshore exploration.
2. To operate in the hilly and inaccessible areas.

Name the Following:

1. Name the national waterway No.1
It comprises of Ganga river system connecting Kolkata to Allahabad. (more than
1620 kms)

2. An important inland waterway of north east India.

National waterway No. 2 on river Brahmaputra connecting Kolkata and Haldia
ports.

3. On which river and between which two places does the National Waterway
No.2 lie?
National Waterway No. 2 lies on Brahmaputra river and connects the North-East
region with Kolkata and Haldia ports through Bangladesh and Sunderbans
waterways.

4. Name the national waterway No.3

 It runs from Kollam to Kottapuram i.e the west coast canal and also comprises of
champakara canal and udyogamandal canal.

5. Name a tidal port of India.

Kandla port

6. Name a natural harbour on the west coast. / biggest port of India / referred
to as the ‘Gateway of India in the west’.
Mumbai port

7. Name the biggest ultra-modern sea port off Mumbai. / developed to lessen
the pressure on the Mumbai Port.
Jawaharlal Nehru port.

8. Name a port situated at the entrance of zuari estuary./ important port of

Goa and handles export of iron ore.
Marmagao port.

9. Located at the southern part of the coast of Karnataka.

New Mangalore port.

10. Name a port which handles the export of tea, coffee and spices.
Kochi port

11. Name a satellite port meant to decongest and improve the environment
quality. OR
A port recently developed to reduce the traffic at the Chennai Port
Ennor port

12. Name the oldest artificial harbour on the east coast of India.
Chennai Port - It is the second largest port in the terms of volume of traffic.

13. A port located on the coast of Tamil Nadu and has an artificial deep sea
harbour.
Tuticorin port

14. Name the deepest landlocked port of Andhra Pradesh.

Vishakhapatnam port

15. Name a port located on the coast of Odisha.

Paradip port

16. Name a riverine port on the bank of river Hugli.

Name the port that is also referred to as the “Gateway to Eastern India’
Kolkata port
17. Name a port located at the confluence of rivers Hugli and Haldia.
Haldia port.

18. Name a port on the east coast which is often hit by cyclones during the
months of October and November.
Chennai port or Vishakhapatnam port

19. Some of the Indian cities that have international airports.

New Delhi – Indira Gandhi International Airport
Kolkata – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
Chennai – Chennai International Airport
Mumbai – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

GIVE REASONS:
1. The Northern Plains has the highest density of roadways. OR
Why is road transport favoured in the northern plains of India?
The Northern Plains have the densest network of roads because:
1. The land is flat and soil is fertile. The agrarian economy is developed.
2. The density of population is high, which is associated with urbanisation and
industrialisation.

2. North India is better suited for railways and roadways.

North India is better suited for railways and roadways because north India has
level land with a gradual slope due to the presence of northern plains and it is
easier to build roads and lay railway tracks when the land is level and devoid of
hilly terrain or remote forested areas.

3. Roadways are more popular in North India than railways.

1. North India has rugged relief and remote forested areas that makes it difficult for
the construction of railways.
2. The density of population is high, which is associated with rapid development in
agriculture, industrialisation and urbanisation. Hence there is more demand for
roads.

4. The north India has less number of roads. OR

There is a lack of rail transport in northern India.
1. The rugged topography makes it difficult for the construction of roads./ railways
2. The backward economy also makes it difficult to meet the cost of construction of
roads / railways here.

5. Constructing roads in the North-eastern states is difficult. OR

The North -Eastern part of the country has the least density of roadways.OR
What are the disadvantages faced in constructing roads in the north-
eastern states?
1. North East India has rugged relief, large number of rivers which makes
construction of roads / railways difficult.
2. Presence of dense forest.
3. Backward economy of the region is also responsible for the lack of roads here.

6. Railways are not common in North East of India.

1. North East India has rugged topography, large number of rivers and frequent
floods makes construction of railways difficult.
2. Presence of dense forest. Therefore, it is difficult to lay railway lines.

7. The railways are not that well developed in the north eastern states
especially Assam and Bihar.
Due to the presence of many rivers which flood the region during the rainy
season it had necessitated the construction of bridges and railways are not that
well developed.

8. Railways are very few in the western states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The desert condition of Rajasthan and the swamps of the Rann of Kutch has
made it difficult to construct railways here.

9. Efforts are being taken today to convert the narrow gauges and the metre
gauges to broad gauge.
The existence of different gauges is not very convenient for passengers as they
have to change trains and goods too have to be transhipped to other trains.
Many single line tracks also cause great delay in transportation.

10. Narrow gauges are today confined to the hilly areas.

1. Construction of metre or broad gauge is difficult in the hilly region as it requires
more level land.
2. It is not flexible therefore cannot take too deep curves.

11. Railways help in accelerating the development of industry and agriculture.

Give reason.
Indian railway carries a huge variety of goods ranging from mineral ores,
fertilizers, agricultural produce, petrochemicals etc. Hence, railways help in
accelerating the development of industry and agriculture.

12. Railways bind the economic and cultural life of the country.

1. Indian railway carries a huge variety of goods ranging from mineral ores,
fertilizers, agricultural produce, petrochemicals etc. Hence, railways help in
accelerating the development of industry and agriculture and thereby bringing
the economic development of the country.
2. The railways bind the cultural life of the country as it brings people together
from the farthest corners of the country for conducting business, sightseeing,
pilgrimage, education etc.

13. Water transport is not as popular as land transport in India.

Water transport is limited to areas which have navigable water source. It is slow
and not well connected.

14. The Ganga is navigable from its mouth right upto Allahabad.
1. Ganga is a perennial river fed by monsoon rains in the rainy season and melting
of snow on the lofty mountains during dry season.
2. It is joined by many tributaries which increases the depth of water in Ganga,
which is more than 10 metres up to Allahabad.
3. The slope of the Ganga is gradual and the river bed is free from stones and silt.

15. The Peninsular rivers are not ideal for inland water transport. OR
Why are South Indian Rivers not ideal for the inland water transport?
The Peninsular rivers are not ideal for inland water transport because of the
following reasons-
1. These rivers are seasonal as they are rain-fed.
2. These rivers are comparatively shorter than the rivers of northern India.
3. These rivers are marked by a number of waterfalls.

16. Why Northern rivers are more suitable for inland navigation than the
Deccan rivers?
1. The Northern rivers are perennial in nature whereas Deccan rivers are seasonal.
2. The middle and lower courses of northern rivers are navigable for long distances
as they flow over gentle sloping lands. Most of the Deccan rivers are swift
flowing due to uneven land and are navigable only at lower course.

17. Waterways is the only means of transport especially during monsoon in the
north east states of India.
Waterways connect north eastern states of India during monsoon when they are
isolated from the rest of the country and at this time when roadways and
railways are not possible.

18. Mumbai is a harbour and a port.

1. Mumbai is a natural harbour as it is surrounded by land on most sides but has an
entrance point to the Arabian sea.
2. It is also a port as it has facilities for loading and unloading of cargo ships as well
as buildings and warehouses for storing goods and well-built transport system.

19. In spite of being the costliest means of transport, air transport is a popular
means of moving freight and passengers in the recent times. Give reason.
1. It is the fastest and comfortable mode of transport. It connects the far flung and
remote areas of the country.
2. The speed and ease with which aeroplanes can cross mountain barriers, sandy
deserts, large expanses of water, or forests make the air transport indispensable.

20. Nearly 70 percent of Indians do not use air transport.

Nearly 70 percent of Indians do not use air transport because air transport is
very costly as compared to roadways and railways, depends on weather
conditions and it has high freight rates.

21. Airways are quite useful during natural calamity.

Airways are quite useful during natural calamity because it can be used to air-lift
people from the affected areas and to air-drop food, medicines and other
necessary things to calamity affected people.

22. Air transport has been gaining popularity in the recent times.
The entry of private airlines and their various schemes have reduced the air
fares drastically.

23. A well-developed transport network is important for industrial progress.

A well-developed transport network is important for industrial progress because
it helps in connecting one part of the country with the other. It facilitates
movement of raw material, fuel, machinery etc., to the points of production and
finished goods to the points of marking and consumption. Thus, a well developed
transport network is essential for industrialisation and urbanisation.

LONG ANSWERS:

1. Transport is the backbone of a country’s economy. Give reason. OR

What is the significance of an efficient transport system? OR
State the importance of a good transport system to the economy of India.
1. Development of transportation networks helps in the movement of passengers
and goods from one place to another.
2. Transportation helps in the better utilisation of resources of the backward areas
by linking them to the more advanced areas.
3. It aids in the process of industrialisation and urbanisation.
4. It removes scarcity of goods during any crisis.
5. It helps in minimising the effects of natural disaster.

2. Give two reasons for the means of transport being called the lifelines of a
nation's economy.
1. Transportation helps in the better utilisation of resources of the backward areas
by linking them to the more advanced areas. It aids in the process of
industrialisation and urbanisation.
2. It removes scarcity of goods during any crisis and helps in minimising the effects
of natural disaster.

3. Roadways are always considered more important than any other means of
transportation. Give three reasons. OR
Explain the role of roads in the economic development of the country. OR
Advantages of Roadways.
1. Cost of construction, operation and maintenance of roads is much cheaper than
other means of transportation.
2. They can be constructed even in the areas of difficult terrain.
3. Roads offer door to door service thereby reducing the cost of loading and
unloading.
4. Road transport acts as a feeder to other modes of transport, such as railways,
airways and waterways.
5. It is convenient means of transportation over short distances and to carry
perishable goods.

4. Disadvantages of Roadways:
1. Roads are not properly maintained. Poor roads surfaces cause heavy loss in
wear and tear of vehicles.
2. There are multiple check post, toll tax and octroi duties collection points on
roads which bring down the speed of traffic, waste time and cause irritation to
commuters.
3. The use of roads depends on seasons. It is unfit and unsafe for use during rainy
season.
4. There are more chances of accidents and breakdowns in case of road transport.
It is not as safe as rail transport.
5. It is unsuitable for long distance and to carry bulky goods.
6. Vehicles have added to the increase in air pollution.

5. Roadways are an important means of transport in India. Give two reasons

to justify the statement.
1. Roads can be constructed even in the areas of rugged relief and remote forest.
2. Roadways enable transportation of people and goods, lead to diversification of
agricultural activities and boost rural as well as overall economic growth of the
country.

6. Why is road transport more useful than rail transport? Give two reasons.
OR What advantages roadways have over railways?

1. Roads can be constructed even in the areas of rugged relief and remote forest
where laying of railway lines is difficult.
2. Unlike railways, it provides door to door service.
3. It is convenient means of transportation over short distances and to carry
perishable goods.
7. Give three economic benefits of the Golden Quadrilateral Project.
The main economic benefits of the Golden Quadrilateral Project are:
1. This highway interconnects many major cities and ports.
2. It gives an impetus to truck transport throughout India.
3. It helps in the industrial growth of all small towns through which it passes.
4. It provides employment to large number of people.
5. Reduced travel time.

8. What are the steps taken by government to improve road transport?

1. The government is utilising latest technologies and improved management
techniques to provide hindrance free traffic movement.
2. Widening of roads, grade separation.
3. Construction of bypasses, bridges, rail-road crossing etc.

9. Write note on Border Roads.

1. The Border Road Organisation was set up in 1960 for strengthening defence,
construction and maintenance of roads along the northern and north-eastern
boundary of the country.
2. BRO also undertakes construction of airfields, bridges and snow clearance in
high altitude areas.

10. Name the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers and
write its advantages.
Railways is the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers.
Advantages:
1. Railways constitute one of the most efficient and cost-effective forms of
transportation.
2. Railways facilitate long distance travel and easy movement of bulky good and
perishable commodities to distant places.
3. They accelerate the industrialisation process of a country by easy transportation
of raw materials to production units and finished goods to the markets.
4. Passengers prefer to travel by train as comfortable berths are provided and
washroom facilities are available for overnight travel.
5. The railways act as an integrating force as it brings people together from the
farthest corners of the country for conducting business, sightseeing, pilgrimage,
education etc.

11. Disadvantages of railways. OR mention three problems faced by the Indian

railways.
1. Railway transport lacks flexibility, that is, routes and timings cannot be adjusted
to individual needs and preferences.
2. Train tracks cannot be laid in every region of the country like the hilly and
remote forested areas.
3. Trains cannot cross oceans. They are limited to land travel and cannot haul
products from one continent to another.

12. How is the Indian rail network one of the largest and busiest networks in
the world?
1. The Indian rail network is one of the largest and busiest networks in the world,
transporting over 18 million passengers and more than 2 million tonnes of
freight daily.
2. It is the world's largest employer, with more than 1.4 million employees. The
railways traverse the length and breadth of the country, covering 7,137 stations
over a total route length of more than 66,030 kilometres.

13. Give two ways in which rail transport is useful for the people of India.
1. Railways constitute one of the most efficient and cost-effective forms of
transportation.
2. They accelerate the industrialisation process of a country by easy transportation
of raw materials to production units and finished goods to the markets.
3. The railways act as an integrating force as it brings people together from the
farthest corners of the country for conducting business, sightseeing, pilgrimage,
education etc.

14. The railway is an important means of transport as compared to Airways.

State two reasons to support the statement. OR
Mention two reasons why more people use railways rather than airways.
OR
Why is Railways an important means of transport as compared to Airways?

1. Railways facilitate easy movement of bulky good and perishable commodities to

distant places. Airways carry small tonnage and has high freight charges.
2. It is cheaper than airways.
3. Airways connects only major cities whereas railways help in reaching far and
inaccessible areas and have brought villages closer to the cities.

15. Advantages of waterways.

1. It is the cheapest means of transport.
2. Waterways have a larger capacity for carrying heavy and bulky goods.
3. It is fuel efficient and eco- friendly mode of transport.
4. Capital investment is less in this mode of transport as its construction and
maintenance is less.
5. The risk of accidents and breakdowns is lesser as compared with other modes of
transport.

16. Disadvantages of waterways.

1. It depends on weather conditions.
2. It needs long travelling hours which causes sea sickness.
3. It is limited to areas where rivers are navigable and oceanic routes exist.

17. State two advantages and disadvantages of inland waterways.

Advantages:
1. Inland waterways connect north eastern states of India during monsoon when
they are isolated from the rest of the country and at this time when roadways
and railways are not possible.
2. It is fuel efficient and the cheapest means of transport.
Disadvantages:
1. It is very slow means of transport.
2. It is limited to areas where rivers are navigable.

18. The oceanic waterways or the coastal shipping has an important role to
play in the transport sector of India’s economy. OR
Explain the role of oceanic waterways in the transport sector of India’s
economy.
The Oceanic or the coastal shipping constitute an important role in the transport
sector of India’s economy as it –
1. Handles 95% of India’s foreign trade
2. It helps the country to earn more than 70% of foreign exchange

19. Mention one advantage of coastal shipping.

Coastal shipping handles 95% of India’s foreign trade and helps the country to
earn more than 70% of foreign exchange.

20. Why is inland waterways declining in its importance?

The importance of inland water ways has declined in the recent times. Give
reason.
Inland waterways are declining in importance because:
1. Diversion of water for irrigation purposes has also reduced the importance of
inland water transport.
2. The seasonal variation in the volume of water due to rains also effect the length
and navigability of the waterways.
3. Its movement is not fast like the roadways, railways or the airways.

21. Advantages of Air transport. OR

Give three reasons as to why Airways are becoming a popular means of
transport in modern India.

1. It is the fastest and comfortable mode of transport. It connects the far flung and
remote areas of the country.
2. The speed and ease with which aeroplanes can cross mountain barriers, sandy
deserts, large expanses of water, or forests make the air transport indispensable.
3. Air transport is of particular importance during natural calamities.
It is used to airlift people from the affected areas and to air-drop food, medicines
and other necessary things to calamity affected people.
22. Disadvantages of Air transport.
4. It is the costliest means of transport.
5. It depends on weather conditions. Flights are often cancelled and delayed due to
bad weather.
6. Air transport is run on petroleum which is a non-renewable source of energy.
7. Its carrying capacity is small and has high freight charges.
8. It requires a large amount of capital investment for the construction and
maintenance of aircraft and training of personnel. [Extra]

Give one disadvantage of air transport.

Why is it still a popular means of transportation in India? [Ans. Advantages
of air transport]

23. Mention how two different modes of transport can be used during natural
calamities.
1. Railways help in reducing sufferings during natural calamities by supplying
necessary goods, migrating people to safe places.
2. Air transport is used to air-lift people from the affected areas and to air-drop
food, medicines and other necessary things to calamity affected people.

24. What is the difference between a national highway and a state highway?

National highway State highway

National Highways are controlled,
managed and maintained by the
Central government through the
CPWD (Central Public Works
Department).
They link cities of different states.
State Highways are managed and
maintained by the State
government through the SPWD
(State Public Works Department).
They link between the cities within
the same state and the national
highways.

25. Differences between a National Highway and an Expressway.

National highway Expressway

National highways are two lane roads.
Speed breakers are provided to
control the speed of traffic.
Entry of all vehicles are permitted.
Express Highways are six lane or
eight lane cemented roads.
Absence of on-road obstacles like
traffic or speed breakers provide
smooth high speed movement of
vehicles.
Only four wheelers can ply on these
roads and two wheelers, three
wheelers and tractor vehicles not

Provisions for extra facilities like
CCTV, Motels, etc are absent.
Fencing is absent.
allowed.
Provisions is provided for petrol
pumps, motels, workshops, toilets,
first aid etc.
Complete fencing is provided to
restrict the crossing of animals
/humans.

26. Give two points of difference between Inland Waterways and Oceanic
Waterways.

Inland waterways Oceanic waterways

Inland waterways include rivers,
canals, backwaters and creeks which
are deep enough to allow the ships
and boats to navigate safely.
Domestic trade takes place through
inland waterways.
Oceanic waterways include transport
along the coast line.
Coastal and foreign trade usually
takes place through oceanic
waterways.

27. Give two points of difference between a Port and a Harbour.

Port
Ports are man-made commercial
places built along the coastline.
The main purpose of ports is loading
and unloading of cargo ships.
Harbour
Harbours are natural or created
places, connecting a piece of land with
a large waterbody, which serves as
ports.
Harbours are utilised mainly for
providing safe parking or anchorage
to ships.

Extra Questions:

1. Agra-Lucknow Expressway:
(i) This expressway helps to cut down the travel time between Agra and
Lucknow from 7 hours to 3.5 hours.
(ii) The six-lane expressway is expandable to 8-lanes.
(iii) It has automatic traffic management systems that helps reduce road
accidents.

2. Yamuna Expressway:
(i) It has reduced the travel time between Delhi and Agra to two hours.
(ii) It enables farmers in Western UP to move their agricultural, horticulture and
dairy products to major cities.
(iii) It has telephone booths and CCTV cameras installed at every 5 kms.
3. Mumbai - Pune Expressway:
(i) It is India’s first 6-lane high speed, tolled expressway which connects Mumbai
to Pune. It has reduced the travel time between both cities from 4 to 5 hours to 2
– 3 hours.
(ii) No two-wheelers, three-wheelers or tractors are allowed.
(iii) There is provision of petrol pumps, motels, workshops etc.

4. India’s first expressway – Ahmedabad-Vadodara expressway.

5. How many zones is the railway system divided in India?
The railway system has been divided into 17 zones.