Geography | Transport and Communication (India – People and Economy)

Means of Transport:

Land Transport:

• Road Transport:
  • India has one of the largest road networks globally, with a total road length of 42.3 lakh km.
  • Road transport carries about 85% of passenger traffic and 70% of freight traffic annually.
  • Roads are classified into National Highways, State Highways, Major District Roads, and Rural Roads.
  • National Highways: Constructed and maintained by the central government, they connect state capitals, major cities, ports, and railway junctions.
  • State Highways: Connect state capitals with district headquarters and important towns.
  • District Roads: Connect district headquarters with other important nodes.
  • Rural Roads: Provide links in rural areas.
  • Border Roads: Strategically important roads constructed and maintained by the Border Road Organisation (BRO).
  • International Highways: Promote harmonious relationships with neighboring countries and provide effective connections.

Rail Transport:

• India has one of the longest railway networks in the world, facilitating the movement of freight and passengers.
• The Indian Railways network is 64,460 km long (as of March 2011), divided into 17 zones.
• Gauges in Indian Railways:
  • Broad Gauge: Distance between rails is 1.676 meters.
  • Metre Gauge: Distance between rails is 1 meter.
  • Narrow Gauge: Distance between rails is 0.762 meters or 0.610 meters.
• Steps taken to improve rail transport include converting metre and narrow gauges to broad gauge, replacing steam engines with diesel and electric engines, and introducing metro rail in cities like Kolkata and Delhi.

Water Transport:

• Water transport is a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport, classified into Inland Waterways and Oceanic Waterways.
• Inland Waterways: Includes rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways.
• Oceanic Routes: Play a significant role in international trade and transportation between islands and the mainland. India has a coastline of about 7,517 km, with 12 major and 185 minor ports.

Air Transportation:

• Air transport facilitates fast movement of goods and passengers over long distances and in areas with difficult terrain.
• The Airport Authority of India manages 126 airports, including 11 international airports.
• Air India: Provides international air services for both passengers and cargo.
• Indian Airlines: The largest state-owned domestic carrier, now known as “Indian.”
• Pawan Hans: Provides helicopter services in hilly areas and for tourism.

Oil and Gas Pipelines:

• Pipelines are a convenient means of transporting liquids and gases over long distances.
• Major pipelines include the Naharkatiya-Barauni pipeline, HVJ pipeline, and the Salaya-Mathura pipeline.

Communication Networks:

• Personal Communication Systems: Includes internet, e-mail, letters, telephone, and fax.
• Mass Communication Systems:
  • Radio: Started in 1923, now managed by All India Radio, broadcasting various programs related to information, education, and entertainment.
  • Television (TV): First broadcast in 1959, now managed by Doordarshan (DD), providing audio-visual dissemination of information.
  • Satellite Communication: Includes Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS) for telecommunication, meteorological observation, and data transmission.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Geography Chapter “Transport and Communication – India People and Economy”

1. Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the Golden Quadrilateral project on the Indian economy.
2. Research Project: Investigate the role of the Inland Waterways Authority in promoting water transport in India.
3. Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the advantages and disadvantages of air transport versus rail transport.
4. Chart Creation: Create a flowchart illustrating the different modes of transport and their significance in India.
5. Role Play: Conduct a mock planning meeting where students represent various stakeholders discussing strategies for improving transport and communication infrastructure.

Conclusion

The chapter “Transport and Communication – India People and Economy” provides a comprehensive understanding of the various modes of transport and communication systems in India. It highlights their significance, development, and impact on the country’s economy and society, emphasizing the need for efficient and sustainable transport and communication networks.