Unit 2 Ch 7 : Lifelines of National Economy — Social Studies STD 10 — Question

India has one of the largest road networks in the world, aggregating to about 54.7 lakh km (2014-15 data). In India, roadways have preceded railways. They still have an edge over railways in view of the ease with which they can be built and maintained.Roadways are more important than railways due to the following reasons:

1. Cost of construction of roads is much lower than that of railway tracks.
2. Roads can pass through comparatively more dissected and undulating topography.
3. Road transport is economical in transportation of a few persons and relatively smaller quantity of goods over short distances.
4. It provides door to door services thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower.
5. It is used as feeder to other modes of transport. To reach any destination be it railway station, sea port or airport, one needs to travel through roads.
6. Apart from an important means of transport, the Indian railways have been a great integrating force for more than 150 years.
7. It is the prime mode of transportation for frieght and passengers in India.
8. Railways also make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like business sightseeing, pilgrimage along with transportation of goods over long distances.
9. Railways in India bind the country's economic life as well as accelerate the development of the industry and agriculture.