11.

TRANSPORT
M Meaning ofTransport: Transport means carriage of material, goods and people from one
place to another. The transport in simple words, means conveyance. The Transport era
started much in the 19th century. Due to
develop1nent in transport facilities, there has
been a boost in the industrial world.

Importance of Transport: Goods manufactured are required to be transported to the consumers

which means goods must go to the market. If the goods lie in the godown it is of no use. The
product must find the market, So our eccnomic life has advanced due to availability of transport
facilities. All the commercial activities will come to a standstill if there are no means of
transport.
If transport is efficient, there wil be
rapid industrialization and the nation will get economic
stability." A
Role of Transport: Transport plays an important role in the business world and the samme is
explained below:
1) Development of Commerce: Commercial activities are developed due to transport.
lasurance, banking and other services go a long way in development of commerce. For
production, raw materials are required to be brought and men are required to be taken to
places of work. This is all due to trensport facilities made available to trade.
2) Expansion of markets: When the goods are produced, they are required to be sent to the
consumers and this is done througha market.
Transport helps the producers to cover much
wider area of market places. Manufacturers are not
only covering inland markets but foreign
markets also.
3) Home for the produci: Transport is helpful in finding a good home for the product. it is
usefhil forcarrying the goods or cominodities from the places wbere they are
produced
profusely to the places where they are scarce. Transport thus finds a home or
product.
place for the
4) Stabilization of prices: Prices rèmain stable when the demand and supply position is
equated. When the market gets flooded with commodities, the prices come down but when
there is balance between demand and
supply, the prices get stabilized. Transport facilities
make the goods go to places of
scarcity and help stabilization of prices.
5) Mobility of labour and capital: Labour goes from one place to
another for seeking
employment. If transport facilities are arple, the movement of labour is
is need, technocrats, capital, technical know-how fast. Where there
can be transferred
exist and that too without delay. when transport facilities
6) Import-Export facilities: It is normal rule that the
a

exporis is product to other countries. Large scale country which produces abundantly
production brings down the prices. If
145
 transport facility exists, the import-export trade thrives.
7) Frice reduction: When there is keen competitlon, the prices get reduced. Transport
facilities make the markets flooded with commodities and automatically there is
reduction in prices.
) Incentive to industries: Industries flourish at places where Infrastructure facilities exist.
Transport is one of these facilties due to which raw materials, finished goods, labour are
transported. Industries look out for transport facilities at low cost and prefer that ptace,

Standard oflivingenhanccd: Due to transport facilities consumable goods are carried

to
9)
Hence*
places where there is demand. People get what they want. Local people get jobs.
standard of living of these people enhances.
necessities of life when ample transport
10) Social Welfareand Culturalexchange:People get
facilities exist. Various programmes, fashion shows, exhibitions, cultural programmes,
imbibe social culture in the society and all this leads to commercial harmony:
economic development because of opening of
11) Economic Derelopment; Country undergoes
trades.
w industries and avenues for different
ammunition, food becomes
National defence: In war time, movement of troops,
arms,
12)
necessary and for back-up activities transport arrangement helps.
A sometime hus to face with calamities like, hurricane,
13) Help innaturalcalamities: country of food grains, medicines,
such
cyclone, flood, earthquake,
and in situations transport
necessary. K
clothing ete. to affected areasis
OFTRANSPORT:
11.3 MEANS OFTRANSPORT/MODES
modes of transport:
The following are the

(1) Land Transport

(2) Water Transport
(3) Air Transport country, transport
is
exist. In our
facilities predominately
In the developed
transport
countries
Due to rise in prices of
of roads in the farther villages.
There is no network
not fully developed. lot.
and diesel, our transport
facilitiessulfer a
petrol
are described below:
The above modes of transport
1 LAND TRANSPORT: earth and it includes
the following
or the surface ofthe
use ground
It is a transport where you
ofgoods and people.
means:
animals were
used for transportation
olden days The animals used
PackApimals; good
In transportation.
activities and
1) useful for both agricultural
Animals were 146
 etc. Goods are packed tightly on the
were mainly horses, mules, bullocks, camels, donkeys are not good, these
to place. Even when roads
backothese animals and carried from place animals is that
roads. Only thing with these
animals an withstand the bad conditton ofthe
can walk on stony roads,
they move slowly but continuously for hours together. Donkers
Yak in hilly region and camel in deserts.
are driven by bullocks, hores and donkeys.
2) Yehiciesdriven by anmals: Carts and vehleles
This transport is popular in rural aresas.
scooters, cars, jeeps, tempos,
3) Motor Transport: This transport consists of auto-riksha, maintenance of roads. This
lorries, tankers, trucks ete. This transport requires good
transport can be made available at all times.
has a huge carrying capacity
4 Raiiways: It is the chiefand cheap mode of transport. Railway
for carrying their
of goods and passengers. Traders and manufacturers use this transport
goods. So business prospers.
Mumbai had the network of
5) Tramways: Trams are the ckeapest for transport of people.
tramways but the train was discontinued since 1968. The trams exist in Kolkata. It is the
poor man's transpurt.
Boaso

Railwayand Motor Transports are described in detail below o

2 0 ' &

A3
A3 A
A RAILWAYS: Railways carry goods and passengers at the mest reasonabie rates. So it is the
most important and popular mode oftransportItcan carry bulky goods even at far distances
It runs from station to station. So door-to- door delivery is not possible. Railway service is
uder Government control. 1t is used only for internal trade. Construction cost for providing
railway tracks, building stations, signaling system is heavy and the system requires reguiar
maintenance. There are different types of trains pássenger train, Mail or
express train,
local train, harbour train, goods train, Garib Rath etc.

Advantages of Railway Transport:

1. High Speed: Due to electrification and automation, trains run with high speed. We are
practically dispensing with trains run on coal. Transportation of goods and
quick. passengers is
2 Huge Carrying Capacity: Railway train has huge carrying capacity and carries
passengers. So it is beneficial to traders and manufacturers. goods and
3.
Regularity in Service: The railways run according to their time table and
are regular. The trains run under bad weather conditions. There therefore they
heavy rains. may be cyclone, flood or

Safety; Railway journey is safe.

under properly closed enclosures. Passengers
as well as
.delicate goods are carried
There is no direct safely
exposure to sun, rains, wind etc.
147
 cost of carrying
Long distancescoverage: Railway service is suitable for long distances,
bulk goodsis le_ser than other modes.
Useulin nationsIcalamities: Calamity may occur due to enemy attack, fnood, earthquake
etc. Movementof goods, defense forces is made at a rapid speed.
.Bconomical; The place occupied by railways is used both for goods trafT+ic and passenger
traffic. So it is economical. The fares are reasonable.

Rates uniform: Railway frejight and fares are

fized as per standard procedures by the
Government and therefore they are uniform threugh out our country.
9. Most dependable: Railway offers most dependable service. The railway network operates
regulsrly and continaously. So it is useful for passenger and goods services.

Disadvantages.of Raiiway Tanport:

Heavy capitalexpenditure: Capital expenditure on purchase of wagons, railways track,
engines, signalling equipment etc. is heavy and only the Government can atord to spend.

Heavy operationalexpenditure: Railway spends heavy expenditure on maintenance. The

railways have to appoínt operatioual staff and the expenditure is heavy. Sometimes the
raiiwey suffers losses due to inadequate traffic.
Rieidity: Railway working is rigid both in operational and construetion matters. Once
the tracks either metre gauge or broad gauge, are laid, you cannot change them easily aud
they are permanent.
Government Monopoly: Railway is owned by the Government and no private sector can
enter into this trade. Whatever services are offered, you have to accept them. Personal
touch is absent. There is lack of initiative. Red-tapism and delay in movement of papers
exists as in other Government departments,
Uneconomical in rural areas: There is no traffic in rural areas throughout the year. So it is
uneconomical to operate railway service in rural areas.
Underutilization: In off season, railway traffic is less. The railway can earn if the traffic is
through cut the year. Canvassing is absent. If ihere is no traffic, there will be loss.
7. InelTiciencey: Due to the staff not taking interest in the wark, modern machineries not being
utilized and modern techniques not practiced, the inefficiency crops up in railway
adninistration.
8. Internal mode of transport; Railway is an internal mode of transport and business limited
to inland trade takes place. Business with foreiga counties who cannot be joined by
railways,
cannot he carried eut.

9. Costly for short distances: It is a costly service to operate for short distances. Door-to-
door service cannot be given.
148
 10
Tussle between running staff and administrative staff: Running staff undergoes a lot of
difficulties while administrative
staffenjoys with chaired jobs and their status is not equated
with the administrative staff. This
phenomenon exists where Operations Departments are
there. AS
B)MOTOR
B) TRANSPORT: Motor transport is fast and next to rallay transport. It is useful
for carrying goods and passengers. This transport 1s available whenever you want. So it is
more advantageous than the railway transport. Motor transport business is in private sector,
but passenger transport has been nationalized and it is taken over
by State Transport (S.T.).
STbuses have reached interior parts
of the state and it is now a popular mode of transport
Motor transport has provided jobs to many
people. Garriage, petrol supply, driving classes,
repairs to vehicles, supplies of spare parts are some of the types of jobs. Due to construction
of highways and interconnecting road links, motor transport business is flourishing. There
is a lot of demand for motor transport from tourists.

Advantages Merits of Motor Transport:

) Door-to-door Service: Motor Transport provides door-to-door service to traders and
businessumen. Home delivery of goods is provided by road or motor transport. Goods are
collected from the centres of production and taken to the destination. This gives convenience
to the traders. This is perhaps the most
important reason of its popularity.
2) Less Expensive: Motor transport is less expensive or economical than the railways or air
transport. The capital and maintenance expenditure is less in the case of motor transport.
3) Suitable for Short Distances; When the distanceis small,motor transport proves to be
quicker and cheaper than the railway transport. The Perishable goods like vegetables,
fish, fruits, and flowers are generally sent by motor transport.
4) Access to remote places: The road once constructed can be used by any vehicle and so
motor transport can reach any remote parts of the
country where other means of transport
cannot reach easily and quickly.

5) Flexibility: Motor transport is a flexible means of transport as it can be used for any
purpose. It is flexible in respect of time, place etc. Vehicles can move at any time according
to the need.
6) Employmet pportunities; Motor transport provides employment opportunities to large
number of people in ditferent capacities like
cleaners, drivers, petrol dealers, mecharies,
hus conductors and drivers and so on. Motor also ereates
transport employment
opportunities in industrial and commerdal fields.
6) Safety: Motor transport is reasonably safe and secured if the roads are in good condition.
Accidents take place due to negligence, and human error. Tbe
possibility of loss due to
thefts and breakage is limited in the case of motor
transport.
149
 6)
Kerenue to Govenlment: Motor transport gives substantial revenue to the government in
the form of vehicle tax, road tax
and duty on fuel. It is a good, source of revenue to the
government.
5)
Limited Capital Expenditure: Cest of construction and maintenance of roads is lower than
railways.
7) Benefits of Ownership: Businessmen, industrialists can have their own vehicles such as
Cars, jeeps, vans, trucks, etc. so that
they can move quickly from one place to another and
also carry the goods faster.

Disadvantages/i imitation of Motor Transport:

1.
Less Reliable: Motor transport is less reliable because of breakdowns, road
delays due to road accidents, floods, heavy rainfall etc. This makes, the motorcongestion,
less transport
dependable. Motor Transport is not suitable and safe during the rainy season and
sometimes during winter when roads are
blocked by ice, snow and fog.
Less Dependable: Due to the absence of fixed schedule or time table, motor transport is
less dependable.
3.
3.
NoUniform Rates; Motor transportis usually managed by the private sector. The 'Transport
charges are not nniform. Frequent changes are also made in the rates.
Unsuitable for Long Distances: For carrying out -low value goods, motor transport is not
suitable because of high rates for carrying.
5 Limited Speed: The speed of motor car or lorry is kept low by law for public safety. Spced
is also
kept limited due to road accidents, rough roads and traffic congestion.
Limited Protection to Goods: Motor transport is unable to protect the goods against sun,
wind, rain etc. Proper covering may not be possible due to limitations.
Fear ofAccidents: Accidents are, found more in the case of motor transport. Accidents is a
common feature on highways

8. Limited Carrying Capacity: It has limited carrying capacity. It is not useful for carrying
ahnormal size goods.

. Unsuitable for Bulky Goods: Koad or motor transport is not suitable for carrying heavy
and bulky goods as every truck kas limited capacity to cary weight. Accidents are also
possible if the truck is over loaded or when bulky articles are selected for transportation.
10.
10. Pollution: It causes air polution due to flash off of dust particles in the air. Noise pollution
is also caused by motor transport. f
L WATER TRANSPORT:It is the oldest means of transport. It is also treated as a natural
means of transport because water, which is the gift of nature, is used as a medium for
A
to other of transport.
tronsportation. Water transport is economical as compared
means

150
(1) River Transport: In river transport, rivers are used for internal transportation of passengerss
and goods. Small boats and steamers are used for this purpose. Water must be available in
the rivers throughout the year for river transportation. This transport is cheap and
It is essential to keep adequate depth in the
convenient. the riversso that they will be available
throughout year for transportatíon.
(2) Canal Transport: Canals are the artifícial waterways specially constructed for navigation
and ifrigation. Thewell-known Suez Canal in Egypt is the finest example of the use of
canal for transportation. This type of transport is mainly usefui for inland
transportatian.
The features of river transport are also applicable to canal Like river transport
transport.
it is cheap and safe. 5
Merits/Advantages of Inland Water Transport:
1) Economica!: River and canal transport is cheap as the capital and maintenance expenditure
is limited. There is no need to have
huge organization for conducting inland water transport
It is in fact the gift of nature.

2) Safety: This transport is safe as rivers and canals are free from shaking and jolting. The
possibility of accidents is limited and the accidents are generaly not severe in nature.
3) Huge Carrying Capacity: The carrying capacity of ships is reasonably high. Heavy and
bulky goods can be trausported easily by water transport including ocean and river
transport. Bricks, oil, cement, tiaber, sand, coal etc. can be carried
easily and economically
through ships and small boats. The loading and unloading of goods is also
easy and
convenient. Water transport is used extensively for
transportation of goods in between
different countries.

151
 a u a l l g n w a Y : Rivers and oceans, canals provide natural hignway. Inererore cost o

operation is low.
) lexibility: In case of unfavourable weather conditions routes can be changed to avoid
inconvenience to passengers.

Limitations/Disadvantages of Inland Water Transport:

1 LimitedSpeed:The speed of boats and steamers is rather slow. The climatic factors also
affect the speed. The specd is extremely slow in the case of canal transport. Due to slow
speed this mode of transport is not convenient in the case of perishable goods or when the
goods are required to be transported quickly.
2. Irregular Service: Water transport is not regular like railways due to changing climatic
conditions. Even the rivers change their courses and createnew problems. During summer,
depth of water goes down while in rainy reason, floods are quite common. During winter,
water may get frozen. Ttese causes make water transpori unreliable and uncertain.

3. Restricted Coverage: Water transport can operate at places where rivers or canals are
available. The passengers have to travel by rail or by roadinorder to reach the jetties. It is
not possibl to provide door-to-door service.
4. Unsuitable for oversize Boats and Steamers: The channel of the riyer is not deep and
therefore large size boats cannot be operated in the rivers. Ab
OCEANTRÁNSPORT:
A Ocean transport means the transport through the open sea. It is the oldest means of
transport. Big passenger ships, cargo ships, tankers and tramps are used in ocean transport.
Ocean transport is usefiul for import-export trade. The major portion of international trade
is carried through ocean transport.
Ocean transport includes coastal shipping and overseas shipping. Coastal shipping is possible in
case of countries where borders touch the seashores. The coastal shipping is carried by big ships.
It is an economical means of transport. This.transport is generally restricted to national shipping
companies. Overseas shipping is the transportation between different countries carried through
liners, tramps and tankers. Ocean transport is useful in case of international trade. Ports provide
jetties and equipment for loading and urloading bulk cargo. Ports help in the movement of gonds
from one country to auother Ocean transport has brought the world closer. Jumbo vessels have
changed the face of international trade.

Advantages/Merits of Ocean Transport:

1) HugeCarrving Capaity: The ships used for the oceau transport are very huge and naturally
1)
have huge carrying capacity. A ship carriespassengers, bulk cargo,liquid cargo, containers
and cars. For transport of cars specials vesseis areconstructed.
152
 2.
Speed and Safety: Due to modern technology and
has becone very quick, reliable and manoeuvring equipment ocean transport
safe. The vessels can now face extreme
conditions. climatic
3.
Cheapness; Ocean transport is the cheapest mode of
transport in countries which are connected by sea. Oceantransport.
It is the best means of

nstural means of transport. transport is economical as it is a

3. Suitability: It is very suitable for carrying bulky goods over distances.
for transportation of ong It is convenient
goods in between different countries
4 Natural Highway: Oceans provide natural highways for transport.
5. Fexibility; In case of unfavourable climate, routes can be
to passengers and changed to avoid inconvenience
delay in transport.
6.
Ocean route: Oceans are very useful in carrying warships for navy.
Disadvantages/Demerits pfOcean Transport:
1) Huge Capital Expenditure: Ships used for ocean transport are very
investment is required for the construction of such costly. Huge capital
ships,
2) Internationalrestrictions: Like air transport; ocean transport has to face many international
restrietions. Ships of one country cannot enter into another
country without prior
permission. It is also not possible to take the services of harbours without the
ofconcerned country. permission
AF
LAIRTRANSPORT
Air
Transport is the quickest means of transport. Due to advancement of
science and
technology air transport has undergone tremendous changes, Air
feature of the 21 st. century. Air transport is all important
transport used for the
is
goods and mail. The use of aeroplane is also very common transportation passengers,
of

famines etc. It has brought the world closer and durirg the period of war, floods,
you go to any part of the world
can
within
a few hours. The most
important advantage of air transport is its speed. Present
rightly described as the space age or jet age. age is

AdvantagesMerits of Air Transport:

1) High Speed: Dae to its high speed, this mode of
circle.
transport has made wonders in the business
2) Suitable for LighValuable Articles: Air transport is particularly suitable for
valuables items from carrying
one place to another. You take no time to
formalities At present, due, to the introduction of complete as customs
articles like motor cars and tanks can be large sized, cargo planes, even bulky
transported quickly. Perishable goods 2nd
153
 medicines can be taken quickly to any place with
the help of air transport.
routes for
the most direct and shortest
3) Conomy in Time and Distance: Air
Transport, uses

transportation and thereby time and fuel are saved.

Transportissuitableduringemergency. During
4) Lonvenient during NaturalCalamities;Airservice is provided to victims
with the help of air
aCcdents, earthquakes, Doods etc, quick food to the troops and
the war time, air transport
is used for carrying
transport. During
to the armory
war planes are used for giving protection
5) MeansofTransport;Air transport is superiorto othermeans oftransport
Superiorto Qther is used; there is no construction
comfortable service. Since sky
due to its high speed and
cost of tracks.
excellent and comfortable service to
renders an
6) Comfortable Journey: Air transport
passengers. It provides various
amenities to passengers ænd
makes
thefrjourney enjoyable.
in service and it has to observe
7) Regular Service: Air transport maintains regularity
scheduled timings.
is the sky, no amount is to be incurred for its
8) Natural Hlighway: Since natural highway
construction and maintenance
damaged or spoiled while in transit are very
9) Safety toGoods: The chances of goods getting
less.

Disadvantages/emerits ofAir Transport:

1) Transportation; Air transport s a risky and dangerous
Riskin
means
oftransport. Accidents
are quite likely in the air or at the time of landing of the plane. Accidents are also possible
due to climatic factors. All air accidents are extremely severe. Thus journey by air transport
is not reliable ordependabie due to the new menace of hijacking of
is risky. Air transport
planes.
and
2 Limited Carrying Capacity: Air transport has limited capacity to carry passengers
But in general,
goods. Of course, the jumbo jets and big cargo planes carry huge luggage.
is
the carrying capacity is less as compared to railways and ships. Hlence, air transport
suitable for transporting light and costly goods and not for bulky and heavy goods.
3) High Costof Operation: The cost of operation and maintenance of air transport is very
high. The aeroplanes, fuel, maintenance of aerodromes etc., require large amount of capital.
The
Similarly, huge capital is required for construction and mai tenance of aerodromes.
This cost
present rising prices of petroleum products has made air transport very costly.
ofoperation is much more as compared to the other means of transport. Air journey is very
costly and only limited few are in a position to take advantage of air transport.
bulk goods.
4) Unsuitable for Bulky Goods: Air transport is net used for transporting
154
 restrictions affect the
the trensportation moie difficult and costly. Thus international
not allowed In the country and heavy penalty
progress of air transport. Certain goods are
is levied for disobeyance.
7) Unreliable; Air transport is also uncertain and unreliable. Flights are cancelled very often
due to unfavourable weather conditions. Cancellation of fights is common during rainy
season and winter due to heavy rainfall, snow, fog etc
8) Lacks Flexibility: Air transport provides service from one airport to the other. It lacks
leribility and the benefit of such flexibility is not provided to passengers. As a result, air
transport needs the support of other means of transport
9) Strict Security Check: Passengers have to undergo strict security check while coming out
or coming in. If you carry any banned article, the same will be taken out or if you carry
drugs you wil be jailed or you will get death penalty as perrules of the country.A8
QUESTIONS:
1. Explain the importance of transport
2. Explain the role of transpert
3. Explain various modes in land transport
4. State the advantages of rail
transport
5. Explain the advantages of water transport
6. State and explain the advantages
of Air Transport
7. Write short notes on:
(a) Motor Transport (b) : Role of
transport in industries
FC jeat 20maHS

155