1.

Reasons to Explain Each of the Following

a. Roadways are the best for the distribution of milk and fresh flowers.
Roadways are ideal for transporting perishable goods like milk and flowers because they
allow for quick delivery over short to medium distances. They offer door-to-door service,
which reduces the time and handling involved in loading and unloading. Flexible scheduling
and the ability to reach rural and urban areas make road transport the most suitable option for
preserving the freshness and quality of these goods.

b. Coal and iron ore are best transported by rail.

Railways are the preferred mode of transport for coal and iron ore because they are designed
to handle large, heavy, and bulky goods over long distances. Railways are cost-effective and
efficient for transporting raw materials to industrial hubs. With dedicated freight corridors
and minimal environmental impact compared to roadways, railways are reliable and
economical for the mining sector.

c. Airways are the most preferred mode of transport in the corporate sector.
Airways provide the fastest mode of transportation, making them the most suitable for
corporate executives who often need to travel quickly for meetings, conferences, and events.
They connect major cities efficiently and save time, which is crucial in the business world.
The convenience of air travel, combined with advanced facilities and comfort, makes airways
the preferred choice for corporate travel.

d. In spite of being time-consuming, waterways are still a popular medium of

transportation.
Waterways are highly cost-effective for transporting bulky goods over long distances,
especially in international trade. They are environmentally friendly and use less fuel
compared to other modes of transport. Water transport can handle large volumes of goods,
such as oil, coal, and grains, making it indispensable despite being slower than road, rail, or
air transport.

e. An efficient network of transport lines forms the lifeline of a nation.

Transport networks connect people, industries, and markets, enabling the movement of goods
and services. They boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and facilitate
social and cultural exchange. Efficient transport lines reduce logistical costs, enhance
competitiveness, and ensure accessibility to remote areas, making them vital for national
development.

f. Rail networks are not well developed in the northern mountainous states of India.
The rugged terrain, steep slopes, and high construction costs make building rail networks in
the northern mountainous states challenging. Maintenance in these regions is difficult due to
landslides, snow, and other natural hazards. Additionally, the population density is relatively
low, making such projects economically less viable.

g. The northern plains have a dense network of transport lines.

The flat terrain of the northern plains facilitates the construction of roads and railways. The
region has high population density and economic activity, creating significant demand for
transport. The fertile land generates agricultural produce that requires efficient transportation
to markets, contributing to the dense network.
h. A good network of roads is required for the railways to work smoothly.
Roads provide the crucial last-mile connectivity needed to transport goods and passengers to
and from railway stations. They complement the rail network by linking remote areas that
trains cannot directly access. Without a well-connected road network, the efficiency of the
railways would be significantly hampered.

i. Water transport is relatively less developed in South India compared to North India.
South India has fewer navigable rivers, and many of them are seasonal or unsuitable for
large-scale transport. The region relies more on road and rail networks. In contrast, North
India has large rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, which are extensively used for inland
water transport.

j. Airports are built in cities and not in small villages.

Airports require substantial infrastructure, investment, and a consistent demand for air travel,
which are typically present in cities. Villages lack the passenger and freight traffic needed to
sustain airports. Additionally, airports serve as hubs for business, trade, and tourism, which
are concentrated in urban areas.

3. Three Disadvantages of Each Mode of Transportation

a. Roadways

1. Limited for Long Distances: Road transport becomes expensive and inefficient over long
distances compared to rail or air.
2. Prone to Traffic and Delays: Roads are often congested, leading to delays in delivery and
travel.
3. Environmental Impact: Vehicles emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases and consume
non-renewable fuels.

b. Railways

1. Lack of Flexibility: Railways follow fixed routes and schedules, making them less adaptable
to sudden changes or last-mile delivery.
2. High Initial Costs: Constructing and maintaining railway infrastructure is expensive, requiring
significant investment.
3. Overcrowding and Delays: Passenger trains are often overcrowded, and goods transport
may face delays due to shared infrastructure.

c. Airways

1. Expensive: Air travel is costly, both for passengers and freight, compared to other modes of
transport.
2. Weather Dependency: Flights are highly susceptible to delays or cancellations due to
adverse weather conditions.
3. Environmental Impact: Airplanes emit substantial greenhouse gases, making air transport
less sustainable.

d. Waterways
 1. Slow Speed: Water transport is significantly slower than road, rail, or air transport, which
can be a disadvantage for time-sensitive goods.
2. Seasonal Dependency: Waterways may be inaccessible during dry seasons or freeze in
colder climates, affecting reliability.
3. Limited Accessibility: Waterways are only viable where navigable rivers, seas, or canals
exist, limiting their scope.

4. Type of Transport for a Remote Village (30 km)

For a remote village 30 km away, roadways would be the most suitable option. Roads
provide flexibility and ensure door-to-door connectivity, which is essential for reaching
remote areas. Unlike railways or airways, which require specific terminals, roadways offer
the convenience of direct access to the village. Public or private vehicles can be used based
on the availability and urgency of travel.

5. Chief Functions of the Following Agencies

a. NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)

1. Develops, maintains, and manages the national highway network in India.

2. Ensures smooth traffic flow by constructing and upgrading highways and expressways.
3. Implements tolling systems and oversees the collection of revenue from toll roads.

b. NEAI (North East Aviation Initiative)

1. Promotes aviation connectivity in the North-Eastern states.

2. Facilitates infrastructure development for airports and airstrips in remote areas.
3. Encourages tourism and trade through improved air connectivity.

c. IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India)

1. Develops and maintains inland waterways for navigation and transportation.

2. Regulates shipping and trade through national waterways.
3. Promotes eco-friendly and economical transportation for bulk cargo.

6. Advantages of Railways Compared to Roadways

1. Economical for Bulk Transport: Railways are more cost-effective than roadways for
transporting heavy goods over long distances.
2. Energy-efficient: Trains consume less fuel per ton-kilometer, making rail transport more
sustainable.
3. High Capacity: Railways can handle a larger volume of goods and passengers in a single trip,
reducing overall costs and congestion.
7. Name the Following:

a. The port that was built to release pressure on the Kolkata port
Haldia Port

b. The largest port of India

Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva)

c. The most mechanised port of India

Paradip Port

d. A tidal port in the Rann of Kutch

Kandla Port

e. The port on the lagoon in Kerala

Kochi Port (Cochin Port)

f. A port on the west coast significant for iron-ore exports from India
Marmagao Port

g. The oldest artificial harbour in India

Chennai Port

h. The government-owned helicopter service in India

Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited

i. The river associated with National Waterway 2

Brahmaputra River

j. The deepest, landlocked port which is also a shipbuilding centre

Visakhapatnam Port

8. Factors That Affect Transportation by Water

1. Availability of Navigable Waterways: The presence of rivers, canals, or seas that are
navigable significantly impacts water transportation. Shallow or non-navigable routes
can limit its use.
2. Weather Conditions: Adverse weather such as cyclones, heavy rains, or droughts
can disrupt water transport routes, affecting reliability.
3. Infrastructure Development: The availability of ports, docks, and maintenance
facilities directly influences the efficiency and capacity of water transport.
4. Economic Feasibility: Waterways are cost-effective for heavy and bulky goods but
may not be viable for short distances or low-volume cargo.

9. Mode of Transport Ideal for Flood Evacuation in Uttarakhand

Airways would be the most ideal mode of transport for evacuation and relief measures during
a flood in Uttarakhand. Helicopters can access remote, flooded, or mountainous areas where
other modes of transport might fail. They are capable of delivering food, medicines, and
supplies quickly, and evacuating people from isolated or dangerous regions.

10. Rail Gauges in India

a. Discuss the Three Gauges in the Rail Transport System:

1. Broad Gauge: The most widely used gauge in India, ensuring faster speeds and
higher capacity.
2. Meter Gauge: Used in smaller towns or areas with lower passenger traffic.
3. Narrow Gauge: Predominantly used in hilly and remote areas due to its adaptability
to rugged terrain.

b. Distance Between Rails:

 Broad Gauge: 1.676 meters

 Meter Gauge: 1.000 meter
 Narrow Gauge: 0.762 meters or 0.610 meters

c. Areas with Predominance of Narrow Gauge:

Narrow gauge railways are primarily found in hilly regions such as the Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway in West Bengal and the Kalka-Shimla Railway in Himachal Pradesh.

11. National Waterways

a. Significance of National Waterways

National waterways promote eco-friendly and cost-effective transport of goods and
passengers. They reduce congestion on roads and rails, encourage trade, and enhance
connectivity to remote areas.

b. Longest National Waterway

National Waterway 1 (NW-1)

c. River and Terminal Points of NW-1

 River: Ganga
 Terminal Points: Allahabad (Prayagraj) to Haldia

12. Expressways vs. State Highways

a. Differences
 1. Expressways: High-speed, limited-access roads designed for long-distance travel
with controlled entry and exit points.
State Highways: Connect major cities and towns within a state and often link to
national highways.
2. Speed: Expressways allow higher speeds compared to state highways.
3. Usage: Expressways cater to inter-state travel, whereas state highways are mainly for
intra-state connectivity.

b. Two Important Expressways in India

1. Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
2. Yamuna Expressway

13. Golden Quadrilateral

a. Why It’s Called the Golden Quadrilateral

The Golden Quadrilateral connects four major metropolitan cities of India: Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, and Chennai. It forms a quadrilateral-shaped highway network across the country.

b. Importance for Economic Progress

1. Reduces travel time and facilitates smoother transportation of goods and people.
2. Promotes trade and industrial growth by connecting major economic hubs.
3. Boosts agriculture by ensuring faster movement of produce to markets.

14. Significance of the Following

a. National Highways
National highways form the backbone of India's transport network, connecting major cities
and ensuring economic growth by facilitating trade and travel.

b. National Waterway 2
Connects the Brahmaputra River, enhancing trade and connectivity in Assam and the
northeastern states, which are otherwise poorly connected by road or rail.

c. National Waterway 4
Links Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the Krishna-Godavari Delta, promoting trade and
reducing transportation costs in the southern region.

d. Helicopter Service
Enables quick access to remote and hilly regions, supports medical emergencies, disaster
relief, and corporate travel.

e. New Mangalore Port

Handles exports of iron ore and other goods, playing a vital role in trade from Karnataka to
international markets.
15. North-South and East-West Corridors

a. Extensions

 North-South Corridor: Srinagar to Kanyakumari

 East-West Corridor: Silchar to Porbandar

b. Which Is Longer and Why?

The North-South Corridor is longer because India’s geographical length exceeds its breadth,
spanning from the northernmost to the southernmost tips of the country.

c. Significance
Both corridors enhance connectivity between key economic zones, reduce travel time, and
support trade and infrastructure development, contributing to national integration and
economic growth.