Learning Objectives:

At the end of the chapter, the students can:

• Define what is cruise tourism
• List the advantages of disadvantages of air transportation
• Discuss the significance of cruise industry and tourism
• List and describe the types of cruise
• Define Cruise Tour Package
Water-based transport is one of the most traditional and memorable ways for visitors to travel to
and from a destination. It is not only a way to travel but a tourism experience in of itself.
Cruise tourism has been a growing market sector around the world, not only as a means to travel
to a destination but as an experience.

Cruise Tourism
Cruise tourism can be defined as a luxurious form of travelling, involving an all-inclusive holiday
on a cruise ship of at least 48 hours, with a set and specific itinerary, in which the cruise ship
calls at several ports or cities.
The World Tourism Organization defines cruise tourism as "a wide range of activities for travelers
in addition to its traditional function of providing transport and accommodation.
Cruise tourism provides and offers food, beverage, accommodation, recreational, casino,
shopping, and other services to the tourist. It is like an informal industry which makes an
arrangement of various services i.e., cruise packages and combines these with air travel to
attract the potential customer.

It is characterized by the concentration of huge numbers of people in limited areas for brief
periods, thus multiplying negative impacts that may lead to destruction of natural and cultural
resources. The growth of cruise tourism requires different management solutions. They include:
 fostering holistic integrated actions involving international agencies, cruise line operators
and host communities;
 reducing the impact of cruise activities for safeguarding destinations;
 . raising the environmental awareness of passengers;
 sharing increasing profits more equably between cruise line operators and destination
communities
Cruise tourism was originally predominantly located within warmer climates, i.e. the
Mediterranean and the Caribbean. However, there is growing trends in colder climates. i.e.
Norway, and the Arctic.
For many, cruising has been perceived as an activity for the older generation. The Cruise Lines
International Association offered a report for the following profile of an average cruise passenger:
 Caucasian
 Average age of 46-year-old.
 Well-educated
 married.
 work full-time.
 Average household income of USD$90,000.
Significance of Cruise Industry for Tourism
Cruise tourism is BIG business. According to a report by the Cruise Lines International
Association, demand for cruising increased by 20.5% between 2011 to 2016. Global cruise
passengers reached 25.8 million in 2017, forecasting to reach 29.2 million in 2020.
Cruise tourism encompasses all faces of the tourism industry; accommodation, transportation,
hospitality and attractions. Cruising has become the fastest growing segment in the travel
industry across the world.
The tourism industry in many countries of the world has been profoundly helped by the cruise
sector to shape the tourism product and to satisfy the sophisticated travelers.
The relationship between the cruise industry and tourism industry is, therefore, a highly complex
subject involving a mixture of socio-economic factors, technological factors, market Pressures,
government policies, management attitude ad tourist expectations

Types of cruise
River cruise
Many destinations are popular for river cruising. River cruising is different from ocean cruising as
passengers are close to the shore and the focus of the cruise is more for sightseeing and
visionary landscape purpose. During river cruises, passengers tend to step offshore, and these
excursions are typically free of charge.
The facilities on board a river course is kept to a minimum and are restricted due to the smaller
size of the ship. Typically, cruise ships will hold no more than 100 to 200 passengers, whereas
ocean cruises can hold many thousands. River cruises mostly travel at night, reaching a new
place every day, meaning more time to visit different destinations. Scenery on a river cruise
changes more regularly, and ports of call tend to be the main attraction rather than the ship
itself, as it is on an ocean liner.
There is a river cruise along the Danube and the Rhine in Europe, the Yangtze in China, the
Chobe in Africa, the Lower Ganges in India, Alaska's inland waterways or the Mekong in Vietnam
and Cambodia, among others. Find out more in our guide to top cruising destinations.
Expedition cruise
Expedition cruising is smaller in its scale, offering niche experiences with shore landings via an
inflatable boat to access remote locations. The purpose of expedition cruising is to take part in a
comprehensive educational experience. Expedition cruises specialize in voyages that offer
nature/wildlife-based experiences in areas like Northern Europe, Alaska or the Arctic, for
example.
Mega cruise
Mega cruises are the biggest cruise ships yet, including cruise ships such as; Symphony of the
Seas and Norwegian Bliss. Mega ships are a new class of cruise vessel and focus on maximizing
capacity and onboard services. Some mega ships can hold more than 5,000 passengers. The
Oasis series built by Royal Caribbean International, Oasis, Allure, Harmony and Symphony of the
Seas can each hold around 6,700 people.
Yacht
Yacht cruising is particularly small in scale when we compare the form of cruising to luxury or
mega cruising. However, yacht cruising can be similar to luxury cruising in that it is a very
expensive form of cruise tourism and can have very high standards of service and facilities on
board. Yachts hold fewer passengers than other cruise vessels and usually a family or group of
people will hire the entire yacht and cruise the seas.
Luxury cruise
Many of the types of cruise can also be considered luxury cruises. Luxury cruises tend to half a
low staff to passenger ratio and a premium class of service throughout. It tends to utilize smaller
vessels, and may include such options as flexible itineraries, a personal butter, larger cabins,
more exotic destinations and they're more likely to be all-inclusive.

Categories of Cruise
The following classification is based on sales, marketing and working conditions of the cruises:
Volume Cruise
Volume cruises concentrate on volume turnover. That is why these are called mass market
cruises. 65 percent of all cruises are volume/mass market cruises. These cruises are very popular
in the Caribbean Sea, Asia Pacific and South East Asia.
In such cruises, accommodation and other services are comparable to the star hotel. Generally,
these cruises emphasized two things i.e. Turnover and short-term passenger itinerary.
Premium Cruises
Premium cruises are the second largest segment of cruise industry accounting for more than 40
percent of all cruise revenues. The duration of this cruise varies from one week to three months.
Due to this, these are known as upscale cruises. Their product and services are equivalent to its
class resort, and hotel. Royal cruise, Star Cruises, Princess Cruises, Panama Canal Cruises are
offering premium cruise service.
Luxury Cruises
Luxury cruises occupied a meager percentage of the cruise market. It may be due to its high-
quality product and services and it focuses on long-haul itineraries for exotic destinations.
These cruises are meant for elite people. The duration of itinerary may range from 6 months to
12 months. In spite of high prices, these cruises are more popular among the tourists and
honeymooners. Luxury cruises are operated by the Royal Caribbean cruises, Crystal Cruises, and
Star cruises etc.
Specialty Cruises
These cruises are launched to cater the demands of specific interest passengers, such as newly
married couple, whale watching, oceanography, scuba diving. The quality of products and
services is comparatively low as other cruises. The duration of these cruises is very less but
depending on the package. Presently, there is more than 150 cruise ship with 90, 000 cabins
world over. The largest cruise lines is Royal Caribbean cruises liner (RCCL) with nine ships and
have a capacity of 15,000 births.
Cruise Tour Package
A cruise tour package may be defined as a systematically planned return journey with
entertainment and recreational facilities on board, and shore excursion. In other words, the
cruise package is a pleasure an all-inclusive trip by boat or ship for specific days, to specific
days, to specific destinations, and with a set price.
Cruises packages may be designed and planned for an individual group, families, FITs (Free
Independent Travelers), business executives, honeymooners, and special interest tourists.

Cruise Tour Itinerary

A well-planned cruise tour itinerary identifies embarkation points, ports of calls, types of cabin,
cruise facilities, meal services, shore excursions, tipping, and other services. Gradually, the
cruise itinerary combined with air travel and land arrangement to make it more attractive and
effective.
A cruise planner keeps in mind the following facts while designing cruise itinerary:
• Name of the Cruise Sailing date Destinations
• Port of Termination Port of Embarkation Client choice client
budget
• Legal formalities

Types of Cruise Tour Itineraries

Cruise tour itineraries are broadly categorized in the following types:
 Short duration itineraries
 Medium-haul - Short and long duration itineraries (7 nights, 10 nights and above)
 Long haul - Medium duration itineraries (7 months)
 Transatlantic and Round the world itineraries (6 to 12 months)
 Cruise tour itineraries are not limited only to sea but river cruise itineraries can be
developed.
The main rivers of the cruise are Amazon, Mississippi, Yangtze Kiang, Hung He, Nile, and the
Rhine, etc.
Types of Cruise Itineraries based seasonality of demand
Cruise lines set itineraries to maximize customer satisfaction and revenues but must take into
consideration the seasonality of the demand. These fundamental market characteristics imply
that three main types of itineraries are used:
Perennial.
Concern markets are serviced year round because of stable demand and relatively
constant weather conditions (tropical and sub-tropical). The two most significant perennial
markets are the Caribbean (with Miami as the main turn port) and the Mediterranean (with
Barcelona as one of the main turn ports). Perennial markets can have seasonality implying
that although they are serviced through out the year, there have period of lower demand.

Seasonal. Ideally, cruise lines would prefer to only service perennial markets since this
would represent a close to optimal use of ship assets. However, like the tourism industry in
 general, seasonality is an important component of the demand for cruises implying that
some markets are going to be serviced for a few months, mostly during the summer. The
most important seasonal markets cover Baltic, Norwegian and Alaskan cruises that are
serviced during summer.
Repositioning. This mostly takes place between seasons when ship assets need to be
repositioned from seasonal to perennial itineraries (or vice-versa). For instance, during the
Summer several cruise ships are repositioned from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean,
while in the Fall the same ships will be repositioned back to the Caribbean.
Repositioning cruises are usually point-to-point between turn ports.

Big Cruise ship companies

Cunard
Cunard cruises have been operating for more than 175 years and they specialize in luxury
cruises with their famous White Star Service. This formal and traditional cruise company is
ideal for couple and the older generation.

Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean cruises are the leading cruise company for innovation. Offering
everything from surfing to Broad Way shows, the cruise line is popular amongst a wide
range of cruise tourists, including families, couples and solo travelers.

P&0 Cruises
This is the most popular cruise line in the UK. It appeals to a range of customer types
including families and couples. It offers traditional cruise products and services.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Another cruise line that is popular with UK cruise tourists, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an
American-style service onboard their ships. You can sail from the UK or book a fly cruise.

Princess Cruises
Princess cruises offer sailings around the world using a traditional, American-style cruise
approach. Princess cruises are popular the world over with couple, families and popular
cruise and premium travelers.

POPULAR CRUISE DESTINATION

Cruise tourism is often referred to as a 'marine resort and today, the cruise tourism market
1. Caribbean cruise
Caribbean cruises are a popular choice for cruise tourists as the weather in the Caribbean is
generally good all year round. Whilst the cruise tourism industry in the Caribbean is large, the
economic and environmental impacts are often center of discussion.
2. Mediterranean cruise
Similar to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean has always been a very popular cruise destination.
Particularly for its warm climate all year round.
3. Nile cruise
Nile has become a very popular destination for river cruising. Cruises vary in duration, most
commonly, cruises last 3 to 7 days but can also last up to 14 days. The Nile cruise has been
deemed as one of the world's best cruises.
4. Yangtze cruise
Being the world's third-longest river, almost one hundred cruise ships operate along the Yangtze.
5. Round the world cruise
Round the world cruises are literally around the world cruises. This style of cruise focuses on
travelling around the world out at sea. Round the world cruises is probably the most expensive
cruise and can cost up to anything from £9,000 upwards. Some of the most luxury round the
world cruises can cost up to £200,000 per person. They typically last around 90-120 days and
allows passengers to embark and disembark.

6. Arctic cruise
Arctic cruising as a form of "extinction tourism" wnere potential marker to a the Arctic to observe
the distinct wildlife or culture whilst they can. The potential market for Arctic cruising is for the
wealthy, adventure seekers, wishing to explore the natural wildlife and landscapes of remote
locations.

Types of Cruise Ships

A cruise ship is a passenger ship used for recreational and leisure voyages, in which the journey
itself and the onboard amenities, attractions, activities and entertainment options are integrant
part of the cruise experience.
The rapid growth and specialization process experienced by the cruise industry in the last
decades has also affected the design and general aesthetics, materials, size and overall onboard
functionalities, equipment and amenities of modern cruise ships and recreational vessels to
satisfy a clientele more and more numerous and sensitive to quality, who demands the most
diversified services with assurance of satisfaction and excellence, while providing solutions to the
growing concerns about the cruise industry's environmental impact on marine and coastal
communities and ecosystems.
Mainstream Cruise Ship
The most common and known type of cruise ship, marketed to suit the needs of the
majority of passengers, with all sorts of standard resort features.

Mega Cruise Ship

A mega cruise ships are able to accommodate more than 5,000 persons, and they
are currently the largest and more sophisticated vessels in the world.

Ocean Cruise Ship

Ocean cruise ships are built to the most exacting standards to withstand the harsh
conditions of ocean voyages in long and world cruises.

Luxury Cruise Ship

Luxury cruise ships are equipped with the most sophisticated and technologically
advanced nautical systems, high standard features and luxurious comforts.

Small Cruise Ship

Cruise ships with a capacity up to a few hundred passengers onboard, offering more
intimate and
relaxing experiences in less familiar destinations.

Adventure Cruise Ship

Adventure cruise ships are designed and equipped to provide services that include
visits of remote destinations, most commonly inaccessible to larger vessels.

Expedition Cruise Ship

Specially designed ships, or adapted research or icebreaker vessels, operated by
specialized companies to offer their customers an exclusive experience in remote
destinations.

River Cruise Ship

River cruise ships have a capacity for no more than a few hundred passengers, and
are specially designed to navigate rivers and inland waterways.
over the last decades, the modern cruise industry has responded to extensive
market and consumer research with the presentation of innovative naval design
concepts, new ship lengths, ever more exotic destinations around the globe, and
new on-board and on-shore activities and themes, developed to offer a vacation
alternative that satisfies the expectative of everyone.

Cruise Lines International Association

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry
trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and
Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines and travel agents in the
development of policy. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research, and
marketing communications.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the chapter, the students can:
• Define Land transportation
• List and describe types of ground transport
• List the advantages and disadvantages of rod and rail transport

LAND TRANSPORTATION
Land transport/Ground transport is the transport or movement of people, animals or goods from
one location to another location on land. The two main forms of land transport can be considered
to be rail transport and road transport.
Several systems of land transport have been devised, from the most basic system of humans
carrying things from place to sophisticated networks of ground-based transportation utilizing
different types of vehicles and infrastructure. The three types are human-powered, animal
powered and machine powered

Types of Ground Transport

• Cars
Cars, or automobiles, are the most common road vehicle in the developed world. The birth of the
modern car occurred in 1886, when German inventor Karl Benz patented the Benz Patent-
Motorwagen. Cars came into global use in the 20th century. They quickly become popular in the
US, with Western Europe and other parts of the world being slower on the uptake.

Cars are the most popular mode of ground transportation. Cars have benefits as wen as
problems; they provide mobility and independence to individuals, with convenience for transport
on-demand. However, they are the largest cause of injury-related deaths worldwide and they
require road maintenance, as well as being a large polluter.
• Buses
A bus is, essentially, a large car. They run in similar ways, but buses allow for many more
passengers. Horse-drawn buses were used in the 1800s followed by steam buses and electric
trolley buses. Motor buses, popular today, were introduced in the 1890s. They are used for
scheduled transport such as commuting to work or travelling between cities, which lowers
congestion levels. Private hire buses are available and used for tourism, school transport,
political campaigns and more.
• Trains
With rail being the other popular form of ground transportation, trains are incredibly important. A
train is a series of connected vehicles which travel along a track to transport people and/or
goods. There are various types of trains, from steam trains and high-speed electric railways.
Trains are again used for commuting and travelling to different towns or cities; there are also
trains used for tourist and entertainment purposes.
• Bicycles
Another mode of ground transportation is the bicycle. Human-powered traditionally (although
there are also motor-powered bikes of course), they are pedal-driven single-track vehicles. With
two wheels attached to a frame, bicycles are an easy and affordable way to travel over ground.
They are used for fitness and recreation as well as transport. Originally developed in the late
1800s, little has changed in terms of the shape and configuration of the bicycle.
• Trams
A somewhat mixture of a train and a bus, a tram is a rail vehicle which runs on tramway tracks
on public streets. Trams mostly use electric power, and are lighter and short than typical trains.
Used typically for public transport and often for tourists, they are a great form of ground
transportation. In the US, trams are typically called 'streetcars'.
The first ever tram was the Swansea and Mumbles Railway in Wales, UK - horse-drawn service
started in 1807. It was a one off, really, closing in 1827. The first street tramway in Britain was
built in Birkenhead in 1860.

Road Transportation
Road transport is an integral part of the tourism system. Road transport means transportation of
goods and personnel from one place to the other on roads. Road is a route between two
destinations, which has been either paved or worked on to enable transportation by way of
motorized and non-motorized carriages.
Up to the beginning of the twentieth century, tourists travelled almost exclusively by rail and
steamship. The invention of the new transport medium, travel by a private car and coach
received its first impetus in the ten years which preceded World War I.
The entire shape of the tourist industry was therefore transformed by the invention of this new
transport medium. The growth of the private car may be identified as a major cause of the
decline of the railways

The history of road transport

Throughout history, roads have existed. Earth tracks were created by humans carrying goods
from A to B, and where there was heavy traffic these tracks were more defined. These were, in
the most basic sense, roads'. As trade grew and animals became domesticated, these tracks
were widened to allow for animal traffic - horses, donkeys and oxen were used to carry goods.
Wheeled vehicles drawn by animals came into play in the 4th or 5th millennium BC. They were
likely invented and developed in the Ancient Near East at this time, spreading to Europe and
India soon after and followed by China a while later. This type of wheeled transport meant that
better roads were needed.
Later on, the Roman Empire needed better roads. In order for their army to travel quickly, they
required roads that weren't constantly muddy. They replaced the existing roads with better ones,
introducing the use of deep roadbeds. These were made of crushed stone and this underlying
layer meant that water could flow through when it rained rather than turning to mud and slowing
everybody down. Some of these roads are still used today
Importance of Road Transport

• The use of roads in transporting goods

The importance of road transport is significant when it comes to transporting goods.
Whether it's moving produce from farms to supermarkets, or delivering your latest Lazada order,
roads are incredibly important.
Fast food can be delivered via roads, and haulage companies use trucks to transport goods
between warehouses and shops. If there were no roads, and therefore nowhere for trucks and
vans to travel, it would take much longer for products to get from A to B.

• The use of roads in transporting people

Roads create a network that allows people to move freely between different areas. Those who
live in could-be secluded areas, such as farms or in the countryside, are able to access towns and
cities. This is important as it allows them to trade, work and enjoy entertainment.
Roads allow for inter-city travel. For example, you can travel by coach to and from different cities,
for cultural gain and also for leisure. For a staycation in your home country, it is likely that road
transport is use for this. And not forgetting road trips, which make for fantastic adventures
But even to travel further afield, roads are vitally important. To access train stations, ferry
terminals and airports, you must first travel by road. Roads ensure that people are not isolated
and, to an extent, have freedom of movement.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Road Transport

There are numerous advantages of road transport in comparison to other modes of transport:
Advantages:
1. Less Capital Outlay:
Road transport required much less capital Investment as compared to other modes of transport
such as railways and air transport. The cost of constructing, operating and maintaining roads is
cheaper than that of the railways. Roads are generally constructed by the government and local
authorities and only a small revenue is charged for the use of roads.
2. Door to Door Service:
The outstanding advantage of road transport is that it provides door to door or warehouse to
warehouse service. This reduces cartage, loading and unloading expenses.
3. Service in Rural Areas:
Road transport is most suited for carrying goods and people to and from rural areas which are
not served by rail, water or air transport. Exchange of goods, between large towns and small
villages is made possible only through road transport.
4. Flexible Service:
Road transport has a great advantage over other modes of transport for its flexible service, its
routes and timings can be adjusted and changed to individual requirements without much
inconvenience.
5. Suitable for Short Distance:
It is more economic and quicker for carrying goods and people over short distances.
Delays in transit of goods on account of intermediate loading and handling are avoided. Goods
can be loaded direct into a road vehicle and transported straight to their place of destination.

6. Lesser Risk of Damage in Transit:

As the intermediate loading and handling is avoided, there is lesser risk of damage, breakage
etc. of the goods in transit. Thus, road transport is most suited for transporting delicate goods
like chinaware and glassware, which are likely to be damaged in the process of loading and
unloading.
7. Saving in Packing Cost:
As compared to other modes of transport, the process of packing in motor transport is less
complicated. Goods transported by motor transport require less packing or no packing in several
cases.
g. Rapid Speed:
If the goods are to be sent immediately or quickly, motor transport is more suited than the
railways or water transport. Water transport is very slow. Also much time is wasted in booking
the goods and taking delivery of the goods in case of railway and water transport.
9. Less Cost:
Road transport not only requires less initial capital investment, the cost of operation and
maintenance is also comparatively less. Even if the rate charged by motor transport is a little
higher than that by the railways, the actual effective cost of transporting goods by motor
transport is less. The actual cost is less because the motor transport saves in packing costs and
the expenses of intermediate loading, unloading and handling charges.
10. Private Owned Vehicles:
Another advantage of road transport is that big businessmen can afford to have their own motor
vehicles and initiate their own road services to market their products without causing any delay.
11. Feeder to other Modes of Transport:
The movement of goods begins and ultimately ends by making use of roads. Road and motor
transport act as a feeder to the other modes of transport such as railways, ships and airways.

Disadvantages:
In spite of various merits, road / motor has some serious limitations:
1. Seasonal Nature:
Motor transport is not as reliable as rail transport. During rainy or flood season, roads become
unfit and unsafe for use.

2. Accidents and Breakdowns:

There are more chances of accidents and breakdowns in case of motor transport. Thus, motor
transport is not as safe as rail transport.
3. Unsuitable for Long Distance and Bulky Traffic:
This mode of transport is unsuitable and costly for transporting cheap and bulky goods over long
distances.
4. Slow Speed:
The speed of motor transport is comparatively slow and limited.
5. Lack of Organization:
The road transport is comparatively less organized. More often, it is irregular and undependable.
The rates charged for transportation are also unstable and unequal
Suitability Road Transport
The road transport is one of the most important means of transport and is indispensable to the
development of commerce and industry. All the movement of goods begins and ultimately ends
by making use of roads. Roads act as an important feeder to the other modes of transport such
as railways, ships and airway. The road transport is particularly suited:
1. For carrying goods which are very cheap, heavy or bulky;
2. For transporting goods of perishable nature such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, etc.;
3. For carrying goods and people over short distances;
4. For transporting delicate goods such as chinaware or glassware.
5. For forests, hilly and rural areas where the other modern modes of transport are not available.
RAIL TRANSPORTATION
Rail transport is also known as train transport. It is a means of transport, on vehicles which run
on tracks (rails or railroads). It is one of the most important, commonly used and very cost
effective modes of commuting and goods carriage over long, as well as, short distances. Since
this system runs on metal (usually steel) rails and wheels, it has an inherent benefit of lesser
frictional resistance which helps attach more load in terms of wagons or carriages. This system is
known as a train. Usually, trains are powered by an engine locomotive running on electricity or
on diesel. Rail transport is also one of the fastest modes of land transport.

Rail transport has emerged as one of the most dependable modes of transport in terms of safety.
Trains are fast and the least affected by usual weather turbulences like rain or fog, compared to
other transport mechanisms. Rail transport is better organized than any other medium of
transport. It has fixed routs and schedule. Its services are more certain, uniform and regular
compared to other modes of transport. Rail transport originated from human hauled contraptions
in ancient Greece. Now it has evolved into a modern, complex and sophisticated system used
both in urban and cross-country (and continent) networks over long distances.
The history of rail transport
Rail transport is a huge part of ground transportation. The history of rail transport goes back to
the 6th century BC, in Ancient Greece. It has continued to evolve until the present day.
Wooden railways continued to expand and evolve in Europe and later in America through the
1600s and the 1700s.
As steam engines were introduced in the 1700s, railways needed to change. The Coal brookdale
Company in the UK started to add cast iron plates to wooden rails, updating the railways in terms
of their durability and load-bearing ability. In the early 1800s, steam power was introduced.
Richard Trevithick built the first full-scale working steam locomotive in 1804 - rail transport was
constantly evolving and tracks had to be adapted to suit new technology. Steam engines started
in the UK but continued to be a major player in rail travel around the world for more than a
century.
Electric railways came into play later on in the 1800s, followed by diesel power in the early
1900s. Again these required the constant evolution of train tracks and just the way rail travel
was treated in general. Finally, high speed rail was introduced in 1964 with the Tokyo-Osaka
journey
in Japan.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Railway Transport

Advantages of Railway Transport
 Railways are well suited for carrying heavy and bulky goods over long distances.
 It can provide long distance travel throughout the day and night with unbroken services.
 It can provide better production and safety to the goods than motor transport. The goods
 generally carried in closed wagons are not exposed to sun, rain etc.
 Though initial investment is large, in the long run the operating expenses will be very low
in railways and it will prove a cheaper mode of transport.
 It requires less time than motor transport for carrying goods over long distance with
greater speed
 It has regular schedule of timing and is available throughout the year.
 It provides unaffected services whether rainy or shinny weather conditions.
 Rail transport provides epic scenery
Disadvantages of Railway Transport
 Railway rates are relatively higher than motor transport for transporting light weight
articles over short distance.
 It is inflexible, as it is operated to a particular track which cannot deviate from the set
routes.
 In rural areas, it cannot offer adequate traffic because of uneconomical operating cost.
 It requires heavy investment for installation of tracks and maintenance that increases its
fare on the users.
 If railways are not fully utilized and if wagons and coaches are to half empty to its
capacity, a heavy financial burden will be cast on the railway.