CHAPTER

10 Transport and Communication

Introduction:
Transportation is defined as the process by which a person moves from one place to another. Example of a city bus transport.
An example of a cargo ship transport. Transportation means moving an object from one place to another.

1. Transport Methods

There are different ways of transporting people moving goods, goods, ideas, etc. from one place to another. The main routes are:

1. Land Transport:

Transport of people and goods by road transport is nothing new in India. Since ancient times, roads and paved roads have
been used for this purpose. With the advent of technology, there are now railroads, railroads, cable lanes, and pipelines.
2. Road Transport:
India has its share of countries with a network of highways
around the world. India has a road length of 42.3 lakhs km
which places it among the countries with a network of
highways. Road transport carries about 85% of passengers
and 70% of cargo traffic annually. Road transport is best for
short distances. The first attempt to improve and modernize
roads was in 1943 with the ‘Nagpur Plan.’ But due to a lack of
cooperation between the major regions and British India, it
was not implemented. A second attempt was made after
independence with the 20-year plan (1961) to improve road
conditions in India but roads continue to focus on urban and
surrounding areas and rural and remote areas remained
largely unpaved. For construction and maintenance purposes, roads are classified as National Roads (NH), Provincial Roads
(SH), Regional Roads and Rural Roads.

1. National Highways:

1. NH refers to roads that are built and maintained by the central government.
2. National Roads are designed for inter-provincial transport and men's movement for security and goods in strategic
areas.
3. In 2008-09, the length of the National Highways was 70934 km which was 19700 km in 1951.
4. These highways cover provinces, major cities, important ports, railways, etc. and carry ‘about 40% of road traffic’
despite covering only 1.67% of the total length of the road.
5. The National Highways Authority of India is an independent body, under the Department of Air Transport
responsible for developing, maintaining, operating and improving the quality of national highways.

2. National Roads Development Projects:

1. Golden Quadrilateral 5846 km 4/6 long, very narrow tunnel. It was intended to connect four major Indian cities to
Delhi-Mumbai-Chennai-Kolkata. It will draw the distance and travel costs between the major cities of India. Its
construction helps the ip reduce the distance and travel costs between the largest cities.
 2. North-South and east-west corridors the north-south corridor is a 4076 km long highway intended to connect
Srinagar to Jammu and Kashmir and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu including Kochchi-Salem Spur. The East-West
Corridor is a 3640 km long road that aims to connect Silchar in Assam with the port city of Porbandar in Gujarat.

3. State Highways:

These roads are connected to National Highways and include provincial officials and regional headquarters and other
key cities. Their share of the entire length of the road is about 4%.

4. Districts Roads:

These roads connect the regional headquarters with other important areas in the region. They account for 60.83% of
the country's total road length.

5. Rural Roads:

These roads connect rural areas. About 33.86% of all road lengths in India are classified as rural roads.
 Other Roads:
These include Border Roads and international highways:
6. Border Roads:
These are the most important roads along the North-North-
East border of the country. The Border Road Organization
(BRO) is responsible for the construction and maintenance
of these roads. It was established in May 1960 with the aim
of accelerating economic development and strengthening
the readiness to protect through the rapid and systematic
development of strategic border crossings.
The BRO's biggest success has been the construction of
roads in the highlands that include Chandigarh and Manali
(Himachal Pradesh) and Leh (Ladakh). This road is located
at an altitude of 1,470 feet above sea level. The length of the
border roads is 40450 km in 2005 built by BRO. Apart from the construction and maintenance of roads in the most
critical areas. The BRO also removes ice at higher elevations.

7. International Highways:

International Highways are designed to promote harmonious relations with neighboring countries and provide effective
communication with India.

2. Density of Road
1. The distribution of roads is not the same as the country. Road congestion (road length in area per 100 sq km) is a way of
comparing road networks from one area to another. The national average is 125.02 km (2008).
2. Road congestion is influenced by the environment, as well as the level of economic development. With many Northern
provinces and major Southern provinces having too many roads (e.g., Uttar Pradesh has too many roads of 532.27 km), the
Himalayan region, the North-Eastern region, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have smaller roads (e.g., Jammu and - Kashmir
has a very low road (10.04 km).
3. The quality of roads, without congestion, is also better in the plains compared to the highlands, rainforests and forests.

3. Rail Transport:
 1. India has the longest railway line in the world. On the one hand, it facilitates the movement of goods and passengers
and on the other hand, contributes to economic growth. Mahatma Gandhi said the I ndian railways, "brought together
people of different cultures to take part in the Indian liberation struggle".
2. In 1853, the first Indian railway from Bombay to Thane, a distance of 34 miles [34 km], was started.
3. As a major Government function in India, the Indian Railways network is 64460 km long (31th March, 2011).
4. To reduce the pressure of this major railway line from the central railway management system, the Indian Railway
system is divided into seventeen sections.

These are as follows:

Gauges on Indian Railways:

The Indian Railways is divided into three categories.

Based on the scope of the Indian railway track as follows:
1. Broad Gauge: In a wide gauge, the distance between rows is 1.676 meters. The length is 55188 km in 2011.
2. Meter Gauge: In meter gauge, the distance between rows is 1 meter. The length is 6809 km in 2011.
3. Narrow Gauge: In a narrow gauge, the distance between rows is 0.762 meters or 0.610 meters. The length was 2463 km in
2011. This section of railway lines is most common in hilly areas.

Indian Railways has taken significant steps to improve the efficiency of these modes of transport such as:
1. Turn the meter and small gauges into a wide gauge.
2. Steam engine replacements with diesel and electric engines that can help keep the environment clean.
3. Launch of the municipal railway line in Kolkata and Delhi, etc.
The development of railways in India was started by the British and after independence, the situation changed with the
expansion of railways in some areas. The Konkan railway line along the west coast which provides a direct line between Mumbai
and Mangalore has been a significant development in this regard.
The Konkan Railway is one of the key achievements of the Indian Railways built in 1998. It is a 760 km long railway line
connecting Roha from Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. It is considered an engineering miracle. Railway remains a major
means of transportation for many people. In the mountainous regions, the northeastern provinces, the central part of India and
Rajasthan, the railway network is not overcrowded.

4. Water Transport:

Water transport is the cheapest way to transport heavy and bulky goods and passenger supplies. It is a fuel-efficient and
eco-friendly mode of transportation. There are two types of water transport:
1. Inland Waterways
2. Oceanic Waterways

1. Inland Waterways:

Prior to the introduction of railroads, inland waterways were the main means of transportation. But, it is now losing its
value because of:
1. Competitive competition for road and rail transport.
2. The diversion of water for the river for irrigation made it impossible for them to navigate most of their studies.
India has 14500 km of waterways that cover about 1% of the country's transportation. Including rivers, canals, streams
etc. Currently 3700 km of major rivers can travel on small flat flat vessels, but only 2000 are in use. Similarly, of the
4800 km of the canal network, only 900 km can be navigated by machine ships.
The Inland Waterways Authority, established in 1986, oversees the development, maintenance and management of
national waterways in the country. Currently, there are three inland routes that are considered national water routes
by authorities. The descriptions of these channels are as follows:
2. National Waterways of India:
3. Oceanic Routes:

Other than inland waterways have been identified by inland waterways authorities. The backwaters (Kadal) of Kerala have
a special value that not only provides transport but also attracts tourists here. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Vallam
Kali) is also held in the backwaters.
1. These play an important role in the transport sector of the Indian economy.
2. India's 7,517 km long coastline (including islands) facilitates this type of transportation. There are 12 large ports and
185 smaller ports that provide infrastructure support to these routes.
3. About 95% of India's foreign trade by volume and 70% by sea travel.
4. These routes provide international trade services and provide transportation between islands and the country.
 5. Air Transport:

Air transport facilitates the speed of goods and passengers from one place to another. Suitable for long distances and areas with
uneven terrain and weather conditions. Air travel to India was started in 1911 with a short distance, (10 km) airmail operation
from Allahabad to Naini. The Airport Authority of India is responsible for the provision of safe, efficient air traffic and flight
communications services in the Indian Air region. It now manages 126 airports including 11 international airports, 86 domestic
and 29 air defences bases. There are two companies, Air India and Indian Airlines that control air transport in India. Both
companies were incorporated in 1953.
1. Air India:

It is an Indian company that provides International Air Service to both passengers and freight traffic. It connects all
continents of the world with its services.

2. Indian Airlines:

Indian Airlines, the country's largest domestic holding company changed its name to 'Indian by dropping' to 'Airlines' on
December 8th, 2005. The new brand name 'Indian' now appears on both sides of the fuselage. The IA logo that used to be
displayed on the orange tail is now being replaced by a new logo. The new logo is a blue wheel that looks different and is
inspired by the Sun Temple in Konark (Odisha), symbolizing timeless movement, merging and separation. It also represents
the strength and trust that has stood the test of time.
3. History of Indian Airlines:
1. 1911-Air Transport in India was introduced
between Allahabad and Naini.
2. 947-Air transport was provided to four major
companies namely Indian National Airways, Tata
Sons Limited, Air Services of India and Deccan
Airways.
3. 1951-Four more companies joined the services
namely Bharat Airways, Himalayan Aviation
Limited, Airways India and Kalinga Airlines.
4. 1953-Air Transport was nationalized and two
companies were established, Air India
international and Indian Airlines. Now, Indian Airlines is known as Indian.
5. Pawn Hans is the largest organization in India that provides helicopter services in hilly areas, tourism in the North-East
sector and especially in the petroleum and tourism sectors.

3. Oil and Gas Pipelines

Pipes are the simplest and best way to transport long-
distance liquids and gasses. These can also transport solids
after turning them into mud. Oil India Limited (OIL) is
responsible for the testing, production and transport of
crude oil and natural gas. One of its major achievements is
the construction of the first pipeline across the Asian
continent. The pipeline runs 1157 km from the Naharkatiya
oil field in Assam to the Barauni refinery in Bihar. In 1966,
the pipeline was expanded to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
In the West India region, OIL also built a large pipeline
network - Ankaleshwar-Koyali, Mumbai High-Koyal and
Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipelines. Recently, a
pipeline was constructed from Salaya (Gujarat) to Mathura
(Uttar Pradesh). 1256 km long pipeline transporting crude oil from Gujarat to Punjab (Jalandhar) via Mathura. Construction of
a 660-kilometer pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri is also underway.

4. Communication Networks

Many cum-transportation communication methods have been used since human history, e.g. messages are delivered by
hitting a hollow drum or tree trunks, giving a clue to smoke or fire or with the help of runners. Advances in the field of
science and technology have brought many technological innovations such as mail, telephone, printing press, telephone,
satellite, etc.
Based on scale and quality, the communication method can be divided into the following categories:
1. Personal Communication System:
1. The most advanced and effective methods for all social
networking systems are the most widely used internet in urban
areas.
2. E-mail is a major source where the user is able to communicate
directly with others and can access the world of information and
knowledge.
3. The use of the Internet is increasing the number of online
commerce and financial transactions.
4. The Internet is like a huge data warehouse, with detailed
information on a variety of things.
5. It is a cheap means of communication that provides effective access to information at relatively low cost.
6. Letters, telephone, fax are also used for personal contact.

2. Multi-Communication System Radio:

1. Radio broadcasting was started in 1923 by Bombay Radio
Club. In a short time, it gained great popularity and became
part of every home in India.
2. After realizing its popularity, the Indian government, in 1930
took control of this mode of communication under the Indian
Broadcasting System.
3. Converted to All India Radio in 1936 and Akash-Wani in 1957.
4. Disseminates various programs related to information,
education, entertainment and special issues of the special
session of parliament and the state legislature.

3. Television (TV):
1. Television (TV) has emerged as the most effective audio and
visual means for disseminating information and educating
more people.
2. The first television broadcast was launched in the National
Capital in 1959. Until 1972, it was the only urban area where
television equipment was available.
3. After 1972, many other institutions became operational. In
1976, TV broadcasting equipment was split by All India Radio
and acquired a separate patent as Doordarshan (DD).
4. Its transformation development began after the launch of
INSAT-IA (National Television –D1) when Common National
Programs (CNP) were launched across the network and its
resources spread to the back and remote rural areas.

4. Satellite communications:
Satellite is an improved communication
method. They also control the use of other
means of communication. From an economic
and strategic point of view, satellite use is
very important in the country as this
provides a continuous vision and a large
area. Various tasks can be performed with
satellite imagery, e.g. weather, natural
disaster monitoring, border monitoring, etc.
There are two satellite systems in India on
the basis of configuration and objectives:
 5. Indian National Satellite System (INSAT)

This was established in 1983. It is a multi-purpose satellite system for telecommunications, weather monitoring and other
information and systems.

6. Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS)

The IRS satellite system launched in India with the launch of the IRS-IA in March 1988 from Vaikanor in Russia. India rebuilt
its own native car that introduced the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). These remote sensing satellites collect data
from several spectral bands and transmit them to substations which is very useful for natural resource management and
various other purposes. The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in Hyderabad is responsible for facilitating data
acquisition and processing.

Questions For Practice

1. Which channels are connected to 4. How many railway stations are (a) 14,000 km (b) 14,200 km
the North and South tunnel? there in India? (c) 14,300 km (d) 14,500 km
(a) Srinagar – Kanyakumari (a) 9 (b) 12 8. When was the first pipeline built in
(b) Delhi - Chennai (c) 14 (d) 17 India?
(c) Jaipur - Salem 5. What is the situation with the (a) 1957 (b) 1958
(d) Patna - Coach highest roads in India? (c) 1959 (d) 1960
2. When did the first railway line in (a) Punjab (b) Kerala 9. Which river and which is between
India begin? (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Karnataka the two areas National Water-Way
(a) 1833 (b) 1843 6. What is the length of the Golden No. 1?
(c) 1853 (d) 1863 Quadrilateral highway? (a) Brahmaputra, Sadiya-Dhubri
3. What is the role of National (a) 3,846 km (b) 4,846 km (b) Ganga, Haldia-Allahabad
Highways inroads of India? (c) 5,846 km (d) 6,846 km (c) West Coast Canal, Kottapuram
(a) 1% (b) 2% 7. What is the length of the inland to Kollam
(c) 3% (d) 4% roads in India? (d) None of these
10. How many zones is the Indian (c) Jaipur (d) Bengaluru Broadcasting System changed to All
Railways system divided into? 17. In how many zones has the Indian India Radio?
(a) 9 (b) 12 Railways system been divided? (a) 1920 (b) 1930
(c) 16 (d) 14 (a) 9 (b) 12 (c) 1936 (d) 1956
11. What is the length of the Golden (c) 16 (d) 14 25. When was the first Railway run in
Quadrilateral highway? 18. In which year was the Inland India?
(a) 3,846 km (b) 4,846 km Waterways Authority set up? (a) 1833 (b) 1843
(c) 5,846 km (d) 6,846 km (a) 1880 (b) 1986 (c) 1853 (d) 1863
12. Which body started radio (c) 1996 (d) 2006 26. In which year was the National
broadcasting in India in 1923? 19. In which of the following year, the Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
(a) Doordarshan first radio programme was operationalised?
(b) Radio Club of Bombay broadcast? (a) 1880 (b) 1885
(c) Indian Broadcasting System (a) 1911 (b) 1936 (c) 1990 (d) 1995
(d) Common National Programme (c) 1927 (d) 1923 27. Which stations are joined by the
13. How many Rail zones are there in 20. What is the length of India’s North-South corridor?
India? coastline, including islands? (a) Srinagar – Kanyakumari
(a) 9 (b) 12 (a) 7000 km (b) 7500 km (b) Delhi – Chennai
(c) 14 (d) 17 (c) 7501 km (d) 7517 km (c) Jaipur – Salem
14. Which of the following is not the (d) Patna – Kochi
21. When did air transport in India
purpose of the INSAT? make a beginning? 28. Which of the following rulers built
(a) Telecommunication (a) 1911 (b) 1900 the Grand Trunk Road?
(b) Meteorological (c) 1929 (d) 1919 (a) Humayun (b) Shah Jahan
(c) Observation for various data (c) Sher Shah Suri (d) Akbar
and programme 22. Which element is not sent through
communication? 29. Which is the longest National
(d) All of these Highway in India?
(a) Views (b) Ideas
15. What is the length of the broad- (c) Messages (d) Passengers (a) NH-1 (b) NH-7
gauge railway? (c) NH-5 (d) NH-3
(a) 1.5 metres (b) 1.6 metres 23. What is the length of inland
waterways in India? 30. What is the length of India’s
(c) 1.7 metres (d) 1.8 metres coastline, including islands?
(a) 14,000 km (b) 14,200 km
16. Where is the National Remote (c) 14,300 km (d) 14,500 km (a) 7000 km (b) 7500 km
Sensing Centre located? (c) 7501 km (d) 7517 km
(a) Hyderabad (b) Pune 24. In which year was the Indian

Solutions
1. (a) 4. (d) 7. (d) 10. (c) 13. (d) 16. (a) 19. (d) 22. (d) 25. (c) 28. (c)
2. (c) 5. (b) 8. (c) 11. (c) 14. (d) 17. (c) 20. (d) 23. (d) 26. (d) 29. (b)
3. (d) 6. (c) 9. (b) 12. (b) 15. (b) 18. (b) 21. (a) 24. (c) 27. (a) 30. (d)