What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of transports in India?

Answer 1

Lesson 10

Transport

We use various products in our daily life. But do we know where are they produced? Many

of them are produced at different places far away from our locality. So how do we get them

at our place? These are carried on from all those places through rail, road or air and are

made available to us at our locality. You must have seen trucks, tempo, bullock carts etc.,

which carry products or even raw materials from one place to another. Similarly, you also

must have seen people traveling from one place to another by buses, trains, cars, scooters,

rickshaws, cycles, etc.

This movement of goods and individuals is very important in business. Because of this, raw

materials reach the place of manufacture, finished products reach the place of sale or

consumption, individuals move around to manage the business, etc. In this lesson, let us

learn how goods and passengers move from one place to another.

10.1 Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:

! state the meaning of transport;

! recognise the importance of transport;

! identify the various modes of transport; and

! describe the advantages and limitations of different modes of transport.

10.2 Meaning of Transport

Transport refers to the activity that facilitates physical movement of goods as well as

individuals from one place to another. In business, it is considered as an auxiliary to trade,

that means, it supports trade and industry in carrying raw materials to the place of production

and distributing finished products for consumption. Individuals or business firms that engage

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themselves in such activities are called transporters. Generally, transporters carry raw material,

finished products, passangers, etc. from one place to another. So it removes the distance

barrier. Now-a-days goods produced at one place are readily available at distant places.

People move freely throughout the world because of transport. It is associated with every

step of our life. Without transport, we, as well as business units cannot move a singe step.

Let us discuss its importance.

10.3 Importance of Transport

Followings are the points of importance of transport.

a. Makes available raw materials to manufacturers or producers: Transport makes

it possible to carry raw materials from places where they are available, to places

where they can be processed and assembled into finished goods.

b. Makes available goods to customers: Transport makes possible movement of

goods from one place to another with great ease and speed. Thus, consumers

spread in different parts of the country have the benefit of consuming goods

produced at distant places.

c. Enhances standard of living: Easy means of transport facilitates large-scale

production at low costs. It gives consumers the choice to make use of different quantities

of goods at different prices. So it raises the standard of living of the people.

d. Helps during emergencies and natural calamities: In times of national crisis, due

to war or internal disturbance, transport helps in quick movement of troops and the

supplies needed in the operation.

e. Helps in creation of employment: Transport provides employment opportunity to

individuals as drivers, conductors, pilots, cabin crew, captain of the ship, etc. who are

directly engaged in transport business. It also provides employment to people indirectly

in the industries producing various means of transport and other transport equipments.

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People can also provide repairing and maintenance services by opening service centres

at convenient locations.

f. Helps in labour mobility: Transport helps a lot in providing mobility to workers.

You may be aware that people from our country go to foreign countries to work

in different industries and factories. Foreigners also come India to work. In India,

people also move from one part to another in search of work. Similarly, it is not

always possible to have workers near the factory. Most industries have their own

transport system to bring the workers from where they reside to the place of work.

g. Helps in bringing nations together: Transport facilitates movement of people from

one country to another. It helps in exchange of cultures, views and practices between

the people of different countries. This brings about greater understanding among people

and awareness about different countries. Thus, it helps to promote a feeling of

international brotherhood.

Intext Questions 10.1

I. State which of the following statements are true and which are false.

a. In business, transport is considered as an auxiliary to trade.

b. Transport does not help in raising standard of living of the people.

c. Exchange of culture between nations becomes possible because of transport.

d. Transport does not create any employment opportunity.

e. Mobility of labour is facilitated by transport.

10.4 Modes of Transport

We find that basically transport is possible through land, air or water, which are called

the different modes of transport. On land we use trucks, tractors, etc., to carry goods; train,

bus, cars etc. to carry passengers. In air, we find aeroplanes, helicopters to carry passengers

as well as goods. Similarly in water we find ships, steamers, etc., to carry goods and

passengers. All these are known as various means of transport.

Let us discuss about various modes of transport.

The modes of transport can be broadly divided into three categories: Land transport, Water

transport and Air transport.

(I) Land Transport:

Land transport refers to activities of physical movement of goods and passengers on land.

This movement takes place on road, rail, rope or pipe. So land transport may further be

divided into Road transport, Rail transport, Ropeway transport, pipeline transport. Let us

know the details about each of them.

Modes of

transport

i. Land

ii. Water

iii. Air

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a. Road Transport

Roads are the means that connect one place to another on the surface of the land. You must

have seen roads in your village, in towns and cities. Not all of them look alike. Some of them

are made of sand and some may be of chips and cement or coaltar. You find different

vehicles plying on roads like bullock carts, cycles, motorcycles, cars, truck, buses, etc. All

of these constitute different means of road transport. The means of road transport may be

divided into three types: -

i. Man driven;

ii. Animal driven; and

iii. Motor driven.

You might have seen individuals carrying goods on their head or back, in bicycles or on

thelas, move from one place to other. People also ride a bicycle or use rickshaw to travel

short distances. We also find animal driven vehicles like carts (drawn by bullocks, camels,

horses, donkeys, etc.) used in rural areas to carry crops, straw, fodder and sometimes even

people. Sometimes even animals are directly used to carry goods from one place to another.

In areas, which are normally covered with snow throughout the year, we find sledges pulled

by dogs used to carry both passengers and goods.

Compared with man driven and animal-driven means of road transport, motor driven means

of transport have become more important over the years. This is due to their speedy

movement and larger carrying capacity. Extension of roads to every corner of the country

have also enhanced the use of motor driven transport. The types of motor vehicles used to

carry goods and passengers include auto-rickshaws, scooters, vans, buses, tempos and

trucks, etc. In Kolkata, tramway also forms part of road transport for carrying passengers.

Advantages of Road transport

Road transport has the following advantages.

(i) It is a relatively cheaper mode of transport as compared to other modes.

(ii) Perishable goods can be transported at a faster speed by road carriers over a short

distance.

(iii) It is a flexible mode of transport as loading and unloading is possible at any

destination. It provides door-to-door service.

(iv) It helps people to travel and carry goods from one place to another, in places

which are not connected by other means of transport like hilly areas.

Limitations of Road transport

It has the following limitations.

(i) Due to limited carrying capacity road transport is not economical for long distance

transportation of goods.

(ii) Transportation of heavy goods or goods in bulk by road involves high cost.

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(iii) It is affected by adverse weather conditions. Floods, rain, landslide, etc., sometimes

create obstructions to road transport.

b. Rail transport

Transportation of goods and passengers on rail lines through trains is called rail transport. It

occupies an important place in land transport system of our country and is the most dependable

mode of transport to carry goods and passengers over a long distance. Besides long distance,

local transport of passengers is also provided by local trains or metro-rail in some metropolitan

cities. Rail transport is available throughout the country except some hilly or mountainous

regions. In India two types of trains are found. One is passenger train and other is goods

train. While passenger trains carry both human beings and a limited quantity of goods, the

goods trains are exclusively used for carrying goods from one place to another. These trains

are driven by rail engines and they use steam, diesel or electric power to move. Let us now

discuss the advantages and limitations of rail transport.

Advantages of Rail transport

(i) It is a convenient mode of transport for travlling long distances.

(ii) It is relatively faster than road transport.

(iii) It is suitable for carrying heavy goods in large quantities over long distances.

(iv) Its operation is less affected by adverse weathers conditions like rain, floods, fog, etc.

Limitations of Railway transport

(i) It is relatively expensive for carrying goods and passengers over short distances.

(ii) It is not available in remote parts of the country.

(iii) It provides service according to fixed time schedule and is not flexible for loading or

unloading of goods at any place.

(iv) It involves heavy losses of life as well as goods in case of accident.

c. Pipelines transport

In modern times, pipelines are used for various purposes. Water supply to residential and

commercial areas is carried on with the help of pipeline. Petroleum and natural gas are also

transported from one place to another through pipelines. This is the most convenient as well

as economical mode of transport for petroleum as well as natural gas in comparison to road

and rail transport, provided the volume to be transported is large. But the cost of installation

and maintenance requires large capital investment.

d. Ropeway transport

Ropeway refers to a mode of transport, which connects two places on the hills, or across a

valley or river. In the hilly areas, trolleys move on wheels connected to a rope and are used

for carrying passengers or goods, especially building materials, food, etc. The famous "Uran

Khatola Jagdamba" in Gujarat that carries pilgrims to the temple is an example of ropeway

transport, which carries more than 100 passengers at a time.

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Intext Questions 10.2

I. Put a tick (√) mark against the correct statement.

(i) Transportation means only sending goods and not the persons.

(ii) Transport removes distance barrier.

(iii) Pipeline transport is not a mode of land transport.

(iv) Road transport is not affected by adverse weather conditions.

(v) Rail Transport is a suitable mode of transport for carrying heavy and bulky

goods.

II. Match column A and B

Column A Column B

(i) Thelas a. facilitates movement in valleys

(ii) Ropeway b. mode of transport for carrying heavy and bulky goods

(iii) Sledge c. mode of transport for transporting gas

(iv) Railways d. means of transport driven by human beings

(v) Pipelines e. dogs are used to pull

(II) Water transport

Water transport refers to movement of goods and passengers on waterways by using various

means like boats, steamers, launches, ships, etc. With the help of these means goods and

passengers are carried to different places, both within as well as outside the country. Within

the country, rivers and canals facilitate the movement of boats, launches, etc. Since the

goods and passengers move inside the country, this type of transport is called inland water

transport. When the different means of transport are used to carry goods and passengers on

the sea route it is termed as ocean transport. Let us know further about these two types of

water transport.

Ropeway

transport

Man driven Ropes

- Head or back

of human

being

- Carts drawn by

man

- Thelas (push

carts)

- Bicycle

- Rickshaw

Animal driven

- Carts

drawn by

animals

- Sledge

- Animal

Motor driven

- Scooter

and motor

cycle

- Auto

rickshaw

- Car

- Van

- Bus

Rail

transport

- Passenger

train

- Goods

train

Pipeline

transport

Pipes

Road transport

Different Means of Land Transport:

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I. Inland water transport

Inland water transport use boats, launches, barges, streamers, etc., to carry goods and

passengers on river and canal routes. These routes are called inland waterways and

are used in domestic or home trade to carry bulky goods. Passenger transport through

waterways is not so popular in our country. Inland water transport system exists only

in few states like. West Bengal, Andhra pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, etc.

II. Ocean transport

Ocean transport refers to movement of goods and passengers with the help of ships

through sea or ocean waterways. It plays an important role in the development of

international trade. It is also used for transporting goods and passengers in the coastal

areas. Ocean transport has its fixed route, which links almost all the countries of the world.

Sea transport may be of the following two types.

i. Coastal Shipping - In this transport, ships ply between the main ports of a

country. This helps in home trade, and also in carrying passengers within the

country.

ii. Overseas shipping - In this transport, ships ply between different countries

separated by sea or ocean. It is mainly used for promotion and development of

international trade. It is economical means of transport to carry heavy machines and

goods in bulk. Overseas transport is carried out on fixed routes, which connect almost

all the countries. In ocean transport, different types of ships are used to carry passengers

and goods. These may be classified as under.

a. Liners - A liner is a passenger or cargo vessel, which belongs to a regular

shipping company. These ships ply over a fixed route according to a

prescribed schedule or timetable.

b. Tramps - A tramp is a cargo ship, which does not make regular trips but

plies whenever cargo is offered to it. It does not follow a fixed route or a

prescribed timetable like that of liners.

Advantages of water transport

Water Transport has the following advantages:

a. It is a relatively economical mode of transport for bulky and heavy goods.

b. It is a safe mode of transport with respect to occurance of accidents.

c. The cost of maintaining and constructing routes is very low as most of them are naturally

made.

d. It promotes international trade.

Limitations of water transport

Water transport has the following limitations.

i. The depth and navigability of rivers and canals vary and thus, affect operations of

different transport vessels.

ii. It is a slow moving mode of transport and therefore not suitable for transport of

perishable goods.

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iii. It is adversely affected by weather conditions.

iv. Sea transport requires large investment on ships and their maintenance.

Different Means Water Transport :

Inland transport Ocean transport

Means Boats, Steamers, Barges, Launches Ships, Tankers, Submarines

Intext Questions 10.3

I. State which of the following statements are true and which are false.

(i) Inland waterways consist of sea and ocean.

(ii) Water transport is a very fast mode of transport.

(iii) Water transport facilitates international trade.

(iv) Overseas ships ply to the neighbouring countries

(v) Water transport is not affected by adverse weather conditions.

II. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences:

(i) _________ is a cargo ship which does not make regular trips.

(ii) Inland water transport is generally used in _________ trade.

(iii) Ships having fixed routes and plying regularly are called ______.

(iv) Ocean transport mainly facilitates _________ trade.

(v) In water transport, _____ investment is required in acquisition of ships.

(III) Air transport

This is the fastest mode of transport. It carries goods and passengers through airways by

using different aircrafts like passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, helicopters, etc. Besides

passengers it generally carries goods that are less bulky or of high value. In hilly and

mountainous areas where other mode of transport is not accessible, air transport is an

important as well as convenient mode. It is mostly used for transporting goods and passengers

during natural calamities like earthquake and floods, etc. During war, air transport plays an

important role in carrying soldiers as well as supplies to the required areas.

Air transport may be classified as domestic and international air transport. While domestic

air transport mainly facilitates movement within the country, international air transport is

used for carrying goods and passengers between different countries. Air transport is carried

out in fixed air routes, which connect almost all the countries.

Advantages of Air transport

It has the following advantages.

i. It is the fastest mode of transport. (not an advantage)

ii. It is very useful in transporting goods and passengers to the area, which are not

accessible by any other means.

iii. It is the most convenient mode of transport during natural calamities.

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iv. It provides vital support to the national security and defence.

Limitations of air transport

It has the following limitations.

i. It is relatively more expensive mode of transport.

ii. It is not suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods.

iii. It is affected by adverse weather conditions.

iv. It is not suitable for short distance travel.

v. In case of accidents, it results in heavy losses of goods, property and life.

Different Means Air Transport:

Domestic air transport International air transport

Means Aeroplanes, Helicopters Aeroplanes

Intext Questions 10.4

I. State which of the followings. Statements are true and which are false.

(i) Air transport is the fastest mode of transport.

(ii) Air transport is not affected by adverse weather condition.

(iii) Air transport is not suitable for short distance.

(iv) Helicopters are generally used for international flights.

(v) Air transport does not provide any support to national security.

10.5 What You Have Learnt

! Transport refers to the activity that facilitates physical movement of goods as well as

individuals from one place to another through various means.

! The importance of transport lies in the following: (i) Makes available raw materials to

manufacturers or producers, (ii) Makes available goods to customers; (iii) Enhances

standard of living; (iv) Helps during emergencies and natural calamities; (v) Helps in

creation of employment; (vi) Helps in labour mobility; (vii) Helps in bringing nations

together

! Different modes of transport are as follows:

Modes Land transport Water transport Air transport

Types ! Road transport ! Inland water ! Domestic air

! Rail transport transport transport

! Pipe-line ! Ocean ! International air

transport transport. transport

! Ropeway

transport.

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! The different means of water transport to carry goods and passengers are

Inland transport Ocean transport

Means Boats, Steamers, Barges, Launches Ships, Tankers, Submarines

! The different means of air transport to carry goods and passengers are

Domestic air transport International air transport

Means Aeroplanes, Helicopters Aeroplanes

10.6 Terminal Exercise

1. What is meant by transport? Describe its importance in business.

2. What is meant by modes of transport? State the different modes of transport.

3. Describe the various modes of land transport.

4. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of Railway transport.

5. Explain the various types of Road transport.

6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Road transport.

7. Classify the various modes of water transport.

8. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of water transport.

9. Distinguish between Inland and Ocean transport.

10. Distinguish between liners and tramps.

11. Describe and advantages and disadvantages of Air transport .

10.7 Key to Intext Questions

10.1 I True- a, c, e. False- b, d.

10.2 I Correct- ii, v Wrong- i, iii, iv

II i. d ii. a iii. e iv. b v. c

10.3 I True iii, iv False i, ii, v

II i. Tramp ii. Home/Domestic iii. Liners

iv. Foreign v. Heavy

10.4 I True i, iii False ii, iv, v

Activity For You

1 Observe the various modes of transport near your residence and write their advantages

and disadvantages.

2 Visit the nearest market of your area and ask the trader which mode of transport they are

using and why?

3 In your family, what modes of transport are being used on different occasions? Make a list.

Ropeway

transport

Man driven Ropes

- Head or back

of human

being.

- Carts drawn by

man

- Thelas (push

carts)

- Bicycle

- Rickshaw

Animal driven

- Carts

drawn by

animals

- Sledge

- Animal

Motor driven

- Scooter

and motor

cycle

- Auto

rickshaw

- Car

- Van

- Bus

Rail

transport

- Passenger

train

- Goods

train

Pipeline

transport

Pipes

Road transport

! The different means of land transport to carry goods and passengers are