MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Lifelines of National EconomyExplain the role of railways as the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India. Discuss the factors affecting the distribution of the railway network.

Role of Railways in India\nRailways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India. Railways make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like business, sightseeing, pilgrimage along with goods transportation over long distances. Apart from an important means of transport the railways have been a great disintegrating force of the social barriers by bringing people together. They have contributed significantly to the development of the economy.

Factors Affecting Distribution of Railway Network\nIndian railway network is spread over 68,000 km. The distribution pattern of the railway network in the country has been largely influenced by physiographic, economic and administrative factors:

• 1. Physiographic Factors:

  • The Northern Plains with vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provide the most favorable condition for their growth.
  • However, a large number of rivers requiring the construction of bridges across their wide beds posed some obstacles.
  • In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region, railway tracks are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels.
  • The Himalayan mountainous regions too are unfavorable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population and lack of economic opportunities.

• 2. Economic Factors:

  • Regions with high industrial and agricultural development attract denser railway networks.
  • Areas with heavy mineral deposits also see a high density of railway tracks for mineral transportation.

• 3. Administrative and Political Factors:

  • Government policies, administrative decisions, and historical developments inherited from the British colonial era have deeply influenced the expansion of the railway routes.

Conclusion\nToday, the railways have become more important in our national economy than all other means of transport put together. However, railway transport faces problems like ticketless travel, damage to railway property, and theft.