Lifelines of National Economy
Short Questions
Question: Which three domains of the earth provide the basis for modes of transport?
Answer: Land, water and air.
Question: Which organisation implements the Golden Quadrilateral project?
Answer: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Question: Name the corridors included in the Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways.
Answer: North–South (Srinagar–Kanyakumari) and East–West (Silchar–Porbandar).
Question: What do Border Roads mainly serve?
Answer: Strategic and economic connectivity in northern and north-eastern border areas.
Question: When and where did the first Indian train run?
Answer: In 1853 from Mumbai to Thane covering 34 km.
Question: Which railway gauge has the maximum route length in India?
Answer: Broad gauge (1.676 m).
Question: Name one problem faced by the Indian Railways.
Answer: Ticketless travel and damage to railway property.
Question: What is transported by the Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline?
Answer: Natural gas from Mumbai High and Bassein gas fields.
Question: Which is the cheapest and most environment-friendly means of transport?
Answer: Waterways.
Question: Name the National Waterway on the Ganga River.
Answer: NW-1 (Allahabad to Haldia, 1,620 km).
Question: Which is India’s deepest landlocked and well-protected port on the east coast?
Answer: Vishakhapatnam port.
Question: Which port was developed to ease the load on Mumbai after Partition?
Answer: Kandla (Deendayal) port in Kuchchh.
Question: Why is air travel preferred in north-eastern states?
Answer: Because of big rivers, dissected relief, dense forests and frequent floods.
Question: Which mail category in India is airlifted between stations?
Answer: First-class mail (cards and envelopes).
Question: What is meant by a favourable balance of trade?
Answer: When the value of exports exceeds the value of imports.
Long Questions
Question: Why are transport and communication called the lifelines of a nation and its economy?
Answer: They link production centres with markets, move goods, services and people, and integrate distant regions. Without them, trade and economic development cannot take place. They also promote social and cultural unity.
Question: Explain any three advantages of roadways over railways in India.
Answer: Roads are cheaper to construct, can cross dissected and mountainous terrain and offer door-to-door service for small loads. They also act as feeders to other modes like railways and ports.
Question: Mention the role of Border Roads Organisation in India.
Answer: It builds and maintains roads of strategic importance along the borders since 1960. These roads improve accessibility in difficult terrain and aid economic development of remote regions.
Question: What factors influence the distribution pattern of railways in India?
Answer: Flat land, dense population and agricultural resources favour railways in the northern plains. In contrast, hilly, forested or desert areas face obstacles like high relief, sparse population and lack of bridges.
Question: Describe the importance of pipeline transport in India.
Answer: Pipelines carry crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas to distant refineries and power plants. They reduce trans-shipment losses and delays and have low running cost despite high initial investment.
Question: State any three advantages of waterways as a mode of transport.
Answer: They are cheapest for heavy and bulky goods, fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. They have been used since ancient times and still carry a large part of India’s foreign trade.
Question: Name and describe any three major sea ports of India.
Answer: Mumbai is the largest natural harbour, Vishakhapatnam is the deepest landlocked port on the east coast, and Marmagao in Goa handles about half of India’s iron ore exports. Each serves a rich hinterland.
Question: Why is air transport important for India?
Answer: It is the fastest and most comfortable mode, especially useful for mountains, deserts and remote areas. In the north-east it overcomes big rivers, dense forests and floods to connect people.
Question: Explain the role of mass communication in India’s development.
Answer: Mass media like radio, television, newspapers and films spread information, education and entertainment. They create awareness of national programmes and policies and strengthen democracy.
Question: How has tourism grown as a trade in India?
Answer: Tourism now employs over 15 million people, promotes handicrafts and cultural pursuits and fosters international understanding. Heritage, eco, adventure, medical and business tourism are being actively promoted across the country.
Leave a Reply