Introduction

This chapter focuses on the critical role that transport and communication systems play in
India’s economic development, enabling the movement of people, goods, and information
across its vast and varied landscape. As India has grown, so has its need for robust systems
that support trade, social interaction, and connectivity across regions.

n Chapter 7, the role of transport and communication is presented as essential for a country’s
progress, linking production areas to markets and supporting social and economic integration.
India, with its vast land and varied geography, requires extensive networks to move people,
goods, and information effectively across regions and borders.

Types of Transport in India

India’s transport infrastructure is divided into five main categories—roadways, railways,
pipelines, waterways, and airways. Each type serves a unique function in moving goods,
supporting trade, and connecting diverse regions. Together, they form a system that bolsters
economic development and improves quality of life.

1. Roadways

India’s road network, the second-largest in the world, extends over 6.2 million kilometers. Roads
are categorized based on their function, such as:

● National Highways: Connecting key cities and regions, National Highways are India’s
main roadways, covering long distances and supporting inter-state travel and freight
movement. The Golden Quadrilateral project links major metros—Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai, and Kolkata—by six-lane highways, significantly reducing travel time between
these economic hubs. North-South and East-West Corridors connect areas from
Srinagar to Kanyakumari and Silchar to Porbandar, respectively, opening paths through
diverse geographies.
● State Highways: These roads connect state capitals to various districts within each
state, playing a vital role in regional trade and daily travel.
● District and Rural Roads: District roads connect district headquarters with surrounding
areas, while rural roads, supported by the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, link
remote villages to urban areas. Rural roads are crucial for integrating rural economies
with larger markets, making it easier for villagers to access healthcare, education, and
job opportunities.
● Border Roads: Managed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), these roads are
constructed along India’s borders for strategic and defense purposes. They also promote
economic development in remote border regions and improve accessibility in challenging
terrains, like the Himalayas.

The diverse range of roads serves both local and national needs, making roadways critical for
India’s domestic trade and everyday connectivity.

2. Railways

Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest railway networks, spans over 67,000 kilometers and
has been central to India’s economic and social fabric since its inception in 1853. Railways are
crucial for long-distance passenger and freight movement, uniting remote regions and densely
populated urban centers. They play a key role in connecting businesses and facilitating tourism,
while also making inter-regional travel affordable. The distribution of railways, however, is
influenced by India’s varied geography:

● The Northern Plains offer favorable conditions for railways due to their flat terrain,
dense population, and high agricultural productivity, leading to extensive rail coverage.
● In contrast, hilly and forested areas, like the Western Ghats, Himalayan regions, and
the deserts of Rajasthan, are less accessible and require tunnels, bridges, and passes
to extend the rail network.
● Major projects, such as the Konkan Railway, have connected difficult regions along
India’s west coast, though they face challenges like landslides and soil erosion.

Railways also play a pivotal role in the national economy, facilitating the movement of goods like
coal, cement, food grains, and petroleum products. Despite their advantages, railways face
issues such as overcrowding, ticketless travel, and theft. Indian Railways is constantly working
to modernize and expand its infrastructure to improve efficiency and safety.

3. Pipelines

Pipelines have become an efficient means of transporting liquids and gases over long
distances, minimizing the need for trucks and railways. India’s pipeline network primarily carries
crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products from oil fields and refineries to industrial and
urban centers. Major pipelines include:

● The Assam-Kanpur Pipeline, which transports oil from Assam’s oil fields to Northern
India.
● The Salaya-Jalandhar Pipeline, covering Gujarat to Punjab, has branch lines reaching
industrial areas.
● The Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) Gas Pipeline, India’s first cross-country
pipeline, supports the supply of natural gas to power plants and fertilizer units in northern
and western India.

Pipelines are cost-effective in the long run, offer quick delivery, and prevent trans-shipment
losses, making them essential for India’s energy sector.

4. Waterways

Waterways are one of the oldest and most environmentally friendly means of transport, suitable
for carrying heavy and bulky goods. India’s inland waterways stretch over 14,500 kilometers,
with certain stretches designated as National Waterways to promote economic use. Key
waterways include:

● National Waterway 1: The Ganga river between Allahabad and Haldia, used for goods
transport across several states.
● National Waterway 2: The Brahmaputra river between Sadiya and Dhubri in Assam,
crucial for northeastern trade.
● Coastal and riverine ports, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam, serve as
vital points for import and export activities, as 95% of India’s trade volume passes
through these ports.
Seaports handle most of India’s international trade. Major ports, including Kandla, Mumbai, and
Chennai, are hubs for global shipping, providing access to international markets and
contributing to the economy through trade.

5. Airways

Airways are the fastest mode of transport and are particularly useful in India’s northeastern
states and mountainous areas. The UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) aims to improve
regional connectivity, making flights affordable and connecting underserved areas. Major
international airports, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, enable trade, tourism, and
cultural exchange. Helicopter services also provide access to remote areas, benefiting people in
the northeast and parts of Jammu & Kashmir.

Communication Systems
Communication systems, which allow people to share information, are another lifeline of the
economy. India’s communication network includes postal services, telecommunications,
internet, radio, and television:

● Postal Network: India’s postal network is one of the world’s largest, providing personal
and parcel delivery services. Special mail channels improve delivery speed in urban
areas.
● Telecommunication and Internet: Advances in telecommunications have expanded
mobile and internet access to most rural and urban areas, facilitating business and
personal communication. India’s tech industry has also become a significant export
sector, generating foreign exchange.
● Mass Media: Radio, television, newspapers, and cinema play a key role in informing
and entertaining the public. Platforms like Doordarshan (national television) and All
India Radio reach millions, promoting awareness of national events and government
initiatives.

India’s focus on Digital India aims to further integrate digital services and improve e-
governance, enhancing access to information and services for all citizens.

International Trade
Trade, the exchange of goods and services, is crucial for a country’s economy. India trades with
countries worldwide, exporting items like gems, software, and agricultural products, while
importing petroleum, electronics, and machinery. International trade reflects economic health,
with a favorable balance (more exports than imports) beneficial for the country. India's software
and IT services are a major part of its exports, while tourism also supports trade, attracting
visitors for cultural, adventure, and medical tourism.

Summary
The chapter highlights that transportation and communication systems are essential for national
unity and economic growth, allowing India to move goods, connect people, and facilitate trade.
As these systems expand and modernize, India’s ability to participate in global markets, attract
tourism, and improve living standards will continue to grow, solidifying transport and
communication as true lifelines of the economy.