Question

Distinguish between:

Rail Transport and Air Transport

Answer 1

Rail Transport	Air Transport
1. Speed: It has considerable speed since it runs on tracks that rarely get disturbed.	It is the fastest mode of transport.
2. Carrying capacity: It has a huge carrying capacity.	It has limited carrying capacity.
3. Cost: The cost of construction of trains, and railway tracks is high. Also, the maintenance of trains, tracks, and stations is high.	It uses airways that are natural and hence, there is no cost involved. However the huge cost of construction of aircraft involved. These costs are way high compared to other modes of transport.
4. Distance: Recommended for both short and long-distance.	Suitable for long-distance.
5. Charges: Transport charges are relatively low and are fixed according to the distance.	The transport charges are very high.
6. Door-to-door service: It does not provide door-to-door services	It does not provide door-to-door services.
7. Means of Transport: It uses passenger trains and goods trains.	It uses aircraft, helicopters, jets, etc.
8. Suitability: It is suitable for transporting heavy goods in large quantities over long distances.	It is suitable for transporting lightweight perishable and valuable goods to any part of the world.
9. Safety: Goods are kept in locked wagons which provide protection against sun, wind, rain, etc.	Goods are safe as they are specially packed.
10. Accidents: The chances of accidents are less because of the one-way track and good signal system.	The chances of accidents are less because of maintenance and expert pilots.
11. Ownership: Ownership is in the hands of the Government.	It is owned by both the private sector as well as the public sector.