Question

Explain the importance of Railways as a means of transport.

Answer 1

Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India. Railways also make it possible to conduct many activities like business, sightseeing, and pilgrimage along with transportation of goods over longer distances. Apart from an important means of transport, the Indian Railways have been a great integrating force for more than 150 years. The Indian Railway has a network of more than 7133 stations spread over a route length of 64,460 km with a fleet of 9213 locomotives, 53,220 passenger service vehicles, 6,493 other coach vehicles and 2,29,381 wagons as on March 2011. The Northern plains with their vast level of the land, high population density, and rich agricultural resources provided the most favorable condition for the growth of railways. The development of the Konkan railway along the west coast has facilitated the movement of passengers and goods in this most important economic region of India. Thus, it has been rightly said that Railways in India bind the economic life of the country as well as accelerate the development of industry and agriculture.