Transport MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Transport: Lifelines of National Economy

Transport systems are the lifelines of a nation’s economy, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people across vast distances. They play a crucial role in connecting production centers with markets, integrating regions, and fostering national and international trade. India, with its diverse geography and large population, relies on a robust network of roadways, railways, waterways, and pipelines to sustain its growth and development.

Roadways: The Door-to-Door Connectors

Roads are the most widely used mode of transport, offering door-to-door service and flexibility. They act as a feeder to other modes of transport, connecting railway stations, air and seaports. Roads are classified into various categories based on their capacity and importance:

• Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways: A network linking India’s four largest metropolitan cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, significantly reducing travel time and distance.
• National Highways: Main roads constructed and maintained by the Central Government, connecting state capitals, important cities, and ports.
• State Highways: Roads linking a state capital with different district headquarters, maintained by the State Public Works Department (PWD).
• District Roads: Roads connecting the district headquarters with other places of the district.
• Rural Roads: Roads linking rural areas and villages with towns, crucial for agricultural development.
• Border Roads: Strategically important roads in border areas, maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), facilitating access to difficult terrains.

Railways: The Principal Mode for Freight and Long Distances

Railways are the principal mode of transport for freight and passengers in India, especially for long distances and for carrying bulky goods. They have been instrumental in integrating the economic life of the country, accelerating the development of industry and agriculture. India’s railway network is one of the largest in the world, facing challenges like varying gauges, geographical barriers, and the need for modernization.

• Significance: Essential for business, sightseeing, pilgrimage, and transport of goods.
• Konkan Railway: An important development along the western coast, facing unique challenges due to its route through tunnels and bridges across rivers.

Waterways: The Cheapest and Eco-Friendly Option

Waterways are the cheapest means of transport, most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods. They are fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. India has a vast network of inland waterways and a long coastline with major seaports.

• Inland Waterways: Navigable rivers, canals, backwaters. Significant National Waterways include:
  • NW-1: The Ganga River between Allahabad and Haldia (1620 km)
  • NW-2: The Brahmaputra River between Sadiya and Dhubri (891 km)
  • NW-3: The West Coast Canal in Kerala (Kottapuram-Kollam, Udyogamandal and Champakara canals – 205 km)
• Major Seaports: India’s 12 major and 200 intermediate/minor ports handle a vast volume of foreign trade. Key ports include Kandla (tidal port in Gujarat), Mumbai (largest port), Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai’s satellite port), Mormugao (Goa, iron ore export), New Mangalore (Karnataka), Kochi (Kerala), Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu), Chennai (oldest artificial port), Visakhapatnam (deepest landlocked port), Paradip (Odisha), Kolkata (inland riverine port), Haldia (subsidiary port to Kolkata).

Pipelines: Modern Mode for Fluids and Gas

Pipelines are a relatively new mode of transport for crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas, especially between oil fields and refineries, and natural gas fields and fertilizer factories/power plants. Initial cost is high, but subsequent running costs are minimal, making them efficient for continuous supply.

Quick Revision Points

• Roadways provide door-to-door service and are flexible.
• Railways are ideal for long-distance, bulky goods, and economic integration.
• Waterways are the cheapest, most fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly.
• Pipelines are efficient for transporting liquids and gases over long distances.
• The Golden Quadrilateral connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata.
• BRO builds and maintains roads in border areas.
• Kandla is a major tidal port in Gujarat.
• National Waterway No. 1 is the Ganga River (Allahabad to Haldia).

Practice More: Additional MCQs

1. Which of the following ports is known as the ‘Gateway of India’ and is India’s largest port?
   A) Chennai Port
   B) Mumbai Port
   C) Visakhapatnam Port
   D) Paradip Port
   Answer: B) Mumbai Port
2. The shortest route for transporting heavy goods between Mumbai and Chennai would primarily involve which type of transport?
   A) Air transport
   B) Roadways
   C) Pipelines
   D) Railways
   Answer: D) Railways
3. Which National Waterway is located in the West Coast Canal of Kerala?
   A) NW-1
   B) NW-2
   C) NW-3
   D) NW-4
   Answer: C) NW-3
4. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was established in which year?
   A) 1947
   B) 1950
   C) 1960
   D) 1970
   Answer: C) 1960
5. Which of the following is an advantage of pipelines over other forms of transport?
   A) They are suitable for transporting solids.
   B) They have high initial cost but lower running costs.
   C) They are highly flexible in routes.
   D) They are ideal for perishable goods.
   Answer: B) They have high initial cost but lower running costs.