Question

Answer the following question in not more than 150 words.

Elucidate the statement - “In a well managed transport system, various modes complement each other.”

Answer 1

Transport is a service or facility for the carriage of persons and goods from one place to another, using humans, animals, and various kinds of vehicles. Such movements take place over land, water and air. The significance of a mode depends on the types of goods and services to be transported, the transport costs, and the available modes. International movement of goods is handled by ocean freighters. Road transport is cheaper and faster over short distances and for door- to-door services. Railways are most suited for large volumes of bulky materials over long distances within a country. High-value, light, and perishable goods are best transported by air.

None of the transport systems is self-sufficient. For a well-managed transportation system, a proper link among all modes is essential. Ports are points of collection for goods carried by waterways. They must have efficient links to railways and roadways so that goods can be transported to the interiors. Railways are efficient at connecting far-off places, but they can’t penetrate deep into the interiors or provide door-to-door service; for that, an efficient road system, along with transportation facilities like buses, should be available.