Definitions [1]
Define communication.
Communication is the process of transmitting information from one place to another through a medium.
Key Points
Key Points: Land Transport
- India has a huge road network (62.16 lakh km) and roads carry 85% passengers and 70% freight.
- Roads are best for short-distance travel and are classified into NH, SH, District Roads and Rural Roads.
- National Highways (NH) are built by the Centre; they connect major cities and carry 40% traffic though they form only 2% roads.
- NH length increased from 19,700 km (1951) to 1,36,440 km (2020); NHAI (1995) maintains NHs.
- Indian Railways started in 1853 and has broad, metre and narrow gauge tracks; metro rail improves urban transport.
Key Points: Communication Networks
- Communication evolved from drums and smoke signals to post, telephone, internet and satellites.
- Science and technology made communication fast and efficient.
- Internet is the most advanced personal communication system (e-mail, e-commerce, online transactions).
- Radio started in 1923, became All India Radio (1936) and later Akashwani (1957).
- TV (1959) and satellite systems like INSAT & IRS help in communication, weather forecast and disaster management.
Key Points: Water Transport
- Water transport is cheap, fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, ideal for heavy goods.
- India has 14,500 km navigable inland waterways (only 1% transport).
- IWAI (1986) manages inland waterways; 111 waterways declared National Waterways (2016).
- Important NWs: NW-1 (Ganga), NW-2 (Brahmaputra), NW-3 (Kerala backwaters).
- India has 7,517 km coastline, 12 major + 200 minor ports; 95% foreign trade moves by sea.
Key Points: Oil and Gas Pipelines
- Pipelines are the most efficient way to transport oil, gas, and slurry over long distances.
- Oil India Limited (OIL) was formed in 1959 for oil and gas exploration and transport.
- Asia’s first pipeline was built from Naharkatiya (Assam) to Barauni (Bihar) (1,157 km), extended to Kanpur (1966).
- GAIL was established in 1984 for transport and marketing of natural gas.
- The HVJ gas pipeline (1,700 km) boosted India’s gas network, which expanded to 18,500 km and may reach 34,000 km soon.
Important Questions [6]
- "Oceanic routes play an important role in the transport sector of India's economy." Examine the statement.
- "Konkan railway" is the important achievements of the Indian railways. Support the statement.
- How have the 'National Highways Development Project' contributed in the improvement of roadways in India?
- How are Pipelines the most convenient and efficient mode of transporting liquids and gases over long distances in India." Explain with examples.
- How has 'Internet' become the most effective and advanced of all the personal communication systems in India? Explain.
- "Television (T.V.) has emerged as the most effective audio-visual medium in India." Explain the statement.
