Revision: Unit IV Infrastructural Resources >> Transport and Communication Geography ISC (Arts) Class 12 CISCE

Transport is the movement of people, animals and things from one place to another.

Communication is the process of transmitting information from one place to another through a medium.

• Link between Production and Market – Transport and communication connect production centres with markets and help in smooth distribution of goods.
• Supports Industrial Growth – Efficient transport is essential for carrying raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets. No industry can grow without proper transport.
• Reduces Cost and Increases Speed – Improved transport increases speed of movement, reduces cost and helps in large-scale production and trade.
• Helps Industrial Location – Industries are often set up near ports, railways and major transport routes (e.g., Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai).
• Promotes Overall Development – A well-developed transport network reduces regional isolation and promotes economic and industrial development of the country.

• Meaning – Water transport includes inland waterways and sea routes for carrying passengers and goods.
• Inland Waterways – Rivers, canals and backwaters are cheap and suitable for heavy and bulky goods, but are under-utilised in India.
• National Waterways – Important ones include
  NW-1: Prayagraj–Haldia (Ganga)
  NW-2: Sadiya–Dhubri (Brahmaputra)
  NW-3: Kottapuram–Kollam (West Coast Canal).
• Problems of Inland Waterways – Seasonal rivers, silting, waterfalls, sharp bends and diversion of water reduce navigation.
• Economic Factor – Water transport needs sufficient demand to become economically viable.
• Oceanic Routes – India has a long coastline (about 7,500 km); most overseas trade is carried by sea.
• Importance – It is the cheapest mode of transport for long-distance heavy goods and plays an important role in foreign trade.

• Fastest Mode – Air transport is the fastest but most expensive mode of transport. It connects distant and remote areas.
• Importance for India – Useful due to vast size, diverse relief and for maintaining international links.
• Air India – Handles international passengers and cargo; connects India with Europe, Africa, East Asia and other regions.
• Indian Airlines (Indian) – Major domestic carrier operating flights within India and to nearby countries.
• Private Airlines – After liberalisation, many private airlines operate domestic services, increasing competition and passenger share.
• Airport Authority of India (AAI) – Manages airports and ensures safe air traffic control in India.
• Government Policies – Open Sky Policy (1982) allowed foreign airlines to operate cargo flights, boosting trade and exports.

• Meaning – Pipelines are an efficient and economical mode of transporting petroleum, petroleum products, natural gas, water and milk.
• Advantages – Suitable for liquids and gases; can pass through difficult terrain and under water.
• Low Cost & Energy – They require less energy, low maintenance and are environment-friendly.
• Disadvantages – Not flexible (fixed routes), capacity cannot be easily increased and leakage detection is difficult.
• Development in India – The first oil pipeline was laid from Assam to Barauni; later pipelines connected major refineries.
• Major Networks – Important pipelines include Salaya–Mathura, Kandla–Panipat, Hazira–Bijaipur–Jagdishpur (HBJ) gas pipeline.
• Role of GAIL – Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) manages a large network of gas pipelines supplying fuel to power plants and industries.

• Harbour vs Port – A harbour gives shelter to ships, while a port has docks and facilities for loading and unloading cargo.
• Types of Harbours –
  Natural harbours (e.g., Mumbai, Kochi) are formed naturally.
  Artificial harbours (e.g., Chennai) are man-made.
• Major Ports – India has 13 major ports handling about 90% of foreign trade.
• West Coast Ports – Important ports include Mumbai, JNPT (Nhava Sheva), Kandla, Marmagao, New Mangalore and Kochi.
• East Coast Ports – Important ports include Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Tuticorin.
• Largest & Important Ports –
  i. Mumbai is the largest port.
  ii. JNPT is the largest container port.
  iii. Visakhapatnam is the deepest land-locked port.
• Problems & Development – Kolkata faces silting problems; new ports like Haldia and Ennore were developed to reduce congestion and improve trade.

• Postal Services – One of the oldest and most common modes of communication in India; very important in rural areas.
• Indian Post Office Act (1898) – Gives the government the right to collect, carry and deliver letters within the country.
• Types of Post Offices – Head Post Offices, Sub-Post Offices and Extra Departmental Branch Post Offices.
• Mail System – First-class mail (postcards, inland letters, envelopes) is sent by air; second-class mail (books, newspapers) by surface transport. PIN code helps in quick sorting and delivery.
• Modernisation – Use of Satellite Network (VSAT), Automatic Mail Processing Centres and computerisation has improved speed and efficiency.
• Telecommunication – Includes telephone, telegraph, fax and internet. It allows fast and direct communication across long distances.
• GIS (Geographic Information System) – A computer-based system used for storing, analysing and displaying geographical data for planning and management purposes.

• Meaning – Mass communication spreads information, education and entertainment to large numbers of people through electronic and print media.
• Prasar Bharati – It is India’s public service broadcaster (established in 1997). It controls All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) and promotes national unity and public awareness.
• Radio (AIR) – Started in 1923; now has wide coverage across India. It broadcasts news and programmes in many languages and dialects.
• Doordarshan (TV) – Began in 1959; it is one of the largest TV networks in the world. It telecasts news, education, culture and entertainment programmes.
• Cinema – A powerful medium of entertainment and social awareness. Films are certified by the CBFC before public release.
• Satellites (INSAT & IRS) – Used for communication, weather forecasting, broadcasting and data collection. They have improved both personal and mass communication.
• Computers – Used for storing, processing and communicating information. They play an important role in modern communication and education.

• Importance – Indian Railways is the main artery of inland transport and plays a vital role in economic growth and national integration.
• Growth – Started in 1853 (Mumbai–Thane). Today, it is one of the largest railway networks in the world.
• Electrification – Railway tracks are increasingly electrified, reducing steam engines and promoting diesel and electric engines.
• Factors Affecting Railways – Development depends on geographical, economic and political factors. Plains favour railways; mountains and deserts hinder them.
• Distribution – Dense network in Northern Plains; sparse network in Himalayan and North-Eastern regions; moderate in Peninsular Plateau.
• Important Projects – Konkan Railway, Kashmir Valley Railway, and Bullet Train (Mumbai–Ahmedabad) are major modern developments.
• Problems – Multiple gauges, old bridges, congestion, delays in goods transport and high maintenance costs affect efficiency.

• Importance – Roads are important for short and medium distances and provide door-to-door service. They are cheaper and more flexible than railways.
• Advantages – Roads can be built in hilly areas, carry perishable goods quickly, and act as feeders to railways.
• Disadvantages – Not suitable for long distances or heavy goods; cause traffic congestion, accidents and air pollution.
• Classification of Roads – Six types: National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, Rural Roads, Urban Roads and Border Roads.
• National Highways – Connect major cities and capitals; include major projects like the Golden Quadrilateral and North–South & East–West Corridors.
• Road Density & Distribution – Highest concentration in Northern Plains; low density in Himalayan and North-Eastern regions due to difficult terrain.
• Government Programmes – Projects like Bharatmala Pariyojana and Setu Bharatam aim to improve highways, bridges and connectivity across India.