Question

Distinguish between the following:

Road transport and Water transport

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Road Transport	Water Transport
Speed	Road transport has limited speed due to bad road conditions, accidents, etc.	It is the slowest mode of transport.
Carrying capacity	It has limited carrying capacity.	It has a very huge carrying capacity.
Cost of construction and maintenance	It requires limited capital investment in terms of the construction of roads, vehicles and their maintenance.	It uses waterways, which are natural highways, and hence there is no cost involved. However, there is a high cost involved for the construction of ships and ports.
Distance	Recommended for short distances.	Suitable for long distances, especially across countries and continents.
Transport charges	Transport charges are not fixed but are high due to increased fuel prices.	Transport charges are lowest.
Door-to-door service	It provides door-to-door service.	It is suitable for transporting very heavy goods and machinery in large quantities to any part of the world.
Means of transport	It uses animal’s carts, three- and four-wheelers.	It uses boats, big ships, liners, tankers, etc.
Ownership	Ownership is in the hands of private parties.	It is owned by both the private sector as well as the public sector.
Safety	It provides limited safety to goods from sun, rain, wind, etc.	Goods are safe as they are specially packed.