Question

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Road transport is the most economical for short distances compared to railways. Freight transport by road is gaining importance because it offers door-to-door service. But unmetalled roads, though simple in construction, are not effective and serviceable for all seasons. During the rainy season these become unmotorable and even the metalled ones are seriously handicapped during heavy rains and floods. In such conditions, the high embankment of rail-tracks and the efficient maintenance of railway transport service, is an effective solution. But the rail kilometrage being small cannot serve the needs of vast and developing countries at a low cost. Roads, therefore, play a vital role in a nation’s trade and commerce and for promoting tourism. The quality of the roads varies greatly between developed and developing countries because road construction and maintenance require heavy expenditure. In developed countries good quality roads are universal and provide long-distance links in the form of motorways, autobahns (Germany), and inter–state highways for speedy movement. Lorries, of increasing size and power to carry heavy loads, are common. But unfortunately, the world’s road system is not well developed. The world’s total motorable road length is only about 15 million km, of which North America accounts for 33 percent. The highest road density and the highest number of vehicles are registered in this continent compared to Western Europe.

1. Why does freight transport by road gaining importance?
2. When do unmetalled roads become ineffective and unuseful ?
3. Which continent has highest road density?

Answer 1

1. Freight transport is gaining importance because it provides door-to-door service.
2. During the rainy season, unmetalled roads become unmotorable and become ineffective and unuseful.
3. North America.