Railways in India

Railways In India: Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight (goods) and passengers in India. They allow people to conduct diverse activities like business, sightseeing or pilgrimage along with transportation of goods over longer distances. The Indian Railways have been a great integrating force for 150 years. They accelerate the development of industry and agriculture, besides binding the country economically. The Indian Railways have a network of 7,133 stations spread over a route length of 64,460 km.

Indian Railways is the largest public sector undertaking in the country as on March 2011.

The first train steamed off from Mumbai to Thane in 1853, covering a distance of 34 km.

Advantages of Railways :-

Better Organized - Because of Regularity , Uniformity , Fixed routes & schedules. It is more organized as compared to roadways.

Higher speed over long Distance - Longer distance can be covered easily with the help of Railways as compared to landways .

Cheap Mode of Transport - freight of Railways is affordable , Common people can easily travel at the distant place with the help of railways .

Suitable for bulky & High Goods - Bulky & heavy goods like Machinery etc , can easily be moved from one place to another .

Safety - Chances of brokerage & accidents are less under railways rather than in roadways. It protects people & goods from sun , air , snow & dust .

Larger Capacity - Its Carrying Capacity is too large & can be increased by adding more wagons.

Disadvantages of Railways :-

Huge Investments - For the construction of Railway Stations & manufacturing or purchase of trains , a huge Investment is required.

Not suitable For rough & tough areas - Dispersion of railway tracks in hilly & mountain areas are too difficult .

Delay in Schedules - Sometimes, due to weather condition & other specific reasons passengers has to wait for a longer duration for their transportation

Heavy Repair & maintenance Charges - If any brokerage occurs in trains & its tracks , it requires heavy costs.

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

What has replaced the steam engine?
A. Coal	B. Diesel	C. Mud	D. Kerosene
Right Option : B
View Explanation

Question : 2

The first train steamed off from Mumbai to Thane covered a distance of ______ in 1953.
A. 32 km		B. 34 km
C. 36 km		D. 52 km
Right Option : B
View Explanation

Question : 3

Which one of the following is the most important mode of transportation in India ?
A. Pipeline	B. Roadways	C. Railways	D. Airways
Right Option : C
View Explanation