Access the latest NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter-7: Transport and Communication, updated for 2024-2025. Solution is designed to help students tackle difficult questions with ease. The content is written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Exercise
Choose the right answers of the following from the given options:
(i) In how many zones has the Indian Railways system been divided?
(a) 9
(b) 12
(c) 17
(d) 14
Answer: (c) 17
(ii) On which river and between which two places does the National Waterway No. 1 lie?
(a) The Brahmaputra, Sadiya-Dhubri
(b) The Ganga, Haldia-Allahabad
(c) West Coast Canal, Kottapuram to Kollam
Answer: (b) The Ganga, Haldia-Allahabad
(iii) In which of the following year, the first radio programme was broadcast?
(a) 1911
(b) 1936
(c) 1927
(d) 1923
Answer: (d) 1923
Answer the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) Which activity does transportation convey? Name three major modes of transportation.
Transportation conveys the movement of goods and people from one place to another.
Three major modes of transportation:
1. Land Transport
2. Water Transport
3. Air Transport
(ii) Discuss advantages and disadvantages of pipeline transportation.
- Advantages: Pipelines are ideal for transporting liquids and gases over long distances with minimal losses.
- Disadvantages: They require high initial investment and maintenance. Pipelines are inflexible as they follow fixed routes.
(iii) What do you mean by ‘communication’?
Communication refers to the exchange of information, ideas, and messages between individuals or groups through various means, including spoken or written language, or technology based systems like radio and internet.
Answer the following questions in about 150 words:
(i) Which are the chief means of transportation in India? Discuss the factors affecting their development.
Chief means of transportation in India:
1. Roadways: Suitable for short distance travel, contributing 85% of passenger traffic.
2. Railways: Major means for long distance travel and bulk transport.
3. Waterways: Cost Effective for heavy goods and bulk commodities.
4. Airways: The fastest mode for passengers and valuable cargo.
5. Pipelines: Efficient for liquids and gases.
Factors affecting their development:
1. Geography: Terrain affects road and railway network density.
2. Economic Resources: Rich regions see better transport infrastructure development.
3. Government Policies: Plans like the Golden Quadrilateral and National Waterways improve infrastructure.
4. Technological Advances: Development of electric engines and metro systems enhances transport.
(ii) Give a detailed account of the development of railways in India and highlight their importance.
Development of Railways in India:
- Introduced in 1853 with the Bombay-Thane line (34 km).
- Divided into 17 zones for easier management.
- Extensive conversion to broad gauge and introduction of metro rail improved efficiency.
- Konkan Railway (760 km) is an engineering marvel connecting Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Importance of Railways:
- Facilitates both freight and passenger transport.
- Enhances national integration and economic development.
- Contributes to industrial growth by transporting raw materials and finished goods.
(iii) Describe the role of roads in the economic development of India.
- Roads account for 70% of freight and 85% of passenger traffic in India.
- They connect remote and rural areas, fostering trade and development.
- The Golden Quadrilateral and rural road schemes improve national connectivity.
- Roads are crucial for agriculture, tourism, and industries by enabling the movement of goods and services efficiently.
Other Important Short answer Type Questions
Here is a set of important short answer type questions and their answers from Chapter 7: Transport and Communication (NCERT Class 12 Geography India: People and Economy). These questions align with past exam patterns and cover UPSC relevant themes.
1. What are the major modes of transport in India?
The three major modes of transport in India are:
- Roadways: Suitable for short distances, carrying 85% of passenger traffic.
- Railways: Crucial for long distance freight and passenger transport.
- Waterways and Air Transport: Used for specific needs like international trade and time sensitive travel.
2. What is the importance of National Highways in India?
- National Highways connect major cities, ports, and defense locations.
- Although they comprise only 2% of India’s total road network, they handle 40% of road traffic.
- The Golden Quadrilateral and North-South & East-West corridors are vital projects improving interstate connectivity.
3. Describe the significance of rail transport in India’s economy.
- Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest networks, supports freight movement and connects people across regions.
- It fosters national unity, enhances trade, and plays a key role in the tourism and industrial sectors.
4. What are the key features of India’s Inland Waterways?
- Inland waterways offer eco friendly and cost effective transport for heavy goods.
- National Waterway 1 (Ganga), National Waterway 2 (Brahmaputra), and National Waterway 3 (Kerala canals) are the main routes.
5. What is Bharatmala Pariyojana?
It is an umbrella road development project focusing on:
- Coastal roads and nonmajor port connectivity.
- Tourism and pilgrimage route development.
- Constructing bridges and enhancing interstate connectivity.
6. What role does air transport play in India’s development?
- Air transport connects remote regions and offers the fastest travel mode.
- The UDAN scheme aims to make flying affordable and improve regional connectivity.
7. Why are pipelines essential for India’s economy?
- Pipelines efficiently transport oil, gas, and slurry over long distances.
- Key pipelines include the Naharkatiya-Barauni-Kanpur line and Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur gas pipeline.
8. Explain the impact of communication networks on India.
- Communication networks, including radio, television, and the internet, spread knowledge and enhance governance.
- Satellite systems like INSAT and IRS assist in telecommunications, disaster management, and weather forecasting.
9. What challenges affect the development of rural roads?
- Rural roads face issues due to difficult terrain (e.g., hills, plateaus) and lack of maintenance.
- Poor connectivity in remote areas limits access to markets and services.
MCQs: Transport and Communication
Below are 20 MCQs based on Chapter 7: Transport and Communication from the NCERT Class 12 Geography book. These questions align with topics often seen in UPSC and previous NCERT board exams.
1. What percentage of passenger traffic is carried by road transport in India annually?
a) 70%
b) 60%
c) 85%
d) 50%
2. Which national highway project connects the four metro cities of India?
a) North-South Corridor
b) East-West Corridor
c) Bharatmala Project
d) Golden Quadrilateral
3. The first Indian railway line was constructed between which two places?
a) Mumbai and Thane
b) Chennai and Coimbatore
c) Delhi and Agra
d) Kolkata and Howrah
4. Which organization is responsible for constructing roads in strategic border areas?
a) NHAI
b) BRO
c) Indian Railways
d) PWD
5. What is the approximate length of India’s coastline?
a) 7,517 km
b) 10,000 km
c) 8,000 km
d) 5,500 km
6. The Konkan Railway connects which two states?
a) Maharashtra and Kerala
b) Maharashtra and Karnataka
c) Gujarat and Maharashtra
d) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
7. In which year did India launch its first airmail service?
a) 1911
b) 1923
c) 1936
d) 1945
8. Which tunnel, built by the BRO, is the world’s longest highway tunnel?
a) Atal Tunnel
b) Chenani-Nashri Tunnel
c) Zojila Tunnel
d) Banihal Tunnel
9. What is the distance covered by the North-South Corridor?
a) 4,076 km
b) 5,846 km
c) 3,640 km
d) 7,500 km
10. Which inland waterway connects Haldia to Allahabad?
a) National Waterway 1
b) National Waterway 2
c) National Waterway 3
d) National Waterway 5
11. Which Indian city was the first to have metro rail services?
a) Delhi
b) Mumbai
c) Kolkata
d) Chennai
12. What is the gauge width of Indian broad gauge railways?
a) 1.676 meters
b) 1.5 meters
c) 1 meter
d) 0.762 meters
13. Which organization oversees the development of National Highways?
a) NHAI
b) BRO
c) PWD
d) Indian Railways
14. What percentage of India’s foreign trade by volume is carried by ocean routes?
a) 95%
b) 70%
c) 80%
d) 60%
15. Which gas pipeline project links Mumbai with fertilizer and industrial complexes in northern India?
a) HVJ Pipeline
b) Naharkatiya-Barauni Pipeline
c) East-West Pipeline
d) GAIL North Grid
16. When was the BRO established to construct roads in border areas?
a) 1960
b) 1950
c) 1975
d) 1984
17. Which scheme aims to improve air connectivity for smaller cities and remote areas in India?
a) Bharatmala
b) UDAN
c) Atal Jyoti Yojana
d) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
18. What is the role of GAIL (India) Ltd.?
a) Managing highways
b) Operating railways
c) Transporting and marketing natural gas
d) Overseeing water transport
19. The Atal Tunnel is situated in which mountain range?
a) Pir Panjal Range
b) Zanskar Range
c) Karakoram Range
d) Shivalik Hills
20. Which type of road constitutes 80% of the total road network in India?
a) National Highways
b) State Highways
c) Rural Roads
d) District Roads
Answer Key
1. c) 85%
2. d) Golden Quadrilateral
3. a) Mumbai and Thane
4. b) BRO
5. a) 7,517 km
6. b) Maharashtra and Karnataka
7. a) 1911
8. a) Atal Tunnel
9. a) 4,076 km
10. a) National Waterway 1
11. c) Kolkata
12. a) 1.676 meters
13. a) NHAI
14. a) 95%
15. a) HVJ Pipeline
16. a) 1960
17. b) UDAN
18. c) Transporting and marketing natural gas
19. a) Pir Panjal Range
20. c) Rural Roads
Other Chapter
| Chapter 1:- POPULATION: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition | Chapter 2:- HUMAN SETTLEMENTS |
| Chapter 3:- LAND RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE | Chapter 4:– WATER RESOURCES |
| Chapter 5:- MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES | Chapter 6:- PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIAN CONTEXT |
| Chapter 8:- INTERNATIONAL TRADE | Chapter 9:- GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SELECTED ISSUES AND PROBLEMS |
