Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 Transport And Communication

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Geography Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 Transport And Communication

Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved

Question 1.(i) In how many zones has the Indian Railways system been divided?

Answer: (c) 16

Question 1.(ii) Which one of the following is the longest highway of India?

Answer: (c) N.H.-7

Question 1.(iii) On which river and between which two places does the National Waterway No. 1 lie?

Answer: (b) The Ganga, Haldia–Allahabad

Question 1.(iv) In which of the following year, the first radio programme was broadcast?

Answer: (d) 1923

Question 2.(i) Which activity does transportation convey? Name three major modes of transportation.

Answer: Transportation enables mobility, a fundamental human need that supports trade, communication, and social integration. The three major transportation modes are land (road, rail), water, and air transport.

Question 2.(ii) Discuss advantages and disadvantages of pipeline transportation.

Advantages:

• Efficient for transporting liquids and gases over long distances
• Low operational cost and eco-friendly
• Operates continuously without human involvement
• Can cross rough terrains and high altitudes

Disadvantages:

• High installation costs
• Limited to specific materials (not suitable for people or all solids)
• Vulnerable to leaks, which can be hazardous
• Potential targets for sabotage or terrorism

Question 2.(iii) What do you mean by ‘communication’?

Answer: Communication is the exchange and transmission of ideas, messages, and information using various channels such as written language, speech, radio, internet, or mobile phones. It connects people across regions and plays a key role in human and economic development.

Question 2.(iv) Discuss the contribution of Air India and Indian in the air transport of India.

Answer: Air India handles international passenger and cargo services, while Indian (earlier Indian Airlines) manages domestic air transport. Together, they improved connectivity, increased cargo handling, and introduced branding changes like Indian’s new Sun Temple-inspired logo, reflecting national identity and trust.

Question 3.(i) Which are the chief means of transportation in India? Discuss the factors affecting their development.

Answer: India’s primary transportation systems include land (road, rail, pipeline), water (inland and maritime), and air transport. Each plays a distinct role in promoting trade, economic integration, and regional connectivity.

Railways are vital for moving bulk goods and passengers over long distances. They are dense in plains but sparse in hilly, desert, or forested regions.

Roadways offer flexible, last-mile connectivity and are crucial for linking rural interiors with urban markets.

Water transport is cost-effective for heavy cargo and international trade, supported by India’s extensive coastline and navigable rivers.

Air transport enables quick movement of passengers and high-value goods, especially in remote and inaccessible areas.

Factors like terrain, resource distribution, economic viability, technological advancement, and government investment influence the development and distribution of these systems.

Question 3.(ii) Give a detailed account of the development of railways in India and highlight their importance.

Answer: Railways in India began in 1853 with the Mumbai-Thane line. Since then, the network has expanded to over 63,000 km, making it one of the largest in the world. It plays a crucial role in economic and social integration by enabling the movement of goods and people across the country.

The system is divided into 16 zones for administrative efficiency. Over time, technological upgrades such as gauge conversion and the replacement of coal-run steam engines with diesel and electric engines have improved speed, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

Modern developments include metro systems in cities like Delhi and Kolkata, and Konkan Railway, which connects western coastal regions. Post-independence, rail connectivity expanded to underdeveloped regions, supporting rural-urban integration.

Despite regional disparities in coverage, railways remain the most accessible and affordable mode for long-distance travel in India and continue to be central to national development.

Question 3.(iii) Describe the role of roads in the economic development of India.

Answer: Roadways are crucial for India’s economic growth. They provide door-to-door connectivity, making them vital for transporting goods between rural production zones and urban consumption markets. Roads connect industrial hubs with raw material sources and link rural areas with essential services.

National Highways form the backbone of trade by connecting major cities, ports, and capitals. Below this, State Highways, district roads, and village roads support local connectivity and stimulate regional economic activities.

Road development has also supported small and medium enterprises and enabled the growth of footloose industries that rely heavily on transportation accessibility. Border roads have enhanced cross-border trade, contributing to international commerce.

Additionally, roads serve as critical links between other transport modes such as railways, ports, and airports. Their development has been essential not only for economic transactions but also for disaster response, tourism, and employment generation, making them indispensable for inclusive national development.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 NCERT Extra Questions

Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What are different means of transportation?

Answer: The five major means of transportation in India are:

• Roadways
• Railways
• Waterways
• Airways
• Pipelines

Question 2. India is deemed to have one of the world’s largest road networks. Why?

Answer: India ranks among countries with the largest road networks globally, with a total length of 42.3 lakh kilometers (as per 2008–09 data). Roads handle nearly 85% of passenger traffic and 70% of freight, making them essential for nationwide connectivity.

Question 3. Under which scheme was first modern road network constructed in India?

Answer: The Nagpur Plan of 1943 was the first systematic effort to develop a road network in India. However, it failed due to poor coordination between princely states and British India. After Independence, the Twenty-Year Road Plan (1961) was introduced to improve road infrastructure.

Question 4. Classify roads on the basis of construction and maintenance.

Answer: Based on construction and maintenance, Indian roads are classified as:

• National Highways: Maintained by the Central Government
• State Highways: Managed by State Governments
• District Roads: Maintained by District Authorities
• Village Roads: Built and maintained by local bodies or Panchayats

Question 5. What is the significance of means of transport?

Answer: Transport plays a vital role by:

• Carrying raw materials to industries
• Moving finished goods to markets
• Enabling long-distance travel for people and products
• Connecting production zones with consumption centers
• Supporting economic growth and regional integration

Question 6. What do you understand by Nagpur Plan? What were the reasons for its failure?

Answer: The Nagpur Plan (1943) was India’s first road development strategy. It failed due to the lack of coordination between the princely states and British administration, limiting its implementation and success during the colonial period.

Question 7. What is State Highways? Write their features.

Answer: State Highways are major roads maintained by State Governments.

Features:

• Connect state capitals to district headquarters and key towns
• Linked with National Highways for extended connectivity
• Make up around 4% of India’s total road length

Question 8. Name the states with highest and lowest density of roads.

Answer:

• Highest road density: Kerala
• Lowest road density: Jammu and Kashmir

Question 9. What is the average road density of our country?

Answer: As of 2011, India’s average road density stands at approximately 142.68 kilometers per 100 square kilometers of area.

Question 10. Which is the longest National Highway in India?

Answer: National Highway 44 (NH-44) is the longest in India, stretching from Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu).

Question 11. What is the importance of International Highways?

Answer: International Highways facilitate cross-border connectivity and promote trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. They also connect remote regions to major commercial hubs.

Question 12. Name the two places which connects NH1.

Answer: National Highway 1 (NH-1) connects Amritsar and Delhi.

Question 13. On which river is NW-1 made? Name two places which connect it.

Answer: National Waterway 1 (NW-1) is constructed on the Ganga River, linking Allahabad and Haldia.

Question 14. Name the two places which connect NW-2. Name the river on which NW-2 is made.

Answer: NW-2 connects Sadiya and Dhubri and is situated on the Brahmaputra River.

Question 15. Name the two places which connect NW-3.

Answer: National Waterway 3 (NW-3) runs between Kottapuram and Kollam in the state of Kerala.

Question 16. Name the first air transport segment in India.

Answer: Air transport in India began in 1911 with the launch of airmail services over a short distance of 10 kilometers between Allahabad and Naini. This marked the country’s entry into civil aviation.

Question 17. Which means of transport is being used widely in India for trading?

Answer: Water transport, particularly oceanic shipping routes, is extensively used for international trade in India. It is the most cost-effective and efficient method for transporting bulk commodities over long distances.

Question 18. What is the new name of Indian Airlines and when was it given to it?

Answer: Indian Airlines was rebranded as “Indian” on December 8, 2005, as part of a strategic makeover to modernize its image and improve competitiveness in the domestic aviation sector.

Question 19. From where has the logo of ‘Indian’ been adopted and what does it signify?

Answer: The logo of ‘Indian’ is a partially visible blue wheel, inspired by the Sun Temple at Konark (Odisha). It represents timeless motion, convergence, divergence, and signifies strength, reliability, and continuity—values the airline aims to embody.

Question 20. Where is famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race (VALLAMKALI) held?

Answer: The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, also known as Vallamkali, is held in the scenic backwaters of Kerala, specifically on the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha (Alleppey).

Question 21. What services are provided by Air India?

Answer: Air India operates international air services, carrying both passengers and cargo across continents. In 2005, it served 12.2 million passengers and transported 4.8 lakh metric tonnes of cargo. Major hubs include Mumbai and Delhi, which handle over half of India’s total air traffic.

Question 22. What do you know about Pawan Hans?

Answer: Pawan Hans Limited is a government-owned helicopter service, primarily operating in hilly and remote areas, especially in the northeastern region. It serves tourists, supports the petroleum sector, and provides crucial connectivity in difficult terrains.

Question 23. What is meant by Open Sky Policy?

Answer: The Open Sky Policy, introduced in April 1992, was aimed at supporting Indian exporters by increasing cargo efficiency. Under this policy, foreign airlines and exporters’ associations are allowed to operate freighter services into India, enhancing global trade access.

Question 24. Name the Asia’s largest cross-country pipelines.

Answer: Asia’s first and one of the largest cross-country pipelines was constructed by Oil India Limited (OIL). It stretches 1,157 km, connecting the Naharkatiya oilfield in Assam to the Barauni refinery in Bihar.

Question 25. Name a few earlier means of communication.

Answer: In ancient times, messages were conveyed using methods like:

• Beating drums or hollow tree trunks
• Smoke signals or fire indicators
• Fast runners or animals such as horses, camels, dogs, and carrier pigeons

Question 26. What are the electronic media of mass communication?

Answer: The primary electronic media of mass communication include radio and television, both of which are widely used for disseminating news, entertainment, and educational content.

Question 27. What are the benefits of TV over radio?

• Television combines audio and visual elements, offering higher engagement and better retention.
• Viewers can see and hear events in real-time, making the information more impactful and informative than just listening.

Question 28. What are the limitations of television?

• Limited accessibility in remote and rural regions due to infrastructure constraints
• Lack of portability, making it less convenient than radios or mobile devices for communication on the move

Question 29. What is NRSA? Where is its headquarter?

Answer: The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) is responsible for satellite data acquisition and processing, used for natural resource management. Its headquarters is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Explain the functions of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Answer: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was made operational in 1995 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Surface Transport. Its primary responsibilities include:

• Development, maintenance, and operation of National Highways
• Improving road infrastructure and quality
• Ensuring smooth and safe movement of goods and passengers across the country

Question 2. List some major projects of NHAI.

Answer: Key projects under NHAI include:

• Golden Quadrilateral: A 5,846 km long expressway connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata
• North-South Corridor: A 4,076 km road connecting Srinagar to Kanyakumari (with Kochi–Salem spur)
• East-West Corridor: A 3,640 km road linking Silchar to Porbandar

Question 3. Explain the functions of Border Roads Organisation.

Answer: Established in May 1960, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO):

• Builds and maintains roads in remote and strategic border areas
• Supports defence and promotes economic development
• Constructed over 40,000 km of roads by March 2005
• Handles snow clearance in high-altitude zones

Question 4. Give the reasons for regional variations of the low density of roads in India.

Answer: Road density varies due to:

• Terrain: Easier in plains; difficult and costly in hilly, forested, or desert regions
• Economic Development: Urban regions have better-maintained roads than rural or underdeveloped areas
• Connectivity Needs: Important cities serve as road hubs, especially in North India

Question 5. What do you know about Konkan Railway? OR What is the significance of Konkan Railway?

Answer: Commissioned in 1998, the 760 km Konkan Railway connects Roha (Maharashtra) to Mangalore (Karnataka). It is considered an engineering marvel:

• Crosses 146 rivers and has nearly 2,000 bridges and tunnels
• Includes Asia’s longest railway tunnel (6.5 km)
• Improves connectivity along the Western Ghats
• Jointly developed by Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka

Question 6. What is the importance of air transport?

Answer: Air transport is vital for:

• Connecting inaccessible and mountainous regions
• Rapid transport of passengers and perishable items
• Providing emergency relief during natural disasters
• Supporting defence and strategic operations
• Reducing travel time over long distances

Question 7. What is pipeline and why is it important?

Answer: Pipeline transport moves liquids and gases across long distances. It is important because:

• It’s cost-effective and energy-efficient
• Enables uninterrupted supply of petroleum, water, and gas
• Requires low maintenance and reduces human handling
• Ideal for difficult terrains and underwater transmission
• Minimizes transhipment losses

Question 8. Explain the Super National Highways of India.

Answer: India’s Super National Highways include:

• Golden Quadrilateral: 5,846 km connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata
• North-South Corridor: 4,076 km from Srinagar to Kanyakumari
• East-West Corridor: 3,640 km from Silchar to Porbandar

These highways boost trade, reduce travel time, and support national integration.

Question 9. What is Internet? What are its uses?

Answer: The Internet is a global communication network that facilitates the exchange of data and information.

Uses:

• Email, e-commerce, and online banking
• Access to education, research, and information
• Real-time communication and social networking
• Data storage, sharing, and knowledge dissemination

Question 10. What are National Highways? Give its three characteristics.

Answer: National Highways are major roads built and maintained by the Central Government.

Characteristics:

• Support inter-state transport and defence movement
• Connect major ports, state capitals, and commercial hubs
• Make up only 2% of roads but handle nearly 40% of road traffic

Question 11. What are border roads? How are they important for the country?

Answer: Border roads are constructed along India’s international frontiers, especially in the north and northeast.

Importance:

• Constructed by the BRO to enhance defence logistics
• Provide vital links to remote and isolated areas
• Example: Chandigarh-Manali road (4,270 m altitude) aids civilian and military mobility

Question 12. When did air transport begin in India? Explain its present state.

Answer: Air transport began in 1911 with an airmail flight from Allahabad to Naini. Today, the Airports Authority of India manages 126 airports:

• 11 international airports
• 86 domestic airports
• 29 civil enclaves

It ensures efficient air traffic management and safety across the country.

Question 13. What are the limitations of the pipeline transport?

Answer: Limitations of pipeline transport include:

• Inflexibility in route and capacity
• Maintenance difficulties, especially underground
• Leakage detection is challenging
• Security concerns in remote and vulnerable areas

Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Explain the factors affecting Indian Railways.

Answer: The railway network in India has developed under the influence of geographical, economic, and political factors:

Geographical Factors:

• The flat terrain and fertile lands of the Northern Plains are ideal for railways.
• Rugged regions like the Himalayas, deserts in Rajasthan, floodplains in Assam and Bihar, and swampy or forested areas pose construction challenges.
• Railways often follow the path of least resistance, using mountain gaps like Thalghat and Bhorghat.

Economic Factors:

• Dense networks are found in economically developed urban and industrial zones.
• Railways support economic growth by facilitating raw material and goods transport.

Political Factors:

• Under British rule, railways were built to extract resources and facilitate troop movement.
• Ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata were linked to the hinterland to enable export.

Question 2. What recent steps have been taken for development and modernisation of Indian railways? Why is unification of gauges important? What role does railway network play in economic development of our country?

Recent Developments in Indian Railways:

• Conversion of metre and narrow gauges to broad gauge
• Switch from steam to diesel and electric locomotives
• Introduction of high-speed trains and metro rails
• Modernized stations and computerized reservations
• Konkan Railway to boost coastal access
• Improved passenger facilities (AC coaches, catering, sanitation)

Importance of Unification of Gauges:

• Provides uniformity and compatibility across routes
• Allows fast, continuous, and cost-efficient travel
• Reduces transhipment delays and operational challenges

Economic Role:

• Transports bulk goods like coal, cement, food grains, fertilizers
• Freight growth reflects agricultural and industrial expansion
• Promotes trade, employment, and national integration
• Examples: Fertilizer transport rose from 4.7 to 23.7 million tons (1970–2005), coal from 47.9 to 251.7 million tons

Question 3. Discuss the growth and role of TV and radio in mass communication.

Radio:

• Started in 1923 (Radio Club of Bombay); became All India Radio in 1936 and Akashvani in 1957
• Widely accessible for delivering news, entertainment, education, and public messaging

Television:

• Launched in Delhi in 1959, separated from AIR in 1976 to form Doordarshan
• Expanded after INSAT-IA, enabling nationwide coverage
• Common National Programmes (CNP) aired across India

Overall Role:

• Raise awareness of government schemes, education, health, and weather
• Deliver real-time news and interactive learning
• Used for advertising and public campaigns
• Support social reforms and cultural integration

Question 4. Explain the primary and secondary inland waterways of India.

Answer: India has 14,500 km of navigable waterways; 3,700 km are suitable for mechanized craft. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) was established in 1986.

Major National Waterways:

• NW-1 (1,620 km): Allahabad to Haldia via Ganga. Segments: Haldia–Farakka (560 km), Farakka–Patna (460 km), Patna–Allahabad (600 km)
• NW-2 (891 km): Sadiya to Dhubri on Brahmaputra River
• NW-3 (205 km): Kottapuram to Kollam in Kerala via canals
• NW-4 (1,078 km): Godavari–Krishna canals from Kakinada to Puducherry
• NW-5 (588 km): On Brahmani and Mahanadi delta connecting to East Coast canals

Backwaters in Kerala also serve for water transport and tourism (e.g., Nehru Trophy Boat Race).

Question 5. Explain the functions of Oil India Limited (OIL).

Answer: Oil India Limited (OIL), established in 1959, functions under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It explores, produces, and transports crude oil and gas.

Key Functions:

• Built Asia’s first cross-country pipeline (1,157 km) from Naharkatiya (Assam) to Barauni (Bihar)
• Extended the line to Kanpur in 1966
• Developed key western pipelines: Ankleshwar–Koyali, Mumbai High–Koyali, Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur (HVJ)
• Built 1,256 km pipeline from Salaya (Gujarat) to Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)
• Supplies crude oil to Punjab via Mathura
• Constructing 660 km pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri

OIL ensures efficient energy logistics and supports India’s oil security and economic infrastructure.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

Question 1. Why is the density of rural roads very low in hilly, plateau and forested areas?

Answer: The rural road density is quite low in hilly, plateau, and forest-covered regions due to a variety of geographical and economic challenges. Construction in such areas is technically difficult and costly because of steep slopes and rugged terrain. These regions typically have low population density and scattered settlements, which reduce the demand for road infrastructure. Additionally, limited economic activity makes road construction less financially viable, further contributing to the sparse road network.

Question 2. “Among all the personal communication systems internet is the most effective and advanced one.” Do you agree with the statement?

Answer: Yes, I agree. The internet is currently the most powerful and advanced form of personal communication. It provides instant connectivity across the globe, enabling users to interact in real time. Widely accessible in urban areas, it serves as a massive platform for data storage and retrieval. The internet is essential for online education, business transactions, and e-commerce. It is also cost-effective and saves time, making it a highly efficient communication tool for personal and professional use.

Question 3. Inspite of numerous rivers, why are India’s inland waterways poorly developed?

Answer: Although India has many rivers, its inland waterways are underdeveloped due to several reasons. Many rivers experience seasonal variations in water levels, making navigation unreliable. Silt deposition in riverbeds and the diversion of water for agriculture further reduce navigability. Strong currents and frequent flooding pose additional hazards. Moreover, inland waterways face tough competition from faster and more convenient road and rail transport. The lack of modern boats and uneven terrain also limit the development of water-based transportation.

Question 4. Why has the container transport become more popular nowadays?

Answer: Container transport has become increasingly popular because of its efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. It allows for door-to-door service, minimizing the need for manual handling. This mode of transport reduces both delivery time and cost, benefiting customers and transport agencies alike. It also ensures the safe and secure movement of goods, protecting them from damage or theft. These advantages make container transport a preferred choice in modern logistics and trade.

Question 5. How have geographical factors influenced railway network in India?

Answer: India’s railway network has been significantly shaped by its diverse geography. The flat and fertile North Indian plains are ideal for railway expansion due to their high population density and agricultural productivity. However, areas like Bihar and Assam require costly bridge construction due to frequent flooding. The Deccan plateau has uneven terrain, making railway development difficult. The Himalayan region remains largely inaccessible due to steep mountains. Desert areas like Rajasthan and swampy zones such as the Rann of Kachchh also pose challenges. Forested and hilly areas in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha face similar difficulties. Rail routes are often built through natural passes like Thalghat and Bhorghat to connect coastal cities such as Mumbai and Kochi, following paths of least resistance.

Social-Cultural Significance of Roads

Roads play a key role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of a region. Kerala is a prime example, where high road density correlates with the state’s top HDI ranking. Easy access to schools has contributed to a 94% literacy rate. Improved connectivity ensures timely medical assistance, reducing infant mortality and increasing life expectancy. Better transportation also raises awareness about healthcare and family planning, helping control population growth. The state’s continuous village settlements along roadways encourage community interaction and contribute to economic and social development.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 10 Differentiates

Question 1. Differentiate Between National Highways and State Highways

Basis	National Highways	State Highways
Construction and Maintenance	Built and maintained by the Central Government.	Developed and maintained by the respective State Governments.
Purpose	Facilitate inter-state connectivity by linking major cities, ports, and capitals across states.	Connect state capitals with district headquarters and important towns, and link to national highways.
Share in Road Length and Traffic	Cover only 2% of the total road length but handle around 40% of road traffic.	Account for about 4% of India’s total road length.

Question 2. Differentiate Between District Roads and Rural Roads

Basis	District Roads	Rural Roads
Construction and Maintenance	Constructed and maintained by the state government.	Managed by local government bodies or panchayats.
Purpose	Connect district headquarters to other towns and administrative centers within the district.	Provide essential connectivity to villages and remote rural areas.
Share in Road Length	Make up around 14% of the national road length.	Comprise nearly 80% of the total road network in India.

Question 3. Differentiate Between Meter Gauge, Broad Gauge and Narrow Gauge

Basis	Meter Gauge	Broad Gauge	Narrow Gauge
Rail Distance	Distance between rails is 1 metre.	Rails are spaced 1.676 metres apart.	Rails are spaced 0.762 metres or 0.610 metres apart.
Route Length Share	Covers around 13,290 km, i.e. 21.02% of India’s railway network.	Covers 46,807 km, around 74.14% of the total network.	Covers 3,124 km, which is about 4.94%, mainly in hilly regions.

Question 4. Differentiate Between Air India and Indian Airlines

Basis	Air India	Indian Airlines
Service Area	Operates international air services.	Provided domestic air services within India.
Main Function	Carries international passengers and cargo, linking India to all continents.	Formerly the largest domestic carrier, renamed ‘Indian’ in 2005, focused on internal routes.
Traffic Share (2005)	Handled 12.2 million passengers and 4.8 lakh metric tonnes of cargo.	Managed 24.3 million passengers and 20 lakh metric tonnes of cargo domestically.

Question 5. Differentiate Between Personal Communication and Mass Communication

Basis	Personal Communication	Mass Communication
Purpose	Involves direct interaction between individuals, either in writing or verbally.	Aimed at conveying information to a large audience at once.
Common Means	Includes telephone calls, emails, letters, messaging, or face-to-face conversations.	Includes TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet, and other digital platforms.