Consider the following statements with regard to density of roads in ...
- Nature of terrain and the level of economic development are the main determinants of density of roads.
- Construction of roads is easy and cheaper in the plain areas while it is difficult and costly in hilly and plateau areas. Therefore, not only the density but also the quality of roads is relatively better in plains as compared to roads in high altitude areas, rainy and forested regions.
- Density of roads (length of roads per 100 square km of area) varies from only 12.14 km in Jammu and Kashmir to 517.77 km in Kerala with a national average of 142.68 km in 2011) The density of road is high in most of the northern states and major southern states.
- It is low in the Himalayan region, north-eastern region. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan despite having high populations have low road density. Thus, population is not a major determinant.
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Consider the following statements with regard to density of roads in ...
Statement 1: Major determinants of density of roads in India are Nature of terrain, Population, Level of economic development.
This statement is correct. The density of roads in a country is influenced by several factors, and three major determinants in the case of India are:
1. Nature of terrain: India has diverse geographical features, including mountains, plains, plateaus, and coastal areas. The construction of roads in hilly and mountainous regions is more challenging and expensive compared to plain areas. Therefore, the nature of terrain plays a significant role in determining the density of roads.
2. Population: India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a population of over 1.3 billion people. The density of roads is higher in areas with a higher population density, as roads are essential for transportation and connectivity. Urban areas and regions with higher population concentrations tend to have a higher density of roads.
3. Level of economic development: The level of economic development in a region also influences the density of roads. Higher economic development leads to increased infrastructure investments, including the construction of roads. States or regions with higher economic development tend to have a higher density of roads compared to less developed areas.
Statement 2: The density of roads is high in most of the northern states and major southern states.
This statement is incorrect. The density of roads in India is not concentrated only in the northern states and major southern states. The distribution of roads is influenced by a combination of factors, including population density, economic development, and government priorities.
Some states in northern India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, have a relatively lower density of roads compared to their population size. On the other hand, states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu in southern India have higher road densities due to their higher population and economic development.
Overall, the density of roads in India varies across states and regions, depending on the interplay of various factors mentioned earlier. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
In conclusion, only statement 1 is correct, while statement 2 is incorrect. The density of roads in India is determined by factors such as the nature of terrain, population density, and level of economic development, rather than being concentrated in specific regions.