Worksheet Solutions: Transport and Communication | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The first attempt to modernize India's road network was the "______ Plan" in 1943.
Ans: Nagpur Plan
The first attempt to modernize India's road network was the "Nagpur Plan" in 1943, aimed at improving transportation infrastructure.

Q2: National Highways account for ______% of the total road length in India.
Ans: 1.67
National Highways account for 1.67% of the total road length in India, serving as crucial inter-state links.

Q3: The organization responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways is ______.
Ans: NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)
The organization responsible for the development and maintenance of National Highways is NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), ensuring the quality and efficiency of road networks.

Q4: The Golden Quadrilateral aims to connect India's major metropolitan cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and ______.
Ans: Kolkata
The Golden Quadrilateral aims to connect India's major metropolitan cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, enhancing travel and trade between these regions.

Q5: Railway tracks with a width of 1 meter apart are known as ______ gauge.
Ans: Metre
Railway tracks with a width of 1 meter apart are known as Metre gauge, providing a specific track standard for trains.

Q6: The Inland Waterways Authority was established in ______.
Ans: 1986
The Inland Waterways Authority was established in 1986 to oversee the development and regulation of national waterways in India, promoting efficient water transport.

Q7: ______ is a key organization in India providing helicopter services for hilly areas.
Ans: Pawan Hans
Pawan Hans is a key organization in India providing helicopter services for hilly areas, facilitating transportation in challenging terrains.

Q8: ______ are an efficient mode of transportation for liquids, gases, and solids converted to slurry.
Ans: Pipelines
Pipelines are an efficient mode of transportation for liquids, gases, and solids converted to slurry, ensuring the smooth flow of various substances over long distances.

Q9: The first television broadcast in India began in the national capital in the year ______.
Ans: 1959
The first television broadcast in India began in the national capital in the year 1959, marking the inception of television services in the country.

Q10: The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS) started in ______ with the launch of IRS-IA.
Ans: 1988
The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS) started in 1988 with the launch of IRS-IA, revolutionizing remote sensing technology for various applications, including resource management and disaster monitoring.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Road transport accounts for 85% of passenger traffic in India.
Reason: Road transport is more affordable and convenient for short distances.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
While it's true that road transport accounts for 85% of passenger traffic in India, the reason provided, that road transport is more affordable and convenient for short distances, doesn't fully explain this assertion. Road transport's dominance in India can also be attributed to the extensive road network and the accessibility it provides, especially in remote and rural areas.

Q2: Assertion: Water transport is considered cost-effective for carrying heavy goods.
Reason: Water transport is faster than road transport for short distances.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Water transport is indeed cost-effective for carrying heavy goods, primarily because ships and boats can carry a large volume of goods in one go, making it economically viable. The reason provided, that water transport is faster than road transport for short distances, supports the assertion, as speed is one of the advantages of water transport.

Q3: Assertion: The Konkan Railway connects Mumbai to Chennai.
Reason: Konkan Railway is a significant achievement in India's railway network.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The Konkan Railway does not connect Mumbai to Chennai; it connects Mumbai to Mangalore in Karnataka. While the Konkan Railway is a significant achievement in India's railway network, the reason provided doesn't accurately relate to the assertion.

Q4: Assertion: Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) serves multiple purposes, including telecommunications and meteorological observation.
Reason: Satellites in INSAT system transmit data in a single spectral band.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion that INSAT serves multiple purposes, including telecommunications and meteorological observation, is correct. Additionally, satellites in INSAT system transmit data in multiple spectral bands, not just a single one. The reason explains the diversity of purposes served by the INSAT system, supporting the assertion.

Q5: Assertion: Rail transport played a role in unifying India's diverse cultures during the freedom struggle.
Reason: Indian railways were introduced by the British solely for economic reasons.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion that rail transport played a role in unifying India's diverse cultures during the freedom struggle is true. Indian railways did have economic motives, but they also played a significant role in bringing people from different regions together, fostering cultural exchange and national integration, making the Reason a correct explanation for the Assertion.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What percentage of India's foreign trade is moved through oceanic routes?
Ans: The percentage of India's foreign trade moved through oceanic routes is around 95%.

Q2: Name the organization responsible for the construction and maintenance of National Highways.
Ans: The organization responsible for the construction and maintenance of National Highways is the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Q3: How many railway zones are there in India?
Ans: There are a total of 18 railway zones in India.

Q4: Which state has the highest road density in India?
Ans: Maharashtra has the highest road density in India.

Q5: What is the primary responsibility of the Border Road Organisation (BRO)?
Ans: The primary responsibility of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) is to develop and maintain road infrastructure in the border areas of India.

Q6: Which Indian organization provides helicopter services for hilly areas and tourism?
Ans: The Indian organization that provides helicopter services for hilly areas and tourism is the Pawan Hans Limited.

Q7: Name the satellite system established in 1983 in India.
Ans: The satellite system established in 1983 in India is the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system.

Q8: What is the width between rails in narrow gauge tracks?
Ans: The width between rails in narrow gauge tracks is usually less than the standard gauge, ranging from 2 feet to 3 feet 6 inches.

Q9: Which year did the first television broadcast begin in India?
Ans: The first television broadcast began in India in the year 1959.

Q10: What is the primary responsibility of the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA)?
Ans: The primary responsibility of the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) is to conduct research and development in the field of remote sensing and provide remote sensing data and services for various applications.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of National Highways in India.
Ans: National Highways in India play a crucial role in facilitating transportation across the country. These highways are constructed and maintained by the central government and serve as key links for inter-state transport and defense movements in strategic areas. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) oversees their development and maintenance. The Golden Quadrilateral, North-South Corridor, and East-West Corridor are major projects that have significantly improved connectivity between major cities. State Highways, District Roads, and Rural Roads complement the National Highways to ensure comprehensive road connectivity.

Q2: Describe the evolution of radio broadcasting in India.
Ans: Radio broadcasting in India has a rich history. It began with the Radio Club of Bombay initiating broadcasts in 1923. Recognizing its popularity, the Indian government took over control of radio broadcasting in 1930 under the Indian Broadcasting System, later renamed All India Radio (Akashwani) in 1936. It became a widespread form of communication, covering information, education, entertainment, and news bulletins. Television broadcasting was introduced in 1959 with Doordarshan as its distinct identity after 1972. The launch of satellites like INSAT has revolutionized television broadcasting, expanding services to rural areas. Radio and television have played a significant role in disseminating information and entertainment across India.

Q3: Explain the significance of satellite communication in India.
Ans: Satellite communication is of paramount importance in India due to its diverse applications. Satellites provide a comprehensive view of large areas, aiding in weather forecasting, monitoring natural disasters, and border surveillance. India's two satellite systems, INSAT and IRS, serve various purposes, including telecommunications, meteorological observation, and remote sensing for resource management. The Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) was established in 1983, and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS) started in 1988, with India developing its launch vehicle, the PSLV.
These satellites have significant economic and strategic implications. They enable efficient communication, broadcasting, and data transmission. They are also instrumental in applications like crop monitoring, disaster management, and national security. Overall, satellite communication enhances India's capabilities in multiple domains, making it a valuable asset for the nation.

Q4: Describe the role of water transport in India's economy.
Ans: Water transport plays a vital role in India's economy, especially for heavy goods and passenger transportation. Although it has faced competition from road and rail transport, it remains a cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. India's water transport is categorized into inland waterways and oceanic waterways.
Inland waterways, with approximately 14,500 km of navigable routes, provide avenues for transportation through rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks. While only a portion of these routes is currently used, they have significant potential for development. The Inland Waterways Authority oversees the development of national waterways, which contribute to regional connectivity and economic growth. Oceanic routes, with 12 major ports and 185 minor ports along a 7,517 km coastline, facilitate international trade and transportation between islands and the mainland. These routes handle a substantial portion of India's foreign trade, showcasing the crucial role of water transport in the nation's economic landscape.

Q5: Discuss the significance of the Konkan Railway in India's transportation network.
Ans: The Konkan Railway, completed in 1998, is a remarkable feat of engineering that spans 760 km from Roha in Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. It connects Mumbai to Mangalore, enhancing transportation between these regions. The railway passes through challenging terrains, including the Western Ghats, making it one of the most scenic and technically advanced rail routes in India.
The Konkan Railway has significantly reduced travel time and costs between Mumbai and Mangalore. It has not only improved passenger travel but also facilitated the movement of goods and commodities. The railway network has enhanced connectivity in regions that were previously underserved, promoting economic development and tourism. The successful completion of the Konkan Railway project demonstrates India's ability to undertake complex infrastructure initiatives, making it a crucial component of the country's transportation network.

Q6: Explain the classification of Indian Railways based on gauges.
Ans: Indian Railways is classified into three categories based on track width: Broad Gauge (1.676 meters apart), Metre Gauge (1 meter apart), and Narrow Gauge (0.762 meters or 0.610 meters apart). Broad Gauge tracks, with a total length of 55,188 km in 2011, form the majority of the Indian Railways network and are suitable for high-speed trains and heavy loads. Metre Gauge tracks, spanning 6,809 km, are narrower and are primarily found in specific regions. Narrow Gauge tracks, covering 2,463 km, are mainly used in hilly areas where wider tracks are challenging to construct. The process of converting Metre Gauge and Narrow Gauge tracks to Broad Gauge involves replacing existing tracks and upgrading infrastructure. This conversion aims to standardize the rail network, allowing seamless movement of trains and promoting efficient transportation across the country.

Q7: Describe the role of Air India and Indian Airlines in India's aviation sector.
Ans: Air India and Indian Airlines have been significant players in India's aviation sector. Air India offers international air services for both passengers and cargo traffic, connecting India to various destinations worldwide. It plays a vital role in promoting international tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. With a broad network, Air India facilitates global connectivity and contributes to India's economic growth.
Indian Airlines, which underwent a name change to "Indian" in 2005, primarily focuses on domestic air services. It operates within the country, connecting major cities and regions. Indian Airlines plays a crucial role in domestic tourism, business travel, and regional development. Its services enhance accessibility, supporting economic activities and regional integration. Both Air India and Indian Airlines, along with private carriers, collectively contribute to India's vibrant aviation industry, providing essential services for passengers and cargo transportation, thereby fostering national and international connectivity.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the evolution and significance of road transport in India.
Ans: Road transport in India has evolved significantly over the years. From ancient unpaved roads and footpaths to the modern, extensive network of highways, the transformation has been remarkable. The "Nagpur Plan" in 1943 was the first attempt to modernize India's road network, and post-independence, a twenty-year road plan was launched in 1961. Despite these initiatives, rural and remote regions still face limited connectivity.

• India's road network, including National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, and Rural Roads, plays a crucial role in passenger and goods transportation. National Highways, constructed and maintained by the central government, form vital inter-state links. State Highways connect state capitals with districts, ensuring regional connectivity. District Roads and Rural Roads facilitate movement within districts and rural areas, promoting economic activities and social integration.
• Road transport accounts for a significant portion of passenger and freight traffic, making it a preferred mode for short distances. It promotes economic development, tourism, and trade, making it an essential component of India's transportation system.

Q2: Explain the challenges and opportunities in the development of water transport in India.
Ans: Water transport in India faces various challenges and opportunities. While it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, its significance has diminished due to competition from road and rail transport. Challenges include the non-navigability of many inland waterways, diversion of river water for irrigation, and lack of infrastructure development.

• However, there are ample opportunities for the revitalization of water transport. Developing navigable routes, modernizing ports and terminals, and promoting inland waterways can enhance its efficiency. Strategic investments, public-private partnerships, and technological advancements can transform India's water transport sector.
• Water transport can significantly reduce the pressure on road and rail networks, especially for heavy goods transportation. It offers an alternative mode, particularly for long-distance transport, contributing to decongestion and reducing environmental impact. Proper utilization of India's vast coastline and navigable inland waterways can unlock economic potential and facilitate trade, making water transport a viable and sustainable option.

Q3: Examine the role of Indian Railways in the unification and economic growth of India.
Ans: Indian Railways has played a pivotal role in the unification and economic growth of India. Since its inaugural run in 1853, the railway network has expanded to 64,460 km, making it one of the world's lengthiest. It has significantly reduced travel time and connected diverse regions, fostering cultural exchange and national integration.

• Economically, Indian Railways has been a catalyst for growth. It facilitates the movement of goods, enabling trade and commerce across the country. Industries, agriculture, and businesses rely on railways for transportation, ensuring the smooth flow of raw materials and finished products. Moreover, it generates employment, stimulating economic activities in regions along railway lines.
• Indian Railways has extended its reach to previously underserved areas, promoting development and uplifting living standards. It has contributed to tourism, both domestic and international, enhancing revenue and promoting India as a tourist destination. Overall, Indian Railways has been instrumental in unifying India culturally, economically, and socially, making it an indispensable component of the nation's progress.

Q4: Discuss the impact and applications of satellite communication in India.
Ans: Satellite communication has had a profound impact on India, influencing various sectors and applications. It provides a comprehensive view of large areas, aiding in weather forecasting, disaster management, and environmental monitoring. Satellites facilitate border surveillance, enhancing national security. They play a vital role in telecommunications, enabling efficient data and voice transmission across the country.

• Satellite images are crucial for managing natural resources, agriculture, and forestry. They aid in urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation. Satellites have applications in navigation systems, supporting transport and logistics. They are instrumental in television broadcasting, ensuring widespread coverage, including remote and rural areas.
• India's satellite systems, INSAT and IRS, have contributed significantly to national development. INSAT satellites serve telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations. IRS satellites provide valuable data for resource mapping, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Satellite communication has revolutionized various sectors, promoting sustainable development and enhancing India's technological capabilities.