RAILWAYS
FACTORS AFFECTING DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF INDIA
- Railways are the primary mode of transportation for freight and passengers i n India.
- Railways also enable people to engage in a variety of activities such as business, sightseeing, pilgrimage, and the movement of commodities over large distances.
- Railways in India connect the country's economic life and accelerate the development of industry and agriculture.
- The first train in India started from Mumbai to Thane in 1853 , covering a distance of 34 km.
- Indian railway is divided into 16 zones.
-
There are
three types of gauges
i.e railway tracks.
- Broad Gauge
- Metre Gauge
- Narrow Gauge
- The distribution pattern of the Railway network in the country is influenced by physiographic, economic, and administrative factors from region to region.
-
Distribution Pattern of India
- Northern Plains : The growth of railways has been favored in these plains due to the level of terrain, high population density, and abundant agricultural resources . However, the huge number of rivers that required the construction of bridges across their extensive river beds caused certain challenges.
- Peninsular region : In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region , railway stretches are built through low hills, gaps, or tunnels . So, it is very difficult to lay the railway lines.
- Himalayan mountainous regions : The Himalayan mountainous regions are unfavorable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population, and lack of economic opportunities.
- Desert of Rajasthan : It is difficult to construct railway lines on the sandy plain of western Rajasthan , which has hindered the growth of railways.
- The contiguous stretch of Sahyadri could be crossed only through gaps or passes. Although the Konkan railway along the west coast has been developed it has also f aced a number of problems such as the sinking of trac k in some stretches and landslides.
Problems faced by Railways
- Many passengers travel without tickets.
- Thefts and damages to the railway property.
- People stop the trains, pull the chain unnecessarily and this causes heavy damage to the railway.
