Railways - Concepts - Chapter 7 Class 10 Geography - Lifelines of National Economy - Geography

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.