Advantages and Disadvantages of Roadways and Railways

Roadways

• Offer door-to-door service, making them convenient for transportation
• Are flexible and can be constructed in areas of rough terrain
• Safer for the movement of goods
• Cheaper mode of transportation

Railways

• Allow for easy movement of bulky goods
• Have brought villages closer to cities
• Provide comfortable journey experience
• Offer employment opportunities
• Are cheaper than other modes of transportation
• Help during natural calamities

Airways

• Faster mode of transportation
• Provide comfortable journey experience
• Can cross natural barriers with ease
• Provide quick help during natural calamities
• Help in national security and defense

Waterways

• Are cheaper than other modes of transportation
• Eco-friendly mode of transportation
• Safe for transportation
• Help in transportation of bulky goods
• Promote international trade

Importance of Transport

• Enables movement of goods and raw materials for industrial growth and urbanization of the economy
• Facilitates export and import
• Supports infrastructure development
• Contributes to growth of the tertiary sector
• Removes scarcity of goods during crises

Limitations of Waterways

• Not suitable for short distance travel
• Depends on weather conditions
• Can cause sea sickness
• Limited to areas where rivers are navigable

Inland Waterways in South India

• Not developed due to seasonal and rain-fed rivers
• Rivers in South India are shorter compared to rivers in North India
• Many waterfalls and rapids due to rough Deccan terrain

Ganga River Navigation

• Navigable up to Allahabad due to its perennial nature
• Joined by many rivers like Yamuna, Ghagra, Gomti, Gandak, etc., making its depth more than 10 meters
• Has a gradual slope
• Free from stones and silt