Chapter 7 Solutions — Life Lines of National Economy

Three merits of roadways as given in the chapter:

(a) The construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines.

(b) Roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography and negotiate higher gradients, so they can cross mountains such as the Himalayas.

(c) Road transport is economical for carrying a few persons and a relatively small amount of goods over short distances, and it provides door-to-door service, lowering loading and unloading costs.

The nature of India's international trade has changed considerably. The commodities India now exports include gems and jewellery, chemicals and related products, and agriculture and allied products, while its imports include petroleum crude and products, gems and jewellery, chemicals, base metals, electronic items, machinery, and agriculture and allied products.

A major change is the rise of information technology: India has emerged as a software giant at the international level and earns large foreign exchange through the export of information technology.

Tourism too has grown remarkably as a form of trade, aided by government schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Vibrant Village Programme, PRASHAD and Paryatan Mitra. Foreign tourists come for heritage, eco, adventure, cultural, medical and business tourism, promoting national integration and supporting local handicrafts.

Thus the character of international trade has shifted from conventional goods towards services like software and tourism, making India increasingly integrated with the global economy.

Rail transport is the most convenient means of transportation in the vast plain areas of the country, where the level terrain allows tracks to be laid and long-distance movement to be carried on easily.

It is convenient because railways are the principal mode of transport for both freight and passengers in India. They make it possible to conduct multifarious activities like business, sightseeing and pilgrimage along with the transportation of goods over longer distances, binding the economic life of the country and accelerating the development of industry and agriculture.