Question

Which mode of transportation reduces trans-shipment losses and delays? a) Railways b) Roadways c) Pipelines d) Waterways

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is option (c) – Pipelines

Pipelines

• Pipeline transport network removes any delays or trans-shipment losses.
• Although initial cost involved for laying pipeline networks are high, the costs required for maintaining it are minimal.
• In the past, pipelines were used to transport water to industries and cities.
• Now, pipelines are used to transport natural gas, oil from oil and natural gas fields, pipelines are also used for transporting petroleum products, crude oil to thermal power plants, fertilizer factories, and refineries.
• Pipelines also help in transporting solids, when solids are converted into slurry.
• The far inland locations of gas based fertilizer plants, and refineries in Panipat, Mathura and Barauni were envisaged due to transportation from pipelines.

Railways

• When compared to all other means of transport put together, today, the railways have become very important for the progress of the nation’s economy.
• Apart from accelerating the development of agriculture and industry in India, railways bind the economic life of India.
• For more than 150 years, apart from being an important mode of transport, Railways have become an integrating force of the nation.
• In India the principal mode of transporting passengers and freight is through Railways.
• Multifarious activities are conducted by the Railways such as transportation of goods over long distances, pilgrimage, sightseeing, and conducts business.

Roadways

• One of the largest road networks is in India.
• When compared to construction costs of railway lines, construction cost of roads is much lower.
• Roadways can be maintained and built easily.
• For transporting smaller amounts of goods and for transporting few persons, roadways are the most economical mode of transport.
• Roads will help in traveling in tough mountainous regions like Himalayas and roads will help in negotiating slopes of higher gradients.