Class 12 : Grography (English) – Lesson 7. Transport and Communication
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
🌍 Introduction
🔵 Transport and communication form the lifelines of the modern economy.
🟢 They help in the movement of people, goods, and ideas across regions, promoting integration and development.
🟡 These systems connect production centers to markets and enable social, cultural, and economic interaction.
💡 Concept: Transport involves the physical movement of goods and people, while communication involves the exchange of information.
✏️ Note: Boxes, tables, and highlighted text from NCERT are excluded.
🚆 Means of Transport
🟢 Transport is classified into land, water, and air modes. Each mode serves specific needs based on terrain, cost, and speed.
🚗 1. Land Transport
➡️ a. Roadways
🔹 Most flexible and convenient for short distances.
🔹 Roads connect remote villages, providing door-to-door service.
🔹 Types include:
✳️ Metalled (paved) roads — for all-weather travel.
✳️ Unmetalled (unpaved) roads — for rural and temporary use.
💡 Importance: Vital for local transport, trade, and daily commuting.
➡️ b. Railways
🔹 Suitable for long-distance transport of bulk goods and passengers.
🔹 Provide efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly mobility.
🔹 Types:
✳️ Transcontinental railways — connect continents (e.g., Trans-Siberian Railway).
✳️ Regional networks — serve national transport needs.
💡 Concept: Railways form the backbone of inland transport in many countries.
➡️ c. Pipelines
🔹 Used for transporting liquids and gases like crude oil, petroleum, and natural gas.
🔹 Cost-effective and safe for long-term supply.
💡 Examples:
➤ Iran–Turkey–Europe pipeline
➤ Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline in India
🚢 2. Water Transport
🟡 Oldest and cheapest means of transport for heavy and bulky goods.
🔹 Inland waterways: Navigate rivers, canals, and lakes (e.g., Ganga, Rhine).
🔹 Ocean routes: Connect continents for international trade.
💡 Importance: Low cost per unit, suitable for international trade, but slow speed.
✏️ Note: Coastal shipping is vital for archipelagos and island nations.
✈️ 3. Air Transport
🔵 Fastest mode; connects remote and inaccessible regions.
💡 Divided into:
➤ Domestic airways – within a country.
➤ International airways – connect major world cities.
⚡ Advantages: High speed, strategic importance, vital during disasters.
⚠️ Limitations: High cost, weather dependency, limited capacity.
🌐 Communication
🟢 Communication helps in the transmission of information, ideas, and messages between people and institutions.
💡 It promotes coordination, trade, governance, and cultural exchange.
🛰️ Types of Communication
➡️ a. Personal Communication
🔹 One-to-one communication, such as letters, telephones, mobile phones, and internet messaging.
🔹 Mobile technology and digital platforms have revolutionized global connectivity.
➡️ b. Mass Communication
🔹 Transmission of information to a large audience simultaneously.
💡 Examples: Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet, and social media.
✔️ Plays a crucial role in education, awareness, and democracy.
➡️ c. Satellite Communication
🔹 Uses artificial satellites for global broadcasting and GPS navigation.
🧠 Used in meteorology, television, telecommunication, and defense.
➡️ d. Digital Communication
🔹 Modern internet-based systems (email, video conferencing, cloud services).
💡 Concept: Foundation of the information age; enables global collaboration.
🧭 Role in Economic Development
⚙️ Transport and communication:
🔹 Facilitate trade and commerce by linking producers and consumers.
🔹 Promote industrialization by ensuring raw material and market access.
🔹 Reduce regional disparities and foster national integration.
🔹 Encourage tourism, employment, and urban growth.
💡 Concept: Efficient networks are indicators of development.
🌍 International Transport Networks
🟢 These connect countries and continents for global exchange.
✳️ Examples:
➤ Pan-American Highway – from Alaska to Chile.
➤ Trans-Siberian Railway – from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok.
➤ Suez Canal & Panama Canal – reduce maritime distances.
✔️ Impact: Strengthen globalization and world economy.
🌐 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
⚡ ICT has revolutionized human life by integrating data, voice, and video.
💻 Enables real-time communication, e-commerce, and e-governance.
🛰️ Satellite and fiber-optic cables provide instant connectivity worldwide.
💡 Concept: ICT is the core of knowledge-based economies.
🧠 Challenges in Transport and Communication
⚠️ Infrastructure Gaps: Poor roads, limited coverage in developing regions.
⚠️ Environmental Issues: Pollution and habitat disruption.
⚠️ Digital Divide: Unequal access to ICT between urban and rural areas.
⚠️ High Costs: Maintenance and technology upgradation.
✏️ Note: Sustainable development requires eco-friendly and inclusive networks.
🌿 Sustainable Transport and Communication
🟢 Focuses on renewable energy, efficient planning, and reduced emissions.
💡 Promotes electric vehicles, public transport, teleworking, and green ICT.
✔️ Balances economic growth with environmental protection.
📜 Summary
⭐ Transport and communication form the foundation of modern civilization.
⭐ Three major modes: land, water, and air, each with unique uses.
⭐ Communication evolved from postal services to digital platforms.
⭐ Networks support trade, integration, globalization, and economic growth.
⭐ Challenges like pollution, inequality, and infrastructure gaps must be addressed for sustainable progress.
📝 Quick Recap
🔹 Transport = Movement; Communication = Message exchange
🔹 Types: Land 🚗, Water 🚢, Air ✈️
🔹 Communication: Personal, Mass, Satellite, Digital 🌐
🔹 Role: Connects economies, promotes trade and development 🌍
🔹 ICT = Core of knowledge economy 💻
🔹 Focus on sustainability 🌿
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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK
🔵 Question 1 (i):
Which one of the following best describes the Trans-Continental Stuart Highway?
🔴 (a) Darwin and Melbourne
🟢 (b) Edmonton and Anchorage
🟡 (c) Vancouver and St. John’s City
🔵 (d) Chengdu and Lhasa
🟢 Answer: (a) Darwin and Melbourne
🔵 Question 1 (ii):
Which country has the highest density of railway network?
🔴 (a) Brazil
🟢 (b) U.S.A
🟡 (c) Canada
🔵 (d) Russia
🟢 Answer: (b) U.S.A
🔵 Question 1 (iii):
The Big Trunk Route runs through—
🔴 (a) The Mediterranean – Indian Ocean
🟢 (b) The North Atlantic Ocean
🟡 (c) The South Atlantic Ocean
🔵 (d) The North Pacific Ocean
🟢 Answer: (b) The North Atlantic Ocean
🔵 Question 1 (iv):
The Big Inch Pipeline transports—
🔴 (a) Milk
🟢 (b) Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
🟡 (c) Water
🔵 (d) Petroleum
🟢 Answer: (d) Petroleum
🔵 Question 1 (v):
Which one pair of the following places is linked by Channel Tunnel?
🔴 (a) London – Berlin
🟢 (b) Paris – London
🟡 (c) Berlin – Paris
🔵 (d) Barcelona – Berlin
🟢 Answer: (b) Paris – London
🧠 Short Answer Questions (30 words each)
🔵 Question 2 (i):
What are the problems of road transport in mountainous, desert and flood-prone regions?
🟢 Answer:
➤ In mountainous areas, steep slopes and landslides hinder road construction.
➤ In deserts, shifting sands and lack of water make maintenance difficult.
➤ In flood-prone areas, roads often get damaged or submerged.
🔵 Question 2 (ii):
What is a trans-continental railway?
🟢 Answer:
➤ A trans-continental railway connects two ends of a continent.
➤ It crosses multiple countries or regions.
💡 Example: Trans-Siberian Railway linking St. Petersburg to Vladivostok.
🔵 Question 2 (iii):
What are the advantages of water transport?
🟢 Answer:
➤ Cheapest mode for bulky goods.
➤ Energy efficient and eco-friendly.
➤ Suitable for international trade via sea routes.
➤ Links ports, promotes globalization.
🧠 Long Answer Questions (150 words each)
🔵 Question 3 (i):
Elucidate the statement—“In a well-managed transport system, various modes complement each other.”
🟢 Answer:
➤ A well-managed transport system ensures integration between road, rail, air, and waterways.
➤ Each mode serves a specific function:
✳️ Roads for short-distance and flexible travel.
✳️ Railways for heavy and long-distance goods.
✳️ Airways for speed and emergencies.
✳️ Waterways for bulk and international trade.
💡 Concept: Coordination reduces cost, saves time, and enhances efficiency.
✔️ Example: Goods may move from factory by road → to port by rail → exported via sea.
➡️ This complementarity builds balanced regional development and economic efficiency.
🔵 Question 3 (ii):
Which are the major regions of the world having a dense network of airways?
🟢 Answer:
✳️ North America – U.S.A. and Canada have dense networks linking cities like New York, Chicago, and Toronto.
✳️ Europe – Highly developed airways connect London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Rome.
✳️ Southeast Asia – Important hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.
✳️ Middle East – Dubai and Doha act as global transit centers.
💡 Developed economies, high income, and modern infrastructure support dense networks.
🔵 Question 3 (iii):
What are the modes by which cyberspace will expand the contemporary economic and social space of humans?
🟢 Answer:
➤ Internet and ICT enable instant global communication.
➤ E-commerce expands business beyond physical markets.
➤ E-governance improves administration and transparency.
➤ Online education and telemedicine enhance access to knowledge and healthcare.
💡 Cyberspace connects societies globally, promoting digital economy and social inclusion.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
🔷 Section A – MCQs (1 mark each)
🔵 Question 1:
The Trans-Continental Stuart Highway runs between:
🔴 1️⃣ Darwin and Melbourne
🟢 2️⃣ Edmonton and Anchorage
🟡 3️⃣ Vancouver and St. John’s City
🔵 4️⃣ Chengdu and Lhasa
🟢 Answer: 1️⃣ Darwin and Melbourne
🔵 Question 2:
Which country has the highest density of railway network?
🔴 1️⃣ Brazil
🟢 2️⃣ U.S.A.
🟡 3️⃣ Canada
🔵 4️⃣ Russia
🟢 Answer: 2️⃣ U.S.A.
🔵 Question 3:
The Big Trunk Route runs through:
🔴 1️⃣ Mediterranean – Indian Ocean
🟢 2️⃣ North Atlantic Ocean
🟡 3️⃣ South Atlantic Ocean
🔵 4️⃣ North Pacific Ocean
🟢 Answer: 2️⃣ North Atlantic Ocean
🔵 Question 4:
The Big Inch pipeline transports:
🔴 1️⃣ Milk
🟢 2️⃣ Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
🟡 3️⃣ Water
🔵 4️⃣ Petroleum
🟢 Answer: 4️⃣ Petroleum
🔵 Question 5:
Which one pair of the following places is linked by Channel Tunnel?
🔴 1️⃣ London – Berlin
🟢 2️⃣ Paris – London
🟡 3️⃣ Berlin – Paris
🔵 4️⃣ Barcelona – Berlin
🟢 Answer: 2️⃣ Paris – London
🔵 Question 6:
Which of the following is not a major transcontinental railway?
🔴 1️⃣ Trans-Siberian Railway
🟢 2️⃣ Trans-Canadian Railway
🟡 3️⃣ Orient Express
🔵 4️⃣ Australian Trans-Continental Railway
🟢 Answer: 3️⃣ Orient Express
🔵 Question 7:
Which of the following is a disadvantage of air transport?
🔴 1️⃣ High speed
🟢 2️⃣ Expensive
🟡 3️⃣ Suitable for remote areas
🔵 4️⃣ Useful in emergencies
🟢 Answer: 2️⃣ Expensive
🔵 Question 8:
Which of the following is a natural waterway?
🔴 1️⃣ Rhine Waterway
🟢 2️⃣ St. Lawrence Seaway
🟡 3️⃣ Panama Canal
🔵 4️⃣ Suez Canal
🟢 Answer: 1️⃣ Rhine Waterway
🔵 Question 9:
Which one of the following is the largest inland waterway system?
🔴 1️⃣ Great Lakes–St. Lawrence
🟢 2️⃣ Rhine–Ruhr
🟡 3️⃣ Mississippi–Missouri
🔵 4️⃣ Volga
🟢 Answer: 3️⃣ Mississippi–Missouri
🔵 Question 10:
Which one of the following modes is most suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods over long distances?
🔴 1️⃣ Air
🟢 2️⃣ Water
🟡 3️⃣ Road
🔵 4️⃣ Pipeline
🟢 Answer: 2️⃣ Water
🔵 Question 11:
Which one of the following is a major factor for the development of railways?
🔴 1️⃣ Relief
🟢 2️⃣ Climate
🟡 3️⃣ Vegetation
🔵 4️⃣ Soil
🟢 Answer: 1️⃣ Relief
🔵 Question 12:
Which one of the following is the main function of communication?
🔴 1️⃣ Connecting places
🟢 2️⃣ Transmission of information
🟡 3️⃣ Transporting goods
🔵 4️⃣ Controlling climate
🟢 Answer: 2️⃣ Transmission of information
🔵 Question 13:
Which one of the following is not a part of cyber communication?
🔴 1️⃣ Internet
🟢 2️⃣ Email
🟡 3️⃣ Post office
🔵 4️⃣ E-commerce
🟢 Answer: 3️⃣ Post office
🔵 Question 14:
Which of the following is an advantage of pipeline transport?
🔴 1️⃣ Limited capacity
🟢 2️⃣ Low cost for long distance
🟡 3️⃣ Easily repairable
🔵 4️⃣ Short lifespan
🟢 Answer: 2️⃣ Low cost for long distance
🔵 Question 15:
Which of the following countries has the densest air route network?
🔴 1️⃣ U.S.A.
🟢 2️⃣ Brazil
🟡 3️⃣ Australia
🔵 4️⃣ India
🟢 Answer: 1️⃣ U.S.A.
🔵 Question 16:
Which of the following is the most energy-efficient mode of transport?
🔴 1️⃣ Road
🟢 2️⃣ Air
🟡 3️⃣ Rail
🔵 4️⃣ Water
🟢 Answer: 4️⃣ Water
🔵 Question 17:
Which one of the following is an example of communication service?
🔴 1️⃣ Shipping
🟢 2️⃣ Railways
🟡 3️⃣ Broadcasting
🔵 4️⃣ Trucking
🟢 Answer: 3️⃣ Broadcasting
🔷 Section B – Source-Based Questions (3 marks each)
🔵 Question 18:
Study the given data showing global trade through different modes:
🌍 Road: 12%, Rail: 20%, Water: 60%, Air: 8%
Answer the following:
🟢 (a) Which mode is dominant in world trade?
🟢 (b) Why is it dominant?
🟢 (c) Suggest one reason for the least used mode.
🟢 Answer:
✳️ (a) Water transport (60%)
✳️ (b) Because it is cheapest and suitable for bulky goods over long distances.
✳️ (c) Air transport is least used due to high cost and limited cargo capacity.
🔵 Question 19:
Read the passage:
“A trans-continental railway crosses continents and connects economic regions. It enhances trade and movement of people across vast distances.”
Answer the following:
🟢 (a) Give one example of such a railway.
🟢 (b) Mention two benefits of trans-continental railways.
🟢 Answer:
✳️ (a) Example: Trans-Siberian Railway
✳️ (b) ➤ Promotes economic integration
➤ Facilitates trade and mobility
🔷 Section C – Short Answer (3 marks each)
🔵 Question 20:
What are the problems of road transport in mountainous, desert, and flood-prone regions?
🟢 Answer:
➤ Steep slopes and landslides hinder construction in mountains.
➤ Shifting sands and extreme heat damage roads in deserts.
➤ Floods wash away roads and bridges in flood-prone regions.
🔵 Question 21:
What is a trans-continental railway?
🟢 Answer:
➤ It connects two ends of a continent.
➤ Crosses multiple countries and regions.
💡 Example: Trans-Siberian (Russia), Trans-Canadian (Canada).
🔵 Question 22:
What are the advantages of water transport?
🟢 Answer:
➤ Cheapest mode for bulky goods.
➤ Energy-efficient and environment-friendly.
➤ Vital for international trade and globalization.
🔵 Question 23:
Explain the importance of communication in today’s world.
🟢 Answer:
➤ Facilitates exchange of information.
➤ Connects remote areas globally.
➤ Supports e-commerce, education, and administration.
🔷 Section D – Long Answer Questions (5 marks each)
🔵 Question 24:
Elucidate the statement – “In a well-managed transport system, various modes complement each other.”
🟢 Answer:
✳️ A well-managed transport system integrates multiple modes like road, rail, water, air, and pipeline to achieve efficiency.
➤ Complementarity:
🌿 Roads connect remote areas to railway stations and ports.
🌿 Railways handle bulk goods from production to port cities.
🌿 Pipelines move petroleum to refineries; ships export it globally.
➤ Advantages:
⚡ Reduces overall cost, time, and congestion.
⚡ Ensures balanced regional development.
⚡ Enhances trade and accessibility.
✔️ Conclusion: Integration of modes ensures smooth, economical, and sustainable transportation.
🔵 Question 25:
Which are the major regions of the world having a dense network of airways? Give reasons.
🟢 Answer:
✳️ Major Regions:
➤ North America: USA and Canada – high economic development, tourism, business centers.
➤ Western Europe: U.K., Germany, France – advanced technology and trade.
➤ Eastern Asia: Japan, South Korea – strong industrialization.
✳️ Reasons:
🌍 High income, business demand, tourism, and technological advancement.
✳️ Sparse Regions: Africa, South America, Asia interiors due to low demand, high cost, and poor infrastructure.
✔️ Conclusion: Dense networks appear in economically developed, urbanized regions.
🔵 Question 26:
What are the modes by which cyber space has expanded the contemporary economic and social space of humans?
🟢 Answer:
✳️ Modes of Expansion:
➤ Internet and E-commerce: Enables global business and markets.
➤ E-learning: Expands education and skill access.
➤ Telemedicine: Provides medical services remotely.
➤ Social Media: Enhances global communication and awareness.
➤ Remote Working: Expands job opportunities worldwide.
✔️ Conclusion: Cyber space removes geographical barriers, making the world digitally integrated and interdependent.
🔵 Question 27:
Discuss the importance of international trade routes for world economy.
🟢 Answer:
✳️ Trade routes connect producers and consumers globally.
➤ Sea Routes: Carry bulk commodities; e.g., Suez Canal route.
➤ Land Routes: Link industrial areas; e.g., Trans-Siberian Railway.
➤ Air Routes: Quick movement of high-value goods.
🌍 Economic Importance:
⚡ Promotes global trade, employment, and cultural exchange.
⚡ Stimulates regional development.
✔️ Conclusion: Trade routes form the backbone of the world economy, integrating nations.
🔵 Question 28:
Explain the problems of transport and communication in developing countries.
🟢 Answer:
✳️ Problems:
➤ Inadequate infrastructure (poor roads, limited railways).
➤ High cost and outdated technology.
➤ Natural barriers like mountains, deserts.
➤ Digital divide and poor connectivity.
🌿 Result: Hinders trade, education, healthcare, and development.
✔️ Conclusion: Investment in modern infrastructure and digital networks is essential for progress.
🔷 Section E – Map-Based Questions (5 marks each)
🔵 Question 29:
On the outline map of the world, identify and label any five of the following:
🟢 (a) Trans-Siberian Railway
🟢 (b) Suez Canal
🟢 (c) Panama Canal
🟢 (d) North Atlantic Sea Route
🟢 (e) Trans-Canadian Railway
🟢 (f) Big Inch Pipeline
🟢 (g) Major International Airport – New York
🟢 Answer:
✳️ Locate and label accurately on world map:
1️⃣ Trans-Siberian Railway – from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok (Russia)
2️⃣ Suez Canal – between Mediterranean and Red Sea
3️⃣ Panama Canal – between Atlantic and Pacific (Central America)
4️⃣ North Atlantic Sea Route – between North America and Europe
5️⃣ New York – Major International Airport (U.S.A.)
🔵 Question 30:
On the outline map of India, locate and label:
🟢 (a) National Highway No. 1
🟢 (b) Kolkata Port
🟢 (c) Indira Gandhi International Airport
🟢 (d) Konkan Railway Route
🟢 (e) Mumbai Port
🟢 Answer:
✳️ Mark on India Map:
1️⃣ NH-1: Delhi to Amritsar
2️⃣ Kolkata Port: Eastern coast (Hooghly River)
3️⃣ Indira Gandhi Airport: Delhi
4️⃣ Konkan Railway: Along west coast (Maharashtra–Goa–Karnataka)
5️⃣ Mumbai Port: Western coast (Arabian Sea)
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