Critically examine how roadways are more important than railways.

The distribution pattern of the rail network, in India, has been largely influenced by physiographic, economic and administrative factors. The northern plains with its vast level land, high population density is the most favourable condition for the growth of railways. However, the railway network runs into obstacles wherever the terrain is not so favourable. For example, traversing rivers requires the construction of bridges, going past hilly terrain require the construction of tunnels or existence of suitable gaps and low hills. Moreover, the Himalayan region is too unfavourable due to high relief, sparse population and lack of economic opportunities. In addition, a central agency managing a huge network railroad and transport is bound to run into inefficiencies.

For a country without a huge population like India, this situation would have been manageable. But the huge population pressure means that, these obstacles pose a serious hindrance to people, especially when the freedom to move around is guaranteed by the law of the land.

This shortcoming in India is addressed by the road network. With an approximate length of 54.7 lakh kilometres, India has the second longest and the most used road network in the world.

Thus, the roadways have the edge over railways in view of the ease with which they can be built and maintained. The growing importance of road transport vis-� -vis rail transport is rooted in the following reasons;

a) Construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines,

b) Roads can transverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography,

c) Roads can negotiate higher gradients of slopes and as such can transverse mountains such as the Himalayas,

d) Road transport is economical in the transportation of a few persons and a relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances,

e) It also provides door-to-door service, thus the cost of loading and unloading is much lower,

f) Road transport is also used as a feeder to other modes of transport such as they provide a link between railway stations, air and seaports.

Thus, road transport has emerged as a favourable alternative to railways in India, and has enabled a smoother flow of freight and passengers across the length and breadth of the country.