Why transport and communication are known as the lifelines of the economy of a country? Explain.

The transport system is the service by which persons and goods move from one place to the other using humans, animals or vehicles. Transport system establishes the links between producing centres and consuming centres. Transport provides the link through which trade takes place. Transport system also acts as an artery for communication within the nation and among the nations. The principal modes of transportation are land ways, waterways, airways and through pipelines. To be established as a major trading centre, the country must have a well-connected transit network. The integrated operation of all the means of transportation is essential for its effective functioning. Thus the development of transport is very important for a country’s progress.

The most preferred means of transportation, especially for short distances, are roadways. Road transportation has huge importance as it provides direct connectivity to all the places. Not only through plains, but even difficult terrains like deserts, forests, and mountains are also accessible through roads. India has a well-connected system of road networks including National highways, the Golden Quadrilateral connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, many rural roads and district roads. Even today, many rural areas are connected through roadways only.

Internet and satellites are the harbingers of today's fast-expanding digital communication network. Information and Communication Technology (IT) is an important driving force for the success of today's communication. Telecommunication facilities, especially the internet has significantly contributed to the development of communication between countries in different continents. The development of services like e-banking has increased the pace in which transactions are carried out around the world. Today, the world is just a click away. Information is being transmitted in seconds, and the world has shrunk inside our hands. Any information can be accessed via the internet and communication has become highly centralised though satellites. Information revolution through digital means like mobile phones and social media has also expanded the communication network between counties.

Thus, both transportation and communication facilities can be considered as the lifelines of the economy.