Summary of the Chapter

The chapter "Lifelines of National Economy" explains the crucial role played by transport, communication, and trade in the economic and social development of a country. It describes how efficient transportation networks—including roads, railways, waterways, and airways—facilitate the movement of goods and people, thereby integrating the economy. Communication systems like telephone, internet, and mass media help in the flow of information. The chapter also covers international trade, including India's major exports and imports, and the growing importance of tourism as an industry. Overall, these elements are termed the "lifelines" as they connect different parts of the country and link India with the rest of the world, forming the backbone of the national economy.

---

NCERT Textbook Questions and Answers

Exercises (Page 92)

Question 1: Multiple choice questions: (i) Which two of the following extreme locations are connected by the east-west corridor? (a) Mumbai and Nagpur (b) Silchar and Porbandar (c) Mumbai and Kolkata (d) Nagpur and Siligudi

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

(iii) Which one of the following states is not connected with the H.V.J. pipeline?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Gujarat
(d) Uttar Pradesh

(iv) Which one of the following ports is the deepest land-locked and well-protected port along the east coast?
(a) Chennai
(b) Paradip
(c) Tuticorin
(d) Vishakhapatnam

(v) Which one of the following is the most important mode of transportation in India?
(a) Pipeline
(b) Railways
(c) Roadways
(d) Airways

(vi) Which one of the following terms is used to describe trade between two or more countries?
(a) Internal trade
(b) International trade
(c) External trade
(d) Local trade

Answer-
(i) (b) Silchar and Porbandar
(ii) (c) Pipeline
(iii) (b) Maharashtra
(iv) (d) Vishakhapatnam
(v) (c) Roadways
(vi) (b) International trade

Question 2: Answer the following questions in about 30 words:
(i) State any three merits of roadways.
(ii) Where and why is rail transport the most convenient means of transportation?
(iii) What is the significance of the border roads?
(iv) What is meant by trade? What is the difference between international and local trade?

Answer-
(i) Three merits of roadways:

• Door-to-door service
• Cost-effective for short distances
• Can be constructed in difficult terrains like mountains

(ii) Rail transport is most convenient:

• For long-distance travel
• For transporting heavy goods and large volumes
• In the northern plains due to level land and high population density

(iii) Significance of border roads:

• Strategic importance for defense
• Economic development of border areas
• Improves accessibility in difficult mountainous terrain

(iv) Trade: The exchange of goods and services between people, regions, or countries.

• International trade: Trade between two or more countries.
• Local trade: Trade within a city, town, or village.

Question 3: Answer the following questions in about 120 words:
(i) Why are the means of transportation and communication called the lifelines of a nation and its economy?
(ii) Write a note on the changing nature of the international trade in the last fifteen years.

Answer-
(i) Transportation and communication as lifelines:

• They facilitate the movement of goods and services from production centers to consumption areas.
• They help in the movement of people for work, education, and tourism.
• They connect remote areas with mainstream development.
• They are crucial for national integration and security.
• In today's globalized world, efficient communication networks are essential for the flow of information and technology, making them the true arteries of a nation's economy.

(ii) Changing nature of international trade:

• Shift in exports: India's export basket has diversified from traditional items like jute and cotton textiles to engineering goods, gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and software.
• Growth in services: The share of information technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services has increased dramatically.
• Globalization: Liberalization policies have opened up the economy, increasing the volume of both imports and exports.
• New trading partners: While the US and Europe remain key partners, trade with Asian countries like China and UAE has grown significantly.
• Commodity Imports: Imports of petroleum, crude oil, and electronic goods have seen a substantial rise.

Additional Questions

Question 4: Classify roads in India based on their capacity and administration.

Answer-

Question 5: Describe the distribution of railways in India and the problems faced by the Indian Railways.

Answer-
Distribution of Railways:

• Northern Plains: Most dense network due to level land, high population density, and rich agricultural resources.
• Peninsular Plateau and Coastal Plains: Moderate network with undulating topography requiring tunnels and bridges.
• Himalayan Mountains: Sparse network due to rugged terrain. Exists mainly in hill stations like Darjeeling, Shimla, and recently, Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla line.
• Desert regions of Rajasthan: Sparse network.
• North-Eastern States: Sparse network due to hilly terrain, heavy rainfall, and forested areas.

Problems faced by Indian Railways:

• Aging Infrastructure: Many tracks and bridges are old and need replacement.
• Ticketless Travel: Causes significant revenue loss.
• Accidents and Safety: Due to human failure, sabotage, or technical faults.
• Competition from Roadways: For short to medium distances.
• Lack of Modernization: Slow adoption of modern signaling and train control systems.
• Unmanned Level Crossings: A major cause of accidents.

Question 6: What are pipelines? State their two important networks in India.

Answer-
Pipelines are a mode of transport used for carrying crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to refineries, fertilizer factories, and big thermal power plants.

Two important networks:

1. From oil field in upper Assam to Kanpur (U.P.):

   • Via Guwahati, Barauni, and Allahabad.
   • It has branches to Barauni to Haldia, and to Rajbandh and Maurigram.

2. From Salaya in Gujarat to Jalandhar in Punjab:

   • Via Viramgam, Mathura, Delhi, and Sonipat.
   • It has branches to Koyali, Koyali to Ahmedabad, and other places.

Question 7: Write a note on the major sea ports of India.

Answer-

Question 8: Explain the importance of communication in the modern world.

Answer-
Importance of communication:

• Personal Communication: The Indian postal network (largest in the world), telephone (landline and mobile), and internet allow for the exchange of personal information and strengthen social bonds.
• Mass Communication: Radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and films (the largest producer in the world) disseminate information to a large audience, creating awareness and shaping public opinion.
• Economic Development: Efficient communication is vital for trade, commerce, and business operations. The internet and mobile phones have revolutionized banking (e-banking, UPI) and e-commerce.
• National Integration: Mass media helps in fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among the citizens of a diverse country like India.
• Emergency and Disaster Management: Communication systems are crucial for sending alerts, coordinating rescue operations, and disseminating critical information during emergencies.

Question 9: What is the significance of tourism as a trade in India?

Answer-
Tourism as a trade in India:

• Foreign Exchange Earner: Tourism contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings, helping to balance the payment of the country.
• Employment Generation: It creates jobs directly in hotels, transport, guides, etc., and indirectly in handicrafts, construction, and other services.
• Promotion of National Integration: Domestic tourism helps people understand the cultural diversity of the country, promoting national unity.
• International Understanding: Foreign tourists take back an understanding of Indian culture, fostering goodwill.
• Regional Development: It promotes the development of infrastructure like airports, roads, and hotels in remote and scenic areas.
• Support to Local Handicrafts and Culture: Tourism provides a market for local artisans and helps in preserving heritage and culture.

Popular Tourist Attractions in India:

• Heritage tourism (e.g., Taj Mahal, temples)
• Eco-tourism (e.g., wildlife sanctuaries, mountains)
• Adventure tourism (e.g., river rafting, trekking)
• Cultural tourism (e.g., festivals, fairs)
• Medical tourism (for world-class healthcare at lower costs)

---

Important Keywords from the Chapter

• Transport: The movement of goods and persons from one place to another.
• Communication: The process of conveying messages to others.
• National Highways (NH): Roads linking extreme parts of the country, built and maintained by the Central Government.
• State Highways (SH): Roads linking a state capital with different district headquarters.
• Golden Quadrilateral: Super highway connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
• Border Roads: Roads built by BRO for strategic defense and development of border areas.
• Gauge (Railway): The width between two rails.
  • Broad Gauge: 1.676 m
  • Meter Gauge: 1.000 m
  • Narrow Gauge: 0.762 m and 0.610 m
• Pipeline: A mode of transport used for carrying liquids and gases.
• Hinterland: The land area that serves as the catchment area for a port's imports and exports.
• International Trade: Trade between two or more countries.
• Balance of Trade: The difference between a country's exports and imports.
• Tourism: Travel undertaken for purposes of recreation, leisure, and sightseeing.
• NHAI: National Highways Authority of India.
• BRO: Border Roads Organisation.