Transport, Communication, Trade & Planning

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key topics in Indian Geography related to transport, communication, trade, and planning for exam preparation.

What percentage of India's total road length do national highways represent?

2%

Why do national highways carry disproportionate traffic in India?

They are arterial roads connecting state capitals, ports, and major cities.

How does the terrain affect rural road density?

Mountainous and forested regions face challenges that increase disparities in road connectivity.

What is the significance of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)?

It develops remote infrastructure and enhances disaster response.

What role do international highways play in India's diplomacy?

They enhance regional trade and strategic connectivity.

How do ropeways and pipelines serve logistic needs in India?

They transport commodities like oil and ores efficiently in inaccessible areas.

Why is Indian Railways viewed as a logistic bottleneck?

It suffers from congestion and outdated signaling.

What innovation does the Konkan Railway represent?

It navigates difficult terrain using tunnels and bridges.

Why is freight movement by rail declining in India?

Road transport is faster and more flexible.

What hinders the competitiveness of inland waterways in India?

Seasonal flows and lack of multimodal terminals.

How can coastal shipping help reduce logistics carbon intensity?

It is fuel-efficient and supports bulk cargo movement.

Why are regional airports important for air connectivity in India?

They integrate remote towns and reduce regional disparity.

What structural constraints affect India's port competitiveness?

Inefficient handling and draft restrictions.

Why are major ports congested despite good infrastructure?

High cargo volume and bureaucratic delays increase turnaround time.

What is the goal of the Sagarmala project?

To integrate ports with industrial clusters and boost coastal employment.

Why are transshipment hubs critical for India’s maritime strategy?

They enhance strategic autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign ports.

How does the digital divide influence regional development planning?

Lack of digital access limits outreach in rural areas.

What is the purpose of BharatNet in India?

To provide high-speed fiber connectivity to every village.

Why is satellite communication still vital in India?

It covers remote areas where ground infrastructure is unfeasible.

How do submarine cables contribute to India’s digital economy?

They enable global data exchange and real-time digital services.

What are emerging concerns regarding cyber-security in India?

Increased vulnerabilities to hacking and misinformation.

Why is India's trade composition changing towards manufactured goods?

Due to global integration and policy incentives.

How does logistics performance affect India's exports?

Efficient logistics improve delivery timelines and reduce costs.

What causes India's persistent trade deficits despite export growth?

High import dependency for oil and electronics.

How does infrastructure at border trading points impact trade?

Poor infrastructure limits seamless commerce.

Why is India promoting Rupee trade with select countries?

To reduce forex pressure and enhance local currency trade.

Why is decentralized planning important for regional development?

It aligns local priorities and ensures participatory governance.

How do backward region grants help promote spatial equity?

They allocate funds for infrastructure and social schemes.

What are criticisms of the Five-Year Plans in India?

Over-centralization and poor execution.

How does district planning link state and local development?

It integrates local inputs with state targets.

What makes outcome budgeting preferable to input-based planning?

It tracks tangible impacts ensuring accountability.

Why is achieving balanced regional development challenging in India?

Historical neglect and resource distribution issues.

What does spatial planning aim to reduce?

Urban-rural migration pressure.

Why is urban primacy a challenge for spatial equity?

Metro cities dominate investment causing regional imbalance.

How do growth poles support regional planning?

Focused industrial hubs stimulate surrounding regions.

What role do special area programs play?

They aim to include tribal areas into development.

What does the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor exemplify?

Integrated spatial planning combining various zones and hubs.

Why are multimodal logistics parks important?

They reduce costs and enhance efficiency in transport.

What paradigm shift do Dedicated Freight Corridors represent?

They decongest passenger lines and speed up cargo movement.

How do infrastructure gaps affect trade in tribal and remote areas?

They hinder market integration.

What is the significance of the National Infrastructure Pipeline?

It supports critical sector-wise investments.

How does transport infrastructure influence regional export clusters?

Inadequate connectivity limits scale and competitiveness.

Why is communication infrastructure vital for financial inclusion?

It facilitates access to mobile banking and insurance.

How do connectivity gaps hinder disaster response in India?

They delay deployment of rescue efforts.

What limits the effectiveness of PM Gati Shakti initiative?

Data silos and coordination gaps.

Why is last-mile rural connectivity crucial?

It ensures service delivery and market access.

How does trade policy relate to logistics planning?

Tariff rationalization and infrastructure must align.

What is the broader goal of economic corridors in India?

To catalyze industrialization and job creation.

How do green logistics contribute to sustainable development?

They reduce carbon emissions and optimize energy use.

Why is real-time data integration necessary for India's transport grid?

It enables dynamic freight management.

What are risks of overcentralization in planning frameworks?

Neglect of local needs and inefficiencies.