NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 7 - Lifelines of National Economy

This chapter discusses the lifelines of the Indian economy, for example, transport. The movement of products and services are conducted often over three important domains of our earth, i.e. land, water and air. Based on these, transport can also be categorised into land, water and air transportation.

The different types of land transport are roads and railways. Roadways are economical, and India has one of the largest roadway networks. Roadways are cheaper to construct, and they can be constructed on slopes as well. Moreover, it provides links between railway stations, air and seaports. Another advantage of road transport is a small number of goods can be transported to provide door-to-door service. Railways are used for carrying huge and bulky goods over long and short distances in a country. It is capable of high levels of passenger and cargo utilisation and energy-efficient, but when lower traffic levels are considered, the railway is often less flexible and more capital-intensive than road transport.

Pipeline network uses pipes, usually underground, to move and distribute fluids. It is used for the transportation of water, crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas, etc. Waterways are the cheapest means of transport. They are best suited for carrying heavy and hulking goods. It is a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Sea Ports is used for the supply of goods between land and sea transport. It is a component of freight distribution as the entrance and exit of product, merchandise and passengers to a country. Airways is the fastest mode of transport. It is comfortable and prestigious. It has made access easier to the terrain areas like high mountains, dreary deserts, dense forests and long oceans. Television, radio, press, films, etc., are the major means of communication across the globe. Mass communication provides entertainment and creates awareness among people about the current ongoing things in the country. It includes media like radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and films.

The transportation methods also contribute to international trade. The two main components of trade are import and export. International Trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services between countries. Lots of people are directly engaged in this tourism industry, and it plays a vital role in the economy of a country.

Tourism in India promotes national integration. It gives support to local handicrafts and cultural pursuits. Foreign tourists visit our country to see its culture, tradition and rich heritage and hence increases the development of international understanding.