Land transportation has been a cornerstone of India’s development, tracing its roots back to ancient times when pathways and unmetalled roads were used for basic transit. However, with the advent of economic and technological progress, the country embarked on modernising its transportation infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands of a burgeoning population and a flourishing economy.

1.Transition To Metalled Roads And Railways: The transition to metalled roads and the establishment of a railway network marked a significant milestone in augmenting India’s transport capacity. It facilitated more efficient, faster, and safer movement of goods and people across long distances.

2.Specialised Transport Systems: The advent of ropeways, cableways, and pipelines addressed specific transportation needs, especially in challenging terrains and for specialised goods. These innovations opened up new avenues for the transit of goods and people, catering to unique demands and circumstances.

Road Transport

Road Network Expansion

Post-independence, India undertook the monumental task of expanding its road network. By 2020–21, the total length of roads in India had expanded to about 62.16 lakh km, making it one of the largest road networks globally. This network carries a significant portion of the country’s passenger and freight traffic every year.