Case Study Questions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 7 The Lifelines of National Economy

Question 1:

Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India. Railways also make it possible for people to conduct multifarious activities like business, sightseeing, pilgrimage along with transportation of goods over longer distances. Apart from an important means of transport the Indian Railways have been a great integrating force for more than 150 years. Railways in India bind the economic life of the country as well as accelerate the development of the industry and agriculture. The Indian Railway is now reorganised into 16 zones. The distribution pattern of the Railway network in the country has been largely influenced by physiographic, economic and administrative factors. The Northern plains with their vast levell and, high population density and rich agricultural resources provided the most favorable condition for their growth. However, a large number of rivers requiring construction of bridges across their wide beds posed some obstacles. In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region, railway tracts are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels.

(i) Which of the following factors are responsible for distribution pattern of railways network in the country? Identify the correct option:
(a) Topographical factors
(b) Economic and administrative factors
(c) Social factors
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Ans. (d) The distribution pattern of railway network is influenced by topographical, economic and administrative factors.

(ii) Assertion (A): Rail Transport is the most convenient means of transportation in the Northern Plains.
Reason (R): The Northern Plains are densely populated, which enables the maximum number of people to utilise this means of transport.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and Rare true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

Ans. (a) Rail Transport is the most convenient means of transportation in the Northern Plains because the Northern plains are densely populated which enables maximum number of people to utilise this means of transport. Hence, both assertion and reason statements justify each other.

(iii) When was the first railway line opened in India? Choose the correct option from the following.
(a) 1803
(b) 1823
(c) 1853
(d) 1854

Ans. (c) Railways were first introduced to India in 1853, when a line was constructed from Mumbai to Thane covering a distance of 34 km.

(iv) Why Indian railway network is mostly concentrated in Ganga Plains? Choose the most suitable option:
(a) Due to concentration of Industries.
(b) Due to topographical uniformity and high density of population.
(c) Due to high agricultural production.
(d) Due to lack of economic opportunities.

Ans. (b) Indian railway network is mostly concentrated in Ganga Plains due to their topographical uniformity, high population density and rich agricultural resources.

(v) Why is the Indian Railways called the lifeline of the country? With reference to the above context, infer the appropriate option.
(a) Railways in India bind the economic life of the country.
(b) It is the largest public undertaking in the country.
(c) Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India.
(d) All of the above

Ans. (d)

(vi) Why is it essential to develop a unigauge system of railways in our country? Identify the correct option.
(a) It will lead to reduction in trans-shipment.
(b) Because it has larger capacity.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) It will bring administrative convenience.

Ans. (c) It is essential to develop unigauge system of railways in our country as this system of railways has larger capacity, higher speed, cheaper transportation and reduction in trans-shipment.

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