SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Transportation And Communication
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
Modes of Transport
India uses four major modes of transport:
| Mode | Key Features | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadways | 65% of freight & 80% of passenger traffic; flexible | Cost-effective for short distances | Traffic congestion, pollution |
| Railways | Largest rail network in Asia; lifeline of Indian transport | Efficient for long distances & bulk goods | Overcrowding, outdated infrastructure |
| Waterways | Cheapest mode; underutilized inland water transport | Fuel-efficient, eco-friendly | Slow, limited connectivity |
| Airways | Fastest mode; increasing importance post-liberalization | Saves time, good for long distances | Expensive, weather-dependent |
Roadways in India
- Total Road Length: Over 6.3 million km (2nd largest in the world)
- Types: National Highways (NH), State Highways (SH), District & Rural Roads
- Golden Quadrilateral: Connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
- Expressways: Yamuna Expressway, Mumbai–Pune Expressway
Railways in India
- Indian Railways: 4th largest in world; run by Ministry of Railways
- Track Length: Over 67,000 km
- Zones: 18 zones (e.g., Northern, Western, Central)
- Fast Trains: Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi
- Freight Corridors: Eastern & Western Dedicated Freight Corridors
Waterways in India
- Major Waterways: Ganga (NW-1), Brahmaputra (NW-2), West Coast Canal (NW-3)
- Ports: 13 major ports + 200+ minor/intermediate ports
- Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) manages inland water transport
Airways in India
- Airports Authority of India (AAI) regulates airport infrastructure
- Major Airports: Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (CSIA), Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata
- Flag Carrier: Air India
- UDAN Scheme: Affordable air travel to Tier-2/3 cities
- International Connectivity: Expanding with new routes & bilateral agreements
Major Ports & Airports
Major Ports (13 total: 12 Govt + 1 Private)
| Region | Ports |
|---|---|
| West Coast | Mumbai, Kandla (Deendayal), Mormugao, New Mangalore, Kochi |
| East Coast | Kolkata (Haldia), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar) |
| Union Territory | Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar) |
- Largest Port by Volume: Kandla (Deendayal)
- Deepest Port: Visakhapatnam
- First major private port: Mundra (Gujarat)
Major Airports
| Airport | City | Special Note |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi International (IGI) | Delhi | Busiest airport in India |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (CSIA) | Mumbai | Major international hub |
| Kempegowda International | Bengaluru | Tech hub air gateway |
| Rajiv Gandhi International | Hyderabad | Known for cargo handling |
| Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose | Kolkata | Major airport of Eastern India |
Communication Networks (with Digital India relevance)
Types of Communication
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Between individuals | Mobile calls, SMS, Email |
| Mass Communication | Reaches large population | Television, Radio, Newspapers |
| Digital Communication | Internet-based, fast & interactive | WhatsApp, Social Media, UPI apps |
Communication in India – Key Facts
- Telecom: India is the 2nd largest telecom network in the world
- Internet: Over 850+ million users (as of 2024)
- Mobile Penetration: >90% coverage in rural areas
- Postal Network: Largest in the world (~1.5 lakh post offices)
Digital India Mission (Launched 2015)
| Pillar | Objective |
|---|---|
| Broadband Highways | Connect rural & remote areas |
| Universal Access to Phones | Digital inclusion through mobile connectivity |
| e-Governance | Online services for transparency & speed |
| e-Kranti | Digital delivery of government services |
| Public Internet Access | CSCs (Common Service Centres), Wi-Fi Hotspots |
| Digital Literacy | Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) |
| Make in India | Promote electronics manufacturing |
BharatNet: World's largest rural broadband project (optical fiber to Gram Panchayats)
Developed By Md. Parvez
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