As Dr. Marshall clearly put it, "The most effective economic fact of our time is not the development of manufacturing, but of transport services." And that's right. Features of the development of transport in India are the basis of economic infrastructure. It helps in the improvement of trade and industry.

Briefly about transport in India

Transportation eliminates clutter and facilitates the movement of goods from producers to consumers. It also helps eliminate regional disparities.

Transportation has become of great importance for the development of the economy, for rapid economic growth. Today, transport is known as a symbol of civilization.

Rail transport in India is the most important form of transportation system. The first railway line was laid between Bombay and Thanh in 1853. After that, railway services developed even more. At the time of independence, the total length of the route was 53,596 km with 8,209 engines, 19,536 passenger bogies and 206,000 freight cars.

The British created an extensive network of railroads. This was necessary in order to exercise and maintain tight control over the territory of India, as well as to open up for the country a source of food and raw materials for its industries.

At present, the local railway is the largest enterprise in the country with a total capital investment of around Rs. This is the largest enterprise in Asia (ranks 4th in the world). It provides direct employment to almost 18 lahamas.

Advantages and features of railway transport

They are also worth talking about. Here is a list of the advantages of railway transport:

1. Development of agriculture.

2. New sources and areas of production.

3. Growth of markets and specializations.

4. Assistance in domestic trade.

5. Mobility of labor and capital.

6. Check for price fluctuations.

7. Elimination of hunger.

8. Employment.

9. Strategic value.

10. Social value.

Disadvantages of railroads

Despite the fact that the development of railways in India has been rapid, there are still challenges in the way of sustainable growth.

1. Poor condition of rolling stock.

The main problem faced by Indian Railways is that the tracks are old. They cause many serious railway accidents. This also leads to speed limits.

2. Travel without tickets.

Another problem faced by India. A large number of passengers really travel without buying tickets! Some "hares" just sit on the roof and go like that.

Next to railways, road transport plays a key role in the country's transport system.

Road types

Roads in India have been classified as follows:

1. National automobile:

They belong to the main roads that connect the state, capitals, ports and big cities.

2. State highways:

These are the main roads of the state. They link the capital and cities of the state. State Govts are responsible for their content.

3. District roads:

They connect district highways and production areas. Their condition is monitored by the district councils.

4. Village roads:

They connect villages with district roads. Panchayats (local governments) build these roads.

5. Border roads:

They were built with the help of organizing a border road. This company has built an 18,500 km highway.

Means of road transport

The two main means of road transport in India are:

1. Bullock team.

This is the main form of transport in Indian villages. According to F. P. Bhatia, there are about 1 million carts in India. They provide jobs, respectively, a million people.

2. Vehicles.

It appeared in India after 1913. To properly control it, the Motor Vehicle Act 1939 was passed. It has now been superseded by the 1988 Act. It was amended in 1994. There are currently 303 Lak vehicles, while in 1947 there were only two.

Benefits of road transport

1. Agricultural expansion is possible. Public transport in India does not have this feature.

2. Production of perishable products.

3. Benefits for industries.

4. Employment.

5. Less investment.

6. Flexibility.

7. Save time and cost.

Problems of road transport

1. Bad roads.

They are practically unsuitable for driving in India. For 100 sq. km in India, the road length is 34 km. For comparison, in Japan - 270 km. And in West Germany - with a length of 167 km in length per 100 square meters. km. The government should spend more on road development.

2. Big taxes.

Heavy tax burden on motor vehicles in India. For one vehicle in India, it is 3,500 rupees. In America - 860 in the same currency, and in the UK - 470.

3. No proper maintenance.

In India the roads are not properly maintained. Less than 0.1% of national income is spent on road maintenance in India, while in Japan it is 3% of national income.

It is the cheapest way to travel for both long and short distances. Water transport does not use the most expensive resources, as in the case of air transport. However, in ancient times, shipping was one of India's major industries, known as the Queen of the Eastern Seas.

Modes of transport in India

1. Internal water.

It has played a very important role in the Indian transportation system since ancient times. Its length is 14544 km. The rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna are navigable. Organized shipping is limited to West Bengal, Assam and parts of the North East Region and Goa.

In 1945, the Central Commission for Irrigation and Energy was established to develop inland water transport. Later, in 1967, the Central Inland Water Transport Corporation was established, and in 1986, the Inland Waterways Authority of India, which was a step forward and should help accelerate development.

2. Coastal transport.

India has a long coastline, 7516 km, with 11 large and 139 small working ports and a vast territory. Despite its importance (being the cheapest and most energy efficient mode of transport), there has been a sharp decline in coastal shipping operations. The number of ships dropped from 97 in 1961 to 56 in 1980, and gross tonnage dropped from 3.1 lach to 2.5 lach over the same period. In 1995-96 it rose to 6.3 lakhs.

After independence, seven major ports were built at Kandla in Gujarat, Khaldu near Kolkata, Nava Sheva in Mumbai, Paradeep in Orissa, and Karnataka in Goa. Major ports are being upgraded, expanded and refurbished. Currently, India has 450 vessels, including tankers, liners and cargo carriers.

3. Ocean transport.

India built a fleet from scratch. In 1951, 24 Indian ships were developed with a total cost of 0.17 million. The fleet at the end of December 1994 was 438 ships at 6.3 million. In 1993-1994, the volume of foreign trade amounted to 122.3 million tons, which is equal to 34% of the total volume of maritime cargo.

Advantages of water transport

1. Important for foreign trade.

2. Defense of the country.

3. Cheap vehicle.

4. Transportation of heavy loads.

5. Useful during natural disasters.

6. Less maintenance cost.

Disadvantages of water transport

1. Limited area.

Rivers and oceans are the free gifts of nature. Accordingly, the operating area remains fixed. Unlike railroads and highways, man cannot build waterways.

2. Slow speed.

The failure of the monsoons leads to a drop in the water level in the rivers, making navigation difficult.

3. Less security.

Everything is obvious here. The danger of flooding boats and ships is always great.

He is the fastest in this country. And the development of transport in India in this area can be promising. At the moment, there are several dozen airlines in the country. The most popular is Air India, and it flies to 89 points in the world.

Advantages of air transport

The following is a description of transport in India.

1. High speed.

2. Transportation of high-value and light goods.

3. Minimum cost.

4. Without geographical restrictions.

6. Strategic value.

Disadvantages of Air Transport

1. High costs.

Air transport in India is getting more expensive every day with rising operating costs.

2. Non-cooperation of staff.

Indian airlines are facing problems due to lack of cooperation from workers such as pilot strikes etc.

3. Obsolete aircraft.

It changes very quickly. Airplanes in India are outdated. They are no longer safe. Consequently, it is difficult for Indian airlines to compete with global airlines.

4. Significant investment.

The creation of aviation facilities requires huge investments. The government is unable to increase the number of planes and airports in the country.

5. There are no educational institutions.

The country does not have adequate facilities to train a large number of pilots. With the privatization of airlines, we again face the problem of a sufficient number of trained personnel.

6. Risk maximization.

In air transport, the risks are increasing every day due to crime and terrorism, violence, hijacking, etc. all over the world.

India is a significant country where people are always in a hurry somewhere. On the road, it is impossible to understand what rules the drivers of cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, bicycles follow, since no one observes the rules of the road. Everyone just goes where they need to go.
has a well-developed network of international flights operated by Indian airlines. Recently, in addition to state-owned companies, private small airlines are also popular, of which there are 9 in number, and they offer tourists very favorable conditions for flights.

Railway in India.

Traveling by train in India is the safest way to travel. The railway network covers all major cities in the state. There are 7 service classes. Most trains have dining cars. The way from the capital to Bombay will be 12-17 hours, to the city of Calcutta - 18 hours. Train ticket prices are very low. For example, a ticket for the Delhi-Mumbai train will be only 1.5 thousand rupees. Trains in India are very late. So, if your station is intermediate and when you got to the platform, you didn’t see your train, don’t be surprised, most likely you will have to wait a few more hours.

Buses in India.

First of all, this is extreme transport. Buses are the second most popular form of transport in India and are the cheapest and only way to get around in many areas where there is no railway tracks. Each state has its own buses. There are cheap buses here, but they are often so crowded that there is nowhere to even stand. But there are buses of the highest class, more comfortable and equipped with air conditioning. The fare in cheap buses is 1-2 rupees per kilometer, in private buses - 2-4 rupees.

Urban transport in India.

Taxis are of two types: public and private. State vehicles are often black and yellow and black and green Ambassador models, black, white and yellow Tata models, and Mahindra jeeps. All of them are distinguished by a blue stripe on the body and the inscription "tourist". Private cars are white Ambassadors and small Tatas. Before boarding, you need to agree on a price, bargaining is appropriate when it comes to private taxis. In the state there is an approximate price list, bargaining is not accepted here. Taxis can also be ordered and paid in advance, ticket offices are available at the exit of airports and train stations, such a taxi is called a pre-paid taxi - Prepaid Taxi.

Rickshaws are another Indian transport, they are motorcycle and cycle rickshaws, there are also cross-country rickshaws in Kolkata. A cycle rickshaw is a small double carriage on two wheels that is attached to a bicycle. This transport is convenient only for a sightseeing walk in the old town in the pedestrian zone. A motor rickshaw is a three-wheeled modification of a scooter, in which there is a cabin for passengers. The cost will be 2 times cheaper than a taxi or 2/3 of the cost in a taxi. This must be agreed upon in advance. Some auto rickshaws have meters or a price list depending on the route. There are also motor rickshaws called "tempo", they are distinguished by two wooden benches in the back, which can accommodate 6 people.

Roads in India. Rent a car.

In India, driving is on the left. The condition of the roads is not the best - they are narrow, all in holes and potholes, the markings are barely visible. The inconvenience is exacerbated by the continuous flow of transport, in parallel with which carts pulled by oxen and elephants move, and local drivers have a very low driving culture.
There are no sidewalks here, even in large cities and towns, and therefore passers-by are forced to move along the road along with vehicles. There are very few road signs, signs and traffic lights. Often there are only signs warning a sharp turn, and the presence of a traffic light does not mean that it works. There is no road lighting. If you want to see it on local transport, be careful.

A cow is a sacred animal, dominates the streets, you need to carefully go around it, never shove it, otherwise you will be fined.
The rules here are absolutely not respected, but they adhere to one rule - “according to concepts”. That is, the driver notifies with a signal beep about the upcoming maneuver, but since the beeps do not stop, the drivers practically do not pay attention to this and move on. True, speed is rarely exceeded in India, and driving is not done while intoxicated, but this does not save from numerous accidents on the roads. The cost of fines for breaking the rules in India is not high.
Therefore, when it comes to renting a car in India, it is better to analyze the option of renting a car with a driver. This will save you from unnecessary problems. Rental companies are located in hotels, airports, business centers, they will provide rental of any car. You just need to have a driver's license and insurance with you.

For many tourists railway resembles a nightmare. But it's not so scary if you buy tickets in good trains(not shared wagons). There are also others means of transport in india- rickshaws, taxis, scooters. Many of them are actively used by tourists.

- this is a separate story, there is chaos on the roads, everyone honks, drives fast, does not follow traffic rules, and in general there can sometimes be three-way traffic on a two-way road. 🙂 Therefore, when crossing the road, it is better to look in both directions many times.

Rail transport in India: trains

Most cheap way to travel in India is trains. Therefore, it is the most popular transport in India, which is used by all local residents. The prices are very democratic.

• Train ticket from Rishikesh to Patankot (seated) - 145 rupees
• Train ticket from Mumbai to Udaipur (reserved seat) - 250 rupees

I can tell you a lot about rail transport in india, because have used it many times. In India, there are several classes of carriages, ranging from shared carriages where people sit everywhere, even on the upper luggage racks and on the floor, while drying socks on fans, ending with comfortable air-conditioned carriages. In order to take seats in the common car, people sometimes jump into the car on the go, or through the windows, preventing those leaving from getting out normally! We traveled in Indian reserved seats, which are called Sleeper class here.

Before traveling in India, we were a little frightened by the stories of our foreign friends about Indian reserved seats, everyone advised buying tickets only for the upper shelves, because everyone always sits on the lower ones, preventing you from lying down. Sometimes they even try to touch you, and one American even said that someone from the top shelf cut his nails, which fell right on him. But these people simply never traveled in Ukrainian or Russian reserved seats! After all, we also have everyone sitting on the lower shelves, sometimes early in the morning or until late in the evening. Maybe that's why I reacted normally to reserved seats and railway transport in India.

But there are still differences. For example, rail transport in India uses 3 shelves for sleeping, unlike Russian trains, and also 2 on the sides, only without a table. Fans hang from the ceiling, and some trains even have sockets. There are 2 toilets on each side, and you can use them at any time, no one closes them at the stations. Also go sellers of various things and a lot of beggars. And, which is normal in India, trains rarely arrive on time! In our case, there were delays of 1, 2 and 3 hours, and one train actually arrived an hour early, so we missed our stop.

Motorcycles in India

Second means of transport in india- motorcycles. Sometimes it is convenient to move around the city by auto rickshaws. They drive like everyone else in India, like gods. There were many times when it seemed that the accident could not be avoided, but the driver turned so skillfully, and not even a single hair on his head stood on end. Interestingly, in Mumbai and Kochi, auto rickshaws are equipped with a counter, this was not even in Bangkok. 🙂

Taxi in India

Third means of transport in india— taxi. Once in Calcutta, they even took a ride in a yellow retro taxi. It was one of the most extreme trips of my life. The cars do not have side mirrors, so they are very nimble between buses, other cars and rickshaws. There is always only one question: “How do they do it???”. It's definitely true that if you learned to drive in India, you can drive everywhere.

Buses in India

From Dabolim Airport in Goa, you can take a bus to Margao, Mapusa or Panaji.

At first we avoided them, and then we saw how many white people ride in them. From our Arambol to Goa, tourists could fill half the bus. The fare costs ridiculous money 15-20-30 rupees, depending on the distance. The main thing is not to drive in the morning and evening when the locals go to work. Buses are very crowded, and there is even a special person who places people on the bus, tells who where to go to accommodate 10 more people. You have to whistle to make the bus stop. The local conductor whistles, of course, he needs to talk about stopping. We should have seen his face when our friend whistled the same way and the bus stopped. 🙂

Another time we were driving from Mapusa to Arambol. Near the bus there is a "barker" and collects people. Until the bus is packed to capacity, it will not go. So, we got on the bus, we are waiting for departure for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes. It's hot, I want to go as soon as possible, but the bus is not yet full of people. Barker works very sluggishly, like everything else in India. Our comrade comes out and begins to gather people with all the breadth of the Russian soul. Assembled in 5 minutes. 🙂 Let's go.

As in any other country in India, there are various modes of transport. There are air and rail links. Buses run, among which there are so-called sleeper buses. This type of bus is unusual for Russia, but I think in vain. To go for example from Yalta to Sochi about 18 hours. Sitting is not always possible to sleep. Sleeper buses are another matter. You can stretch your legs if you are not tall and get some sleep. However, the sleeping places in the buses are double, and if you are traveling alone, then you may not be lucky with a neighbor ... or you may be lucky.

Trains in India are a separate story, about how I traveled by rail, I wrote earlier. It is only worth noting that in addition to classic trains and electric trains, there are also luxury trains. Their route passes through Indian sights.

In India, the main vehicles on the roads are scooters and motorcycles. They are driven by the whole family, someone transports things and sometimes those that seemed impossible to transport.

Those who have not saved up for a scooter ride a bicycle.

You can take an Indian taxi, but if you neglect the comfort a little, and take a riska, or as it is also called a tuk-tuk, you can literally ride like a breeze.

Another interesting Indian transport is a bicycle taxi. The driver is pedaling, and you are sitting in the carriage. For the owner of a bicycle taxi, this is his only income and often he spins in his carriage. Those who do not have a bicycle will carry you with the help of their two.

Despite the fact that most of the territory of India is the coast, maritime transport in the country is poorly developed. There are many fishing boats that, for a fee, can take you to beautiful beach. What the Indians caught with their boats is immediately sold and can be cooked for you for dinner.

The most popular transport in India is its own two legs. But since you are already in such a fabulous and warm country, you can also walk.

Transport India

international communication

India has a well-developed network of international air services operated by Air India and other airlines. The company "Indian airlines" provides flights on domestic lines and to nearby countries. In addition to air, there are sea and land links with countries: Sri Lanka (ferries from Rameshwaram (the line is not served during the monsoons); Pakistan (today the only land transport route connecting Amritsar and Lahore); Nepal (the most practical and popular route - rail to Raksaul (Bihar) and then by bus to Kathmandu; there is a train to Nantanwa (Uttar Pradesh) and then by bus to Kathmandu/Pokhara or from Bhairawa to Lumbini in transit to Pokhara; can be reached by bus through the southern valleys from Darjeeling to Kathmandu); Bhutan (by train to Siliguri, then by bus to Puntsholing; there are also flights from Calcutta to Paro (Thimphu) operated by Druk Air); Bangladesh (by train from Calcutta to Bangaon (West Bengal), by rickshaws across the Bengal border from change at Kulna or Jessore to continue on to Dhaka or from Darjeeding via Siliguri, then by train or bus to Haldibari); Burma (no land connection); Kit ai (there is no ground communication).

Air transport

There are 4 largest airports in India, of which two are international - Delhi and Bombay.

Delhi ("Delhi International"), 21 km southwest of the city. From the airport there are charter buses on "Konat Place" and taxis (at a fixed rate order inside the airport).

Mumbai (Bombay), 29 km north of the city (journey time 40 minutes). Charter buses to Air India office and major hotels. Taxi to the city at a fixed rate.

Kolkata, 17 km northeast of the city (journey time 20 minutes). There are charter buses to the office of "Indian Airlines" and major hotels. The city can also be reached by taxi.

Chennai (Madras), 16 km southwest of the city. The charter bus meets all flights arriving from 09:00 to 23:00. Train every 20-30 minutes from 05:00 to 23:00. Regular bus every 35 minutes from 05:00 to 22:00. Taxi.

The airline "Indian airlines" serves one of the world's largest networks of domestic flights - about 70 cities. "Indian airlines" also carry out regular flights to neighboring countries - Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Maldives.

If you are traveling during the peak tourist season (September-March), then book tickets in advance, because flights are very busy at this time. You should arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance for check-in and special control at the airport. Some cities have airport terminals, from where buses will take you to the airport.

Passengers flying to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, including children, are charged a fee of Rs 50; from passengers flying to other countries - from 100 rupees.

In-flight service is world class, but alcoholic drinks are only served on international flights. An adult passenger can carry 20 kg of baggage, and in business class - 30 kg.

The refund fee for tickets purchased locally is very high, but this does not apply to tickets for local flights included in the single international ticket.

In India, the "Discover India" program operates, which involves an unlimited number of economy class flights on all domestic airlines. One and the same point can be visited only once, with the exception of transfers. Price: $750. The program is valid for 21 days from the date of the first flight.

India Youth Fare Program. Passengers from 12 to 30 years old can travel at the youth fare in economy or business class on domestic Indian lines and India-Nepal flights. 25% discount on the ticket price in USD. Valid for 120 days.

The program "Excursion to South India". Flight in economy class between any points in South India - Chennai (Madras), Trichy, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Koyamputtur and Bangalore. For single tourists, this program is valid on the condition that they purchase tickets for a flight from the Maldives or from Sri Lanka to India via Chennai (Madras), Tiruchchirappalli or Thiruvananthapuram.

New domestic airlines

Recently, the Indian government has given permission for the flights of private airlines, which operate under the name "Air Taxi". Along with the state-owned Indian Airlines, nine private companies can offer convenient and profitable programs throughout the country.

Private airlines "Jagsons", "Modiluft", "Jet Airways", "East-West Airlines", "Sahara" serve only certain domestic airlines.

Flight schedules are published in Divan and Excel magazines and shown in teletexts. You can also find them at travel agencies and at major airports.

Railway

The Indian international rail transportation network is the largest in Asia and the second largest in the world. It consists of 62300 km of rails, over 7030 railway stations and over 11200 locomotives. The fare is relatively inexpensive. A large number of express trains connect major cities. Where train service is interrupted, it is possible to get from station to station by bus.

The categories of travel are different, starting from the most expensive I class with air conditioning (the ticket price is comparable to the cost of a similar class fare in other countries), and ending with the cheapest option - a shared carriage with a ticket without a seat. There are also air-conditioned sleeping cars and double compartments, as well as air-conditioned seating cars (both class II); there are class II cars with fans.

Upon arrival in the country, it is advisable to pre-order train tickets for your route. Many railway stations have computer systems that allow you to reserve tickets for travel from other cities. In large cities there are special tourist sections, whose staff speaks English, where foreigners are provided with tickets, but you have to pay for them in US dollars (traveler's checks or cash are accepted). If it is not possible to book a ticket, but there is a huge need to go, try talking to the station chiefs, they may be able to allocate you a ticket from a tourist reservation or a ticket refund office.

Tour desks at railway ticket offices can assist in travel planning and booking tickets.

Travel lovers railway can purchase the detailed All India Railway Time-Table or the short but detailed Trains At A Glance.

Do not forget to specify from which station your train departs, and arrive at the station at least an hour or half an hour before the train departure to find your car and seat. Passenger lists with compartment numbers and seats are posted one hour before the train departure. You can be assisted by the station attendant and the conductor responsible for the departure of the train.

Trains in India are slower than in Europe, so if you are in a hurry, take the express. Train fares are relatively low.

Be careful with luggage on the train. Stock up on locks and chains in advance in order to fasten it below under the seats.

Food can be ordered through the carriage conductor, and on some trains the cost of meals is included in the ticket price. Sleeping mattresses are issued for a fee on certain routes in class I and II carriages, but you can also pay the cost when ordering a ticket. Bed linen is issued only in class I carriages with air conditioning.

Lounges (only for short stays) are available at more than 1,100 stations; you can get into them on a first-come, first-served basis, but usually they are all busy. All first class lounges have couches for passengers, but you will need to bring your own linens. Lounges for transit passengers have been built at the stations in New Delhi and Calcutta, and lounges can be booked in advance.

Luggage storage where passengers can leave their luggage is available at most stations, but be sure to lock your suitcases and bags and do not lose receipts. Check the opening hours of the storage rooms to get your luggage on time.

In India, there is a special program "Pass in India", when on one ticket a tourist can travel without restrictions on any trains during the validity period of the ticket. Only foreigners and Indian citizens living abroad can use this program with a valid passport. "Pass" can be purchased while in India or through travel agencies abroad. Payment is accepted only in freely convertible currency. Children aged 5 to 12 can travel on the India Child Pass for only half the adult fare. Children under 5 travel free of charge. The ticket must be purchased prior to arrival in the country. Not sold in India. "Pass" is nominal and cannot be transferred for use to another person. Travelers are required to have their passport ready in case of control. Pass holders are exempt from seat reservation fees and sleeping car seat surcharges. By purchasing a "Pass", you are freed from having to go through all the other formalities or worry about acquiring additional travel documents, wherever you go. The "Pass" must be used within one year from the date of purchase. The validity period is calculated from the start of the first trip and ends at midnight after the expiration of the date indicated on it. The Pass is non-refundable and cannot be restored if lost or damaged. "Pass" can only be returned at the office where it was purchased, and the cost is compensated if the use of the document has not been started, and if seats on the train have not yet been booked. "Pass to India" can be purchased (it is recommended to do it at least a month in advance) in some agencies different countries or in India, at the railway tourist escort offices, as well as at a number of official "Pass" distributors in New Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. You can also purchase a "Pass" at the international airports of Delhi, Bombay and Madras.

Motor transport

Inside India, there is an extensive network of bus routes connecting all parts of the country. This is especially true for those areas in which there is no railway connection, in particular for high mountainous areas. Older buses run on most rural roads, but air-conditioned express buses are increasingly appearing on main routes. On many routes, even local ones, tickets can be booked in advance. Most of the luggage is transported on the roof of the bus, so suitcases must be locked and checked during stops.

Many cities have bus services.

In large cities, taxis and auto rickshaws are paid according to the tax. They don't always have meters, but if a meter is installed, require it to be turned on when you board. Prices for taxi services change from time to time and therefore do not always correspond to the meter readings, however, the driver must have a copy of the current tariff. Taxis come with or without air conditioning. Prices range from 325 to 450 rupees if the car is air-conditioned. For trips outside the city, there is a per-kilometer fare, usually 2.30-3 rupees per kilometer in flat terrain (usually 6 rupees per 1 km in mountainous areas), and the fare for a night trip is 100 rupees.