Question

how was the distribution of the railway network in the country been largely influenced by physiographic and economic factors. explain with examples .

Answer 1

Examples of the distribution pattern of the railway network in the country being influenced by physiographic and economic factors are
Physiographic Factors

(i) The Northern Plains with their vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provided the most favourable condition for growth of railways, although crossing wide rivers posed some obstacles.

(ii) In the hilly terrain of the peninsular region, railway tracks were laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels.

(iii) The Himalayan mountain regions are unfavourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, undulating terrain and low traffic.

(iv) It is difficult to lay railway tracks in the sandy plains of Western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat and forested areas of states in central India, e.g. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Economic Factors
Given below are some economic factors that affect the distribution of railways

(i) State funding plays a vital role in the development of railways across the nations.

(ii) The state with flexible laws supports the growth of railways.

(iii) The places that are highly industrialised attract the development of railways.

(iv) Since the growth of both is complimentary to each other, e.g. recendy railway network is enhancing along the industrial corridors.