Question

Significance of infrastructure in the indian economy

Answer 1

infrastructure is important for faster economic growth and alleviation of poverty in the country.

Answer 2

During the colonial period in India, the basic infrastructure such as water transport, railways, posts and telegraphs, and ports were developed, but to serve the colonial interest rather than serving the common people. Roads constructed were not fit for modern India, could not connect rural areas, and the shortage of well-constructed roads, especially in the rainy season, was the drawback.

However, in the year 1850, the introduction of the railways was one of the most important contributions by the British. This initiative transformed the Indian economy in two ways. One, it led people to travel long distances and break the geographical barrier, and second, it commercialised Indian agriculture that adversely influenced the self-sufficiency of the village economies in India.

With the development of railways and roads, the colonial regulation also took steps for the improvement of the sea lanes and inland trade. However, for the postal services, though it was useful assistance for the society, it remained insufficient.