Question

Why is road transport better than rail transport to travel short distance?

Answer 1

Railway transport – road transport. These notions are not two antagonistic problems, as one may think, but they represent, in fact, a false dilemma. Lately, due to the so-called priorities regarding either the construction of new highways or the development of more efficient railway lines, these two notions only generate excuses and motivations that lead nowhere.

In a civilized country with a healthy economy, the two transport systems don’t have to compete; they should be in a fair competition, in order to ensure passenger and freight transport at reasonable costs, in conditions of maximum safety and with minimum impact on the environment.
Until 1990, the Romanian railways represented the main means of transport, taking over over 80% of the total volume of freight and passengers. After 1990, in the context of a transition economy, the situation changed completely. Railway passenger and freight transport continued to lose ground. Another major factor that contributed to this situation was the slow modernisations made, which didn’t meet the precise requirements of the customers concerning:
– an efficient transport system
– a sufficient number of trains, with a timetable that satisfies the customers’ demands
– low tariffs

Answer 2

Advantages of roadways over railways are
(i) Construction cost of roads is much lower than railway lines.
(ii) Roads can be constructed easily in hilly terrains and undulating topography.
(iii) Roadways act as a feeder to other modes of transport, as they provide a link between railway stations, air and sea ports.
(iv) Road transport is economical in transportation of few persons and relatively smaller amount of goods over short distances.
Thus, it can be concluded that roadways still have an edge over railways in India.