Transport and communication are the backbone of any developing country, and this is exactly what Chapter 7 of the NCERT Class 12 Geography book India: People and Economy talks about. The chapter explains how different types of transport—like roads, railways, waterways, and airways—connect people, goods, and services across India. It also explains the growing importance of communication systems like postal networks, telecom, satellites, and mass media in modern India.
I decided to write about this topic because students often underestimate how important transport and communication are for geography, economy, and even national unity. Whether you’re travelling from Delhi to Chennai, or sending a message to a village in Manipur, these systems make it possible. This chapter is also useful for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and state-level services, where questions from Indian infrastructure and connectivity are common. Plus, the examples and data given in this chapter help us understand real-world issues like road density, digital divide, or why the northeast faces transport challenges. In this article, I’ll cover the key points from the chapter, explain the types of transport and communication systems in India, and also provide the link to download the official NCERT PDF.
Overview of Transport in India
Transport in India is classified into four main types—land, water, air, and pipeline. All these systems have developed over time and serve different parts of the country depending on geography and population needs.
1. Roadways
- India has one of the largest road networks in the world
- Includes National Highways, State Highways, district roads, rural roads
- The Golden Quadrilateral and North-South & East-West Corridors are major projects
- Road transport is more flexible and accessible in rural and hilly areas
2. Railways
- India’s rail network is the fourth-largest in the world
- Operated by Indian Railways, divided into zones
- Railways are suitable for long-distance and bulk transport
- Challenges include overcrowding, outdated tracks in some areas, and delays
3. Waterways
- Inland waterways and coastal shipping are less developed but important
- Major rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra are declared National Waterways
- Ports like Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Kolkata support sea transport
4. Airways
- Fastest mode of transport, suitable for long-distance and remote area travel
- Domestic and international airports connect India globally
- Regional connectivity scheme (UDAN) is improving air access to small towns
5. Pipelines
- Mainly used to transport petroleum, natural gas, and water
- Examples include Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur gas pipeline
Download PDF: NCERT Class 12 Geography Chapter 7 – Transport and Communication
Here is the official NCERT link to download:
NCERT Class 12 Geography (India People and Economy) Chapter 7: Transport and Communication PDF