Disparity in rail density distribution

Published on 23 Feb 2025

Indian Railways is the world's largest rail network in terms of electrification, the fourth largest by size, and the ninth largest employer. Some regions in India boast a robust rail infrastructure, others grapple with limited connectivity and inefficient services. This imbalance significantly impacts economic growth, trade, and development.

Factors leading to disparity in distribution

• Geographical Terrain:

• Mountainous regions: Constructing railways through hilly terrains is challenging and expensive. States like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have lower rail density due to this.

• Plains and plateaus: Regions with flat land, like the Gangetic plains, are more conducive to railway development.

• Population Density:

• High population areas: Regions with higher population density generally have better rail connectivity as there is a higher demand for transportation. For instance, the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have extensive rail networks due to their large populations.

• Low population areas: Sparsely populated areas often have limited rail infrastructure.

• Economic Development:

• Industrial and commercial hubs: Areas with thriving industries and commerce tend to have better rail connectivity to facilitate the movement of goods and people. Mumbai and Delhi are prime examples.

• Less developed regions: Regions with lower economic activity often have limited rail infrastructure due to lower investment and demand.

• Historical Factors:

• British colonial legacy: The initial railway network was primarily developed to serve colonial interests, leading to disparities in distribution. 

• Example: Railway network in West Bengal and Maharashtra was relatively developed during British rule.

• Post-independence planning: Initial focus on connecting major cities and industrial areas led to neglect of certain regions.

• Financial Constraints and Natural Disasters:

• Limited resources: Insufficient funds for railway expansion can lead to disparities in development.

• Prioritization of projects: Competition for funds among different regions can result in delays in railway projects.

• Cyclones, floods, and earthquakes: These can damage railway infrastructure, disrupting services and hindering development efforts.

Way Forward

• Prioritize Northeast Development: Similar to the ongoing efforts in the Northeast Frontier Railway, increased investment in infrastructure, electrification, and new lines is crucial to bridge the regional gap.

• Coastal Corridor Development: The Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors, coupled with passenger rail improvements, can enhance connectivity along the coasts, boosting trade and tourism like in Gujarat and Odisha.

• Strengthening Rural Connectivity: Projects like the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link exemplify the potential to improve rural access. Expanding such initiatives across the country is essential.

• Leverage PPPs for Urban Transport: Mumbai and Delhi's suburban rail networks, partly operated through PPPs, can be replicated in other metro cities to enhance capacity and service quality.

• High-Speed Rail Corridors: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is a step in the right direction. Identifying more such corridors can significantly reduce travel times between major cities.

• Technology Adoption: Implementing advanced signalling systems like those being tested in parts of the Delhi-Mumbai corridor can enhance operational efficiency and capacity.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
Disparity in rail density distribution railway rail transport Factors leading to disparity in distribution

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Resources Distribution