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RAIL TRANSPORTATION
Rail transport is also known as train transport. Rail transport is a means of transport where
people and goods are transported on wheeled vehicles running on rails which are located
on tracks compared to road transport, which mainly runs on a prepared surface. It is the
most cost-effective mode of commuting and goods carriage over long as well as short distances on
land.
The tracks are smooth and hard surfaces on which the wheels of the train can roll with a relatively low
level of friction being generated.
The Global Rail Network
The global rail network, which is mostly a collection of unlinked national rail systems,
involves three main types of rail lines:
Penetration Line: To link a port city with its hinterland, particularly to access natural
resources such as minerals, agriculture products, and wood products. The main purpose is to
convey large amounts of materials in a manner that would be prohibitive for road transport. It is
mainly found in developing countries like Africa and Latin America and was partially the result
of the colonial era. From the Mpumalanga region, 80% of South Africa’s coal comes, which is
about 590 km from the port of Richards Bay. Coal trains are used to carry coal from mines to
the port.
Regional Network: The regional networks are effectively the coming together of groups in an
area who are engaged in Transition. There are both benefits to doing this and challenges,
ultimately regional networks have to be beneficial not a burden. Regions with the highest rail
density are Western Europe, the North-Eastern part of North America, Coastal China, and Japan.
Transcontinental Lines: It is mainly established to improve territorial accessibility and for the
setting of national sovereignty. The examples are in the United States, Canada, Russia, and
© 2022 Athena Global Education. All Rights Reserved

Australia, which have built rail systems of this scale, such as between New York and Los
Angeles, across Eurasia (between Dalian and Moscow), across Southern Australia (Perth and
Adelaide) or across South America (Buenos Aires and Valparaiso).
Advantages of Rail Transport
Dependable: It is the most dependable mode of transport. It is least affected by weather

conditions such as rain, fog, etc.
Better Organized: It is better organized than any other form of transport. It has fixed routes
and schedules.
High Speed Over Long Distances: Its speed over long distances is more than any other
mode of transport, except airways.
Suitable for Bulky and Heavy Goods: It is economical, quicker, and best suited for carrying
heavy and bulky goods over long distances.
Cheaper Transport: It is a cheaper mode of transport. Most of the working expenses of
railways are in the nature of fixed costs. Every increase in railway traffic is followed by a
decrease in the average cost. Rail transport is economical in the use of labor also as one driver
and one guard are sufficient to carry much more load than motor transport.
Safety: The railway is the safest form of transport, and the chances of accidents and
breakdowns of railways are minimal. The traffic can be protected from exposure to the sun,
rain, snow, etc.
Larger Capacity: The carrying capacity of the railways is extremely large, its capacity is
elastic which can easily be increased by adding more wagons.
Disadvantages of Rail Transport
Huge Capital Outlay: The railway requires a large investment of capital. The cost of
construction, maintenance, and overhead expenses are very high as compared to other modes
of transport. The investments are specific and immobile. In case the traffic is not sufficient, the
investments may mean the wastage of huge resources.
Lack of Flexibility: Its routes and timings cannot be adjusted to individual requirements.
Lack of Door-to-Door Service: Rail transport cannot provide door-to-door service as it is tied
to a particular track. Intermediate loading or unloading involves greater cost, more wear and
tear, and a wastage of time. The time and cost of terminal operations are a great disadvantage
of rail transport.
Monopoly: As railways require huge capital outlay, they may give rise to monopolies and work
against the public interest at large. Even if controlled and managed by the government, lack of
competition may breed inefficiency and high costs.
Unsuitable for Short Distance and Small Loads: Railway transport is unsuitable and
uneconomical for a short distances and small traffic of goods.
Booking Formalities: It involves much time and labor in booking and taking delivery of goods
through railways as compared to motor transport.
No Rural Service: Because of huge capital requirements and traffic, railways cannot be
operated economically in rural areas. Thus, rural areas have no railway service even today. This
caused much inconvenience to the people living in rural areas.
Under-Utilized Capacity: The railway must have a full load for its ideal and economic
operation. As it has a very large carrying capacity, under-utilization of its capacity, in most of
the regions, is a great financial problem and loss to the economy.
Centralized Administration: Being the public utility service, railways have a monopoly

position and as such, there is centralized administration. Local authorities fail to meet the
personal requirements of the people as compared to roadways.

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RAIL TRANSPORTATION

The Global Rail Network

involves three main types of rail lines:

© 2022 Athena Global Education. All Rights Reserved

Advantages of Rail Transport

Dependable: It is the most dependable mode of transport. It is least aﬀected by weather

Disadvantages of Rail Transport

© 2022 Athena Global Education. All Rights Reserved

© 2022 Athena Global Education. All Rights Reserved

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