Transport in India includes roads, railways, airways and waterways. National highways connect major cities and are managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Exams ask about important highways and transport facts.
National Highways
- Longest national highway: NH 44 (Srinagar to Kanyakumari)
- National highways are maintained by the NHAI, set up in 1988
- Golden Quadrilateral connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata
- India has one of the largest road networks in the world
Indian Railways
- Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world
- First train ran in 1853 between Bombay and Thane
- Railways are divided into several zones
- The railway headquarters is in New Delhi (Railway Board)
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Air and Water Transport
- Civil aviation is regulated by the DGCA
- Airports are managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- India has major ports on the east and west coasts
- Inland waterways are managed by the IWAI
Important Facts
- The Quadrilateral and corridor projects improved road links between metros
- Konkan Railway connects the west coast through difficult terrain
- Metro rail networks run in many large cities
Quick Revision Points
- Longest national highway: NH 44.
- NHAI was set up in 1988.
- Golden Quadrilateral links Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata.
- First train ran in 1853 (Bombay to Thane).
- DGCA regulates civil aviation.
- AAI manages airports.
- IWAI manages inland waterways.
- Indian Railways is divided into zones.