Physiographic factors that have influenced the distribution pattern are :
(i) The Northern Plains with their vast land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provided the most favourable condition for the growth of railways, although crossing wide rivers posed some obstacles.
(ii) In the hilly terrain of the peninsular region, railway tracks were laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels.
(iii) The Himalayan mountain regions were unfavourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, undulating terrain and low traffic.
(iv) It is difficult to lay railway tracks in the sandy plains of Western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat and forest areas of states in Central India, For example Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Economic Factors that influenced are :
(i) State funding played a vital role in the development of railways across the nation.
(ii) The state with flexible laws supported the growth of railways.
(iii) The places that werehighly industrialized attracted the development of railway.