(a) The pipeline transport system is very useful for the transportation of several essential commodities which are helpful for numerous economic activities:
(i) One of its most important applications is seen in the transfer of petroleum products. As petrol, diesel and kerosene are the most important source of energy, pipeline transport makes their commutation very easy.
(ii) The transfer of natural gas is another important utility of pipeline transportation. Natural gas is an important source of fuel.
(iii) Solids can also be transported through a pipeline when converted into slurry.
(iv) This mode of transportation is very safe and saves lots of time in the transfer of energy resources from one place to another. They can directly link the oil fields to the sites from where the oil is distributed for consumption.
(v) India has several important pipeline networks which provide a smooth transition of energy resources without involving much risk as these resources are to be handled with utmost care.
(vi) It saves a lot of time, money and labour which is required in the other modes of transportation. (Any five)
OR
(b) Physical and economic factors have influenced the distribution pattern of the Indian Railways network in the following ways:
(i) The northern plains with their vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources have favoured the development of railways. However, a large number of rivers requiring the construction of bridges across their wide river beds posed some obstacles.
(ii) In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region, railway tracks are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels. The Himalayan mountainous regions too are not favourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population and lack of economic opportunities.
(iii) It is difficult to lay railway lines on the sandy plain of western Rajasthan.
(iv) Swamps of Gujarat, forested tracts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand are also not suitable for the development of railways.
(v) The contiguous stretch of Sahyadri could be crossed only through gaps or passes. Although, the Konkan railway along the west coast has been developed, it has also faced several problems such as the sinking of track in some stretches and landslides.