Q1. [3] medium thorough-understanding
Railway construction in hilly and remote regions like the Himalayas is far more challenging and expensive than road construction. Explain why roads are considered a more viable mode of transport for connecting such regions, citing at least two specific reasons.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:35 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Roads are a more viable mode of transport than railways in hilly and remote regions like the Himalayas due to the following reasons:
- Lower construction cost: The construction cost of roads is much lower than that of railway lines, making them more economical for difficult terrains.
- Ability to negotiate difficult terrain: Roads can traverse comparatively more dissected and undulating topography and can negotiate higher gradients of slopes. As such, they can traverse mountains like the Himalayas where railway construction is nearly impossible.
- Easier maintenance: Roads can be built and maintained with greater ease compared to railway lines in remote regions.
Source: Chapter 7, Roadways section
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Explanation
- The examiner expects you to cite specific reasons from the textbook, not general knowledge. The passage clearly lists reasons why roads have an edge over railways — use those directly.
- For a 3-mark question, 2–3 distinct points with brief elaboration are ideal. Avoid writing a full paragraph without clear points.
- Key phrases to include: "higher gradients," "undulating topography," "lower construction cost" — these are textbook terms examiners look for.
- Do not write about waterways or pipelines; stay focused on the roads vs. railways comparison as the question demands.