Q1. [3] medium exam-ready
[short_answer] Explain the importance of cross-country pipeline networks in India's energy transport system. Describe any two pipeline routes, mentioning the commodities transported and the regions they connect.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:34 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Importance: Pipeline networks transport crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas efficiently from fields to refineries and power plants. Initial laying cost is high but running costs are minimal. They eliminate trans-shipment losses and delays, and make inland refineries like Barauni, Mathura, and Panipat viable.
Two Pipeline Routes:
- Upper Assam to Kanpur – Transports crude oil via Guwahati, Barauni, and Prayagraj, connecting oil fields of Assam to refineries in northern India.
- Salaya (Gujarat) to Jalandhar (Punjab) – Transports crude oil via Viramgam, Mathura, Delhi, and Sonipat, linking western coastal regions to northern India.
Source: Chapter 7, Pipelines
---
Explanation
- 3 marks = ~1 mark for importance + 1 mark per pipeline route. Keep each route description to one sentence covering commodity + regions connected.
- Examiners expect the exact route names from the textbook (Assam–Kanpur; Salaya–Jalandhar) and the commodity (crude oil/petroleum).
- HVJ pipeline (gas) is also valid as a third route if asked, but two routes suffice here.
- Don't confuse pipeline routes with road/rail corridors.