Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Physical Factors:

1. Plains: The vast Northern Plains with their level land, soft soil, and dense population have the most extensive railway network in India.
2. Mountains: Hilly and mountainous terrains like the Himalayas, North-East highlands, and Western Ghats have sparse railway lines due to steep gradients and difficult construction.
3. Forests/Swamps: Thick forests of the North-East and marshy lands of Sundarbans make railway construction costly and difficult, leading to poor connectivity.

Economic Factors:

1. Low economic development: Sparsely populated and economically backward regions like interior Rajasthan (desert), Jharkhand, and the North-East have thin networks due to low traffic demand and high costs.
2. Revenue potential: Densely populated and industrially developed regions like the Mumbai–Pune corridor and the Chota Nagpur plateau (rich in minerals) have well-developed networks because they generate high traffic volume and revenue.

In conclusion, plains and economic prosperity attract dense railway networks, while difficult terrain and low economic activity hinder expansion.

Source: Transport and Communication, Chapter 7

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• CBSE expects you to clearly separate physical and economic factors with examples (specific regions/states). Award of marks is often 2–3 points per category.
• Always mention concrete Indian examples: Northern Plains, Himalayas, Chota Nagpur plateau, North-East, Thar Desert.
• Avoid vague statements; examiners reward precise geographical references.
• A brief concluding line shows synthesis and earns full marks.