SHIVAJI UNIVERSITY, KOLHAPUR CENTRE FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION Economics of Transport and Communication (Group C-1 - Optional Paper-XXIV) For M. A. Part-II H I K J
Dec 29, 2015
SHIVAJI UNIVERSITY, KOLHAPUR
CENTRE FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION
Economics of Transport
and Communication(Group C-1 - Optional Paper-XXIV)
For
M. A. Part-II
H I
K J
Copyright © Registrar,
Shivaji University,
Kolhapur. (Maharashtra)
First Edition 2013
Prescribed for M. A. Part-II
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form by mimeography
or any other means without permission in writing from the Shivaji University, Kolhapur
(MS)
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ISBN-978-81-8486-471-7
H Further information about the Centre for Distance Education & Shivaji University may be
obtained from the University Office at Vidyanagar, Kolhapur-416 004, India.
H This material has been produced with the developmental grant from DEC-IGNOU, New
Delhi.
(ii)
n B. O. S. MEMBERS OF ECONOMICS n
Chairman- Dr. Dinkar Rangnath KhatakeShivraj College of Arts, Commerce & D. S. Kadam Science College, Gadhinglaj, Dist. Kolhapur.
l Dr. A. A. DangeProfessor & Head, Department of Economics,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
l Dr. Lalasaheb Narayan GhatageChh. Shivaji College, Satara
l Dr. M. N. GosaviNight College of Arts & Commerce,
Bindu Chowk, Kolhapur.
l Dr. Anand Dhanavant LodadeShahaji Raje Mahavidyalaya, Khatav,
Dist. Satara
l Dr. Arjun Subarao PatilS. B. Khade Mahavidyalaya, Koparde,
Tal. Karveer, Dist.-Kolhapur.(iii)
l Dr. Jagnnath Shamrao PatilArts & Commerce College, Kadepur,
Tal. Khanapur, Dist. Sangli.
l Dr. R. G. KorabuD. D. Shinde Sarkar College, Kolhapur.
l Dr. V. V. MahamuniAssociate Professor and Head, Dept. of
Economics, Veer Wajekar A. S. C. College,
Phunde (Uran), Navi Mumbai.
l Dr. P. S. KambleDept. of Economics, Shivaji University,
Kolhapur.
Centre for Distance Education
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
n ADVISORY COMMITTEE n
Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Rangappa
Hon. Vice-Chancellor, Karnataka State Open
University, Mansagangotri, Mysore
Prof. V. Venkaih
Director, Academic Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Open University Rd. No. 46, Jubilee Hill,
Hyderabad-33 Andhrapradesh
Dr. J. S. Patil
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Dr. R. G. Phadatare
Dean, Faculty of Commerce,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Prof. (Dr.) D. V. Muley
Registrar,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Shri. B. S. Patil,
Finance and Accounts Officer,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Prof. (Dr.) Jayaprakash A. Shinde
(Member Secretary)
Director, Centre for Distance Education,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
Prof. (Dr.) N. J. Pawar
Vice-Chancellor,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Prof. (Dr.) R. Krishna Kumar
Hon. Vice-Chancellor, Yashwantrao Chavan
Maharashtra Open University, Dnyangangotri,
Near Gangapur Dam, Nasik
Dr. A. P. Gavali
Dean, Faculty of Arts,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Dr. C. J. Khilare
Dean, Faculty of Science,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Prof. (Dr.) A. B. Rajge
Director, B.C.U.D.,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Dr. B. M. Hirdekar
Controller of Examination
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Prof. (Dr.) A. N. Joshi
Vaishnavi Appartments, Flat No. 8, Shrirang
nagar, Near Pumping Station,
Near Gangapur Dam, Nasik
Centre for Distance Education
Shivaji University,
Kolhapur.
Economics of Transport and Communication
Writing Team
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n Editors n
Unit No.Authors
Prof. V. T. Jadhav 1
S. G. M. College, Karad
Dr. Anilkumar Krishnrao Wavare 2, 4
Chh. Shivaji College, Satara
Dr. L. N. Ghatage 3
Chh. Shivaji College, Satara
Dr. Anna Kaka Patil 5
S. G. M. College, Karad
Dr. P. S. Kamble 6
Department of Economics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
Dr. Vijay Maruti Kumbhar 7, 8
Dhananjayrao Gadgil College of Commerce, Satara
Dr. Anilkumar Krishnrao Wavare
Assistant Professor,
Department of Economics (UG & PG),
Chhatrapati Shivaji College, Satara
Dr. P. S. Kamble
Associate Professor,
Department of Economics,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
Preface
It is with Pride and Pleasure that we place before the readers the first edition of
our book 'Economics of Transport and Communication'. Shivaji University has
introduced the Distance Education mode for its external students. This book of
Economics of Transport and Communication (Group-C1-Optional Paper-XXIV) is
written for M. A. Part-II students. The writers tried to simplify the various concepts of
Transport and Communication. In order to simplify the contents of the book, the
schedules, diagrams, charts and keywords are given wherever necessary for better
understanding.
This book is divided into eight units. These units include the Significance of
Transport and Communication,Ralway Transport, Road Transport, Water Transport,
Air Transport, Transport and Environmental Pollution, Communication and Economic
Development and Business Communication. This book will help the students to
understand the basic issues in Transport and Communication.
This book is a collective endeavour of a dedicated team of teachers, well supported
by technical as well as administrative staff at the Distance Education Centre, Shivaji
University, Kolhapur. We are sure you will find this book useful. We thank all those
directly or indirectly involved in giving the book its final shape.
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n Editors n
Dr. Anilkumar Krishnrao Wavare
Assistant Professor
Department of Economics (UG & PG)
Chhatrapati Shivaji College,
Satara.
Dr. P. S. Kamble
Associate Professor,
Department of Economics,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
INDEX
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Unit No. Topic Page No.
1 Significance of Transport and Communication 1
2 Railway Transport 42
3 Road Transport 84
4 Water Transport 114
5 Air Transport 143
6 Transport and Environmental Pollution 177
7 Communication and Economic Development 190
8 Business Communication 236
M. A. Part-I Economics
Group - C1 - Optional Paper-XXIV
Economics of Transport and Communication
Each Unit begins with the section Objectives -
Objectives are directive and indicative of :
1. What has been presented in the Unit and
2. What is expected from you
3. What you are expected to know pertaining to the specific Unit
once you have completed working on the Unit.
The self check exercises with possible answers will help you to
understand the Unit in the right perspective. Go through the possible
answer only after you write your answers. These exercises are not
to be submitted to us for evaluation. They have been provided to
you as Study Tools to help keep you in the right track as you study
the Unit.
(viii)
1
Unit- 1
Significance of Transport and communication
Index:
1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Subject Description
1.2.1 Significance of Transport and communication
1.2.2 Classification of Transport and communication
1.2.3 Integration of Transport and communication means
1.2.4 Government policy since 1991.
1.3 Summary
1.4 Glossary
1.5 Self-Learning Question
1.6 Answer to the Self Learning Question
1.7 Questions for self study
1.8 Field work
1.9 References
1.0 Objectives:
After completing the study of this unit, you will be able to –
� Learn about the meaning and significance of transport and communication.
� Know about the classification of transport and communication.
� Learn about the integration of transport and communication means.
� Explain the Government policy in relation to transport and communication since
1991.
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1.1 Introduction:
Infrastructure is classified as economic infrastructure and social infrastructure.
Economic infrastructure is also known as physical infrastructure. It includes energy,
transport, communication, irrigation etc. social infrastructure is comprised of such
social services as education, health, sanitation, water supply etc. Adequate quantity,
quality and reliability of infrastructure are essential for rapid economic growth. It is
because the state of infrastructure in the economy has a direct co-relation to it’s
internal production, international competiveness, flow of direct foreign investment
and export dynamism. The World Bank study shows that a one percent increase in
the stock of infrastructure is associated with a one percent increase in the G.D.P.
across all countries. It is therefore, in this context necessary to study the
significance, classification and integration of transport and communication. Besides,
it is equally important to know about the transport and communication policy
adopted by the Government of India since 1991.
1.2 Subject Description :
1.2.1 Significance of Transport and Communication:
Transport : Meaning and Significance.
Meaning of Transport:
The term transport is derived from the Latin word ‘transportare’. Trans means
‘across’ or ‘the other side’ and portare means to ‘carry’. Thus, transportation means
to carry something from one place to another. In other words, transportation means
the conveyance of goods and persons from one place to another. Marshall A, in his
work ‘Industry and Trade (1919)’, clearly pointed out the importance of transport in
the development of human civilization. The following quote is highly relevant in this
context; “The transport industries which undertake nothing more than the mere
movement of persons and things from one place to another, have constituted one of
the most important activities of men in every stage of advanced civilization.”
Transport service, by increasing the place and time utility of various commodities,
contributes to wealth and welfare of the society.
Significance of Transport :
Transportation is a mirror that reflects the progress of a nation. It is a link
between industry, trade and agriculture. The modern civilization, which rests on the
large scale factory production, would collapse in absence of transportation. In the
words of W. F. Ogburn, (The Social Effects of Aviation: 1949), “the transport – the
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defacto barometer of economic, social and commercial progress-has transformed
the entire world into one organized unit. It carries ideas and inventions to the people
and has considerably contributed to the evolution of civilization.” We now learn
about the significance of transport in different walks of human life-economic,
political, social and cultural.
Economic Significance:
1. Transport and production: Large scale production requires huge quantity
of raw materials, large number of workers, huge capital investment wider markers
etc. It also requires the immediate distribution of finished goods over national and
international markets. The efficient transportation ensure regular supply of impulse
to the producer as well as the distribution of finished goods over the wider markets.
2. Transportation and consumption: The consumers nowadays use goods
produced in different parts of the world. Different countries have different
geographical advantages in the production of different goods. As a result of this, the
quality of their products is better and cost is lower. Modern transportation has made
their markets world wide. This results into the increased demand for and supply of
various goods and services.
3. Transport and Exchange: Transport widens the area and scope of
exchange of goods and services. It breaks the monopolies of areas and saves the
people from exploitation. It carries surplus goods to the scarcity areas and thereby
ensures fair prices to the producers and sellers. Besides, it stabilizes prices and
brings uniformity in prices at different areas.
4. Transport and Distribution: Transport influences rewards of the factors
of production, i.e., land, labor, capital, organization and enterprise. It increased the
rental values of land by assuring future hopes and aspirations of the people of that
area for development. It increases the mobility of labour and capital and there by
helps them to have better rewards. It also helps the organizers in arranging various
factors of production at cheaper rates from distant places. Besides, it helps the
entrepreneurs in finding new business opportunities where profit is higher.
5. Transport and Geographical specialization: The geographical
specialization implies surplus production of a specialized commodity a particular
area. The surplus of a specialized commodity needs to be transported to other areas
and goods of self requirement to be brought from outside areas. The cheap and
efficient transport system can only assure such a regular exchange of goods.
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6. Transport and utility: Transportation increases the form, place and time
utilities of the commodities. It helps in the process of transformation of raw materials
into the finished goods. Similarly, it carries goods from places where they are in
abundance to places where they are scarce. Thus, transport increases place utility.
Besides, transport also increases time utilities of the commodities. eg, quick and
prompt supply of perishable goods.
7. Transport and land utilization: Transport opens new hopes and
aspirations of the people of that area for development. It opens new avenues of
economic activity, ensures effective use of local resources and enhances the
productivity of land. It also endures effective use of inaccessible places such as
forests, hills, deserts, valleys etc.
8. Transport and agriculture: Transport helps to increase the production
and productivity of agriculture by providing facilities for improved seeds, manure,
fertilizers, marketing, storing etc. Indian agriculture is at present backward. It is, no
doubt, attributed to the factor like the wretched condition of roads, we of the bullock
carts etc.
9. Transport and Industries: Transport help in the development of industries
in the following ways.
1. It plays a dominant role in location of a factory.
2. It plays an important role in regional development and decentralization of
economic activities.
3. It influences the cost structure of a product.
10. Transport and employment: Transport provides employment on a large
scale. The industries involved in the manufacture of ships, locomotives, wagons,
automobiles and other vehicles and their parts and accessories employ labour and
capital on a vast scale. Besides, the services provided by rail, road, water and
airways provide employment to many people.
11. Transport and planned Economy: In a planned economy, the state
deliberately regulates production, distribution and consumption of goods.
Transportation plays a vital role in this context. The location of industries, regional
balance, better distribution of products, and better maintenance by administration,
justice and deface –all necessitate a well developed transport in a planned
economy.
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12. Transport as public utility: Public utility services include transport,
electricity, water supply, post and telegraph etc. These services are of great public
significance as they cater the collective demand. An efficient transport system
serves the society in number of ways. Therefore, the Government invariably either
nationalizes transport services or puts considerable restrictions over their working
through various legislations. The rates and fares are kept deliberately low as to
recover only cost of service. At times, in public interest, the Government provides
the transport services even when they incur losses.
Political Significance:
1. Transport and National unity: Transport strengthens national unity by
promoting homogeneity among people. People ‘hang together’ better when they live
and speak alike. Besides, transport creates a need for political unity by making the
different parts of country economically interdependent. It pares the way for unity
amidst diversity.
2. Transport and National Defense: Transport strengthens national
defense. Construction of border roads is of utmost importance for national defense.
Transportation by rail, highways and air had revolutionized military procedure. For
instance, the aeroplane has greater mobility, range and speed. It is very effective in
moving troops and supplies as well as in combat. In short, transport is the agency
through which the entire resources of a country can by mobilized and directed
towards military purposes.
3. Transport and Internal Law and Order: Transport helps in maintaining
internal law, order administration and justice. The timely police and military aid,
service of fire brigade, ambulance etc. all require a well developed transport system
in country.
4. Transport and International Political Relations: Transport has unified
the whole world by breaking the time and distance barriers. It makes possible the
regular exchange of people, goods and views on the international level. Thus, it
helps to strengthen political friendship amongst various countries of the world.
5. Transport and Political Division of states: Transport is one of the most
important factors deterring the size of political stilts of a country. The size of the
states state should be determined in such a way as to ensure efficient administration
internal and external security and facilities for economic development. This
obviously depends on the stage and pattern of transport facilities available in the
state.
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Social and Cultural Significance:
1. Transport and sectionalism: The complete eradication of sectionalism is
not desirable sectionalism cannot be justified when it leads to misunderstanding,
self-motivated interests or short-sightedness. Transport, however, broadens the
outlook and fosters the feelings of inter-adjustment thereby helps in reducing the
sectional frictions.
2. Transport and Advancement of Knowledge and Culture: Transport
plays a vital role in the spread of knowledge and culture. Learners go to distant
college and universities. Researchers visit national and foreign universities and
research institutions. The books, newspapers, magazines etc. reach every nook and
corner of the world. Cultural heritage fashions, traditions, fine arts such as music,
dance, paintings, etc. pass on from one country to another. This is all possible due
to modern means of transport.
3. Transport and standard of living: Transport improves the standard of
living of the people by making available them the goods manufactured in different
countries of the world. It helps to reduce the urban and rural differentiations and
there by enriches the lives of both city dwellers and villagers. Besides, it also
contributes to public health by providing quick medical aid even in distant places.
4. Transport and Eradication of Conservatism: Transport is instrumental in
reducing the conservative beliefs of the people. For instance, space travel and
landing of man on the moon provided a server blow to conservative belief of the
people. For instance, space travel and landing of man on the moon provided a
server blow to conservative belief of mankind about the moon and other planets.
Beside, transport provide a scope for assembly of the people of different castes,
creed, race, religion, region, etc. and there by promotes equality and brotherhood.
5. Transport and Dispersion of population: Transportation solves the
problems of rural and urban people. It can speedily arrange adequate materials for
city people. It enables people to live in nearby villages and work in cities. It also
helps in providing the rural people with modern facilities and opportunities to visit
cities. Besides, it helps in the development of industries in the backward areas and
thereby restricts the unwanted migration of the people from the countryside to the
cities.
6. Transport and Tourism: Modern transport has considerably increased
national and international tourism. World tour, which is at present a reality, was very
difficult in olden days.
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Communication: Meaning and Significance:
Definition and Meaning of Communication:
The English Word ‘Communication’ is derived from the Latin term ‘Communis’,
which means “to make Common, to transmit or to impart.” Hence, literally,
communication refers to sharing a common idea or establishing a common
understanding with someone.
The concept of communication would be more clear if we examine some of the
definitions of communication presented by great authorities as under.
1. “Communication is the process by which information is transmitted between
individuals and for organizations so that an understanding response results”.
(Peter Little in his book “Oral Written Communication”).
2. “Communication is a continuing and thinking process dealing with the
transmission and interchange with understanding of ideas, facts and courses of
action”. (George R. Terry in “Principles of Management”.)
3. “Administrative communication is a process which involves the transmission
and accurate replication of ideas ensured by feedback for the purpose of
eliciting actions which will accomplish organizational goals”. (William Scott in
“organization Theory.”)
4. “Communication is the perception, interpretation and response of people to
signals produced by other people”. (Glances and Brilhart.)
These definitions show that communication is an exchange of information,
ideas and emotions with the help of words, Letters, symbols or messages which
brings about common understanding and response.
Essential Features of Communication:
All forms of communication have common features as follows
1. Purpose: Every communication has a purposes or goal or objective
2. Cooperation: There must be cooperation between the two particles viz.,
communicator (sender) and Communicate (Recover.)
3. Means: The message is to be conveyed by the Communicator to the
communicate through proper words, Letters, symbols etc.
4. Proper understanding: The message is to be property understood by the
communicate.
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5. Feed back: If the communicates understands the message he gives proper
responds to the communicator.
6. Continuity: Communication is a systematic and continuous process of telling,
listening, understanding and reacting.
Elements of Communication:
Following are the elements involved in the process of communication.
1. Source/Sender/Communicator: The pardon who initiates the action of
communicating is known as communicator.
2. Audience/Receiver/ Communicate: The person for whom the communication
is intended is called as communicate.
3. Goal/purpose: It is the sender’s reason for communicating, the desired result
of the communication.
4. Context/Environment: It is the background in which the communication takes
place.
5. Message/Content: It is the information conveyed such as instruction, ideas,
information, orders etc.
6. Medium/Channel: Channels are the modes which enable the transfer of
message. E.g. mail service, telecommunication system etc. They serve as a
link between communicator and communicatee.
7. Feedback: Feedback is the return message or response from the
communicatee to the communicator after receiving the message.
Significance of Communication:
Communication is an integral part of human life. It is as old as man himself. The
printing of the first Bible, with movable types, by Gutenberg in 1437 in his shop in
Mainz, marks the beginning of the Communication Revolution. The communication
Revolution is comparable in its socio economic effects with the industrial Revolution.
Technological advances such as radio and television sets have made it possible for
millions to hear and see the same message at the same time. The wireless makes it
possible to transmit a message over hundreds of miles. The laying of submarine
cables enables people to converse across ocean with the help of their telephones.
Now, with the help of satellites and computers, we have instant communication in
the form of internet and e-mail. The Communication Revolution has led to an
Information Explosion. Man at the beginning of civilization was confronted with the
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problem of how to get information. Now a days, he is being faced with the problem
of how to select necessary information.
Communication is the modernization paradigm which sought to transform
traditional societies into modern western societies through the transmission of
attitudes, practices and technology. It increases the potential for economic growth.
In this context, Telecommunication Authority of India aptly prints and that, “If country
has 1 percent more mobile subscribers than another, its GDP per capita will be
about $200 higher.” Let us study the significance of communication in different walks
of human life-economic, political, social and cultural.
Economic Significance:
Communication plays a crucial role in the economic development of a nation. It
is because there is a direct link between nation’s material prosperity and that of her
information wealth. Bhavanai et al. in their work “The Role of mobile phones in
Sustainable Rural Poverty Reduction”(2008) Observed that, “in a typical developing
country, an increase of 10 mobile phones per 100 people boosts GDP growth by 6
percent.” The well developed communication system is essential for meeting the
Million Development Goals. The economic significance of communication from
various angles is given below.
1. Communication and Production: Communication promoted the
production in following ways.
� helps to understand the needs and requirements of both employee and
customers.
� promotes cordial relations and work culture among the employees for
increasing production.
� helps to create healthy and happy environment within and outside the
organisation.
� Effective internal communication helps business enterprises in billing, colleting,
selling, delivering, stock-keeping etc.
� knowledge of such external factors as related to industry, customers,
stakeholders, government, banks, insurance companies, world environment
etc. helps to make operational decisions.
� makes available update information of the different industries, success stories
of the business enterprises, labour laws, etc.
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� helps the manager to make the right type of decision at the right time by making
available information regarding the availability of factors of production, and their
prices, demand for and prices of the etc.
� helps the manager of MNCs to make prompt decision.
2. Communication and Consumption: Communication encourages the
consumption of the people in the following ways.
� the consumers are informed about the new products through advertisements.
� the Consumers are provided with goods and services at reasonable prices.
� E-Commerce or E-Business promotes buying and selling..
3. Communication and Exchange: The level of output in the economy
exchange of goods communication plays vital role in the promotion of exchange.
� helps to wide the area and exchange of goods and service .
� helps the producers and sellers to carry, surplus goods to scarcity areas.
� Stabilizes prices and brings uniformity of rates in different areas in the country.
4. Communication and Distribution: Communication influences the pattern
and reward of distribution of factors of production. Mode of communication make
available the information regarding the rates of factor rewards in different industries
and regions. As a result of this, labour and capital find wider markets due to
increase in their mobility. The international flow of labour and capital is also due to
this facility. Organisers arrange for various factors of production at cheaper rate.
5. Communication and Division of Labur: Modern modes of
communication promotes the division of labour. The geographical specialisation
implies surplus production of specilaised commodity in a particular area. But there is
a shortage of that commodity in other areas. Communication by making available
information facilities the transport of the specialized commodity to other areas and
goods of self requirement from outside areas to that area.
6. Communication and Agriculture: Inadequate rural infrastructure
adversely affects farm and non-farm activity. In this context, a special mention must
be made of communication. The availability of accurate and timely information
regarding prices of farm and non-farm produce, cropping pattern, husbandry and
livestock, off-farm and non-farm employment, minimum wages, rights of workers is a
must. Modes of mass communication plays a vital role in this context. The
information regarding weather forecasting, the use of HYV seeds, manures and
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fertilizers, pesticides, cropping-pattern etc. is transmitted through radio and
television. Besides, the farmers are provided with the information regarding better
ways of irrigation, soil management, prices of agricultural produce in different
markets etc.
7. Communication and Digital Divide: The digital divide is referred to the
disparities in the availability of telephones, especially between states and indeed
between the rural and urban areas within a state. This result into rural-urban divide,
social as well as economic. For instance, teledensity in India. Teledensity means the
availability of phone - both fixed as well as wireless, per 100 population. Teledensity
in India rose from 26 percent in 2008 to 66 percent in December 2010. However,
there prevailed inequality in access to telephony across the states. Teledensity was
below 10 percent in 2010 for Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. On the other hand, for
states like Delhi and Himachal Pradesh and metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Mumbai
and Chennai, it was over 100 percent in 2010 indicating that individuals have more
than one telephone connection. Similarly, compared to urban area, rural areas, lag
behind in telephone connection. Even though, teledensity in rural areas has been
increasing overtime, the rural –urban gap is widening. Kerala and Himachal Pradesh
had the highest rural-urban gaps due to very high telednsity in Urban areas. Rural
areas in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Assam had a teledensity of less than to 10 percent in
2008. Thus, the telecom revolution has remained largely as an urban phenomenon
in a number of poorer states. The positive relationship between net state domestic
products and the teledensity calls for bridging the digital divide.
8. Communication and Industry: Communication is a Life-line of industry.
Large scale use of information and telecommunications technologies directly
influences productivity, cost effectiveness and competitiveness in industries with
high levels of product differentiation and low levels of unit prices. In these industries,
prompt availability of information about demand trends or price movements can
boost competitive advantages. For example, advanced telecommunications services
in Taiwan and the Phillppines have made their textile, garment, toy and consumer
electronics industries internationally competitive by allowing tight links between
commercial distribution in America and European markets and local production.
Similarly, the extraordinary efficiency of financial markets of Hong kong and
Singapore is based on the extensive use of such advanced telecommunications
services.
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9. Communication and Employment: Communication has opened a large
number of employment opportunities. In a developing country like India, the service
sector is gaining in it’s importance. Communication creates job opportunities directly
and indirectly. Post, telegraph, telephone, television etc. are providing job
opportunities directly and indirectly. Post, telegraph, telephone, television etc. are
providing job opportunities to the people directly. Today, India has found its niche in
the IT world and regarded as the premier destination for the global sourcing of IT
and IT- Enabled Services (ITES). The It enabled services like Medical
Transcriptions, call centers, Data processing, Back-Office Operations, GIS,
Revenue Accounting etc. are providing jobs to millions and millions.
10. Communication and Export Trade: India’s success in the export of IT
Software and Related services over the past decade remains unparalleled. Total
export revenues earned by this sector rose from US $ 7.7 billion in 2001.02 to US $
31.3 billion in 2006-07. This sector is expected to achieve its target of US $ 86.6
billion in export report revenues by FY 2011-12.
11. Communication and Service Sector: An advanced telecommunication
system is very important for service industries like banking, trading, retailing,
transportation, maintenance and Insurance. It is because information and real-time
communication are vital to the production process in these industries. A reduction in
the cost of these services indirectly enhances international competitiveness within
the entire economic system. For instance, the extraordinary efficiency of financial
markets of Hongkong and Sinapore is attributed to the extensive use of advanced
telecommunications services.
12. Communication and Economic Planning: Communication tools advice
people about new ideas and methods. People are acquainted with new knowledge
and skills. It is the people’s participation that makes economic planning, successful.
Developmental programmes realise full potential only when the knowledge and
technology are shared effectively by the people. Communication helps the planners
in identifying and formulating development programmes.
Political Significance:
Communication support the democratic development and stimulates economic
growth in the following ways:
� Stimulates people’s awareness.
� helps the administration in arriving quick decision and implementation.
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
13
� helps the government to maintain internal law and order.
� strengthens national defence.
� helps in good governance and governance reforms.
� gives voice to the poor and marginalised groups
� facilitates inclusive political system.
� promotes the national integrity
� helps to develop international political economic and social relations.
Social and Cultural Significance:
Communication plays a significance role in social and cultural life of the people
in the following ways.
� transforms the traditional societies into modern western societies through the
transmission of attitudes, practices and technology.
� creates social capital resulting from social networking, which strengthness
economic opportunities.
� empowers the community towards collective decision making and action
through enhanced knowledge and skills to identify, priorities and resolve
problems and needs.
� entertains the people and thereby relieves them from stress.
� helps the people to improve their standard of living.
� makes available the gains of development to the rural masses.
1.2.2 Classification of Transport and communication:
Classification of Transport:
Transport can be classified on the basis of surface or track used, vehicles or
motive power used. Taking into consideration the basis of surface, transport can be
classified as (1) Land Transport, (2) Water Transport, (3) Air Transport.
14
Chart 1.1.
Chart 1.1. shows the classification of transport.
Classification of Transport
1. Land Transport 2. Water Transport 3. Air Transport
1.1.1
Means :
Man
Animal
Animal Crafts
Motor Cars
Buses
Trucks
Scooters
Rickshaws
1.1.2
Ways:
Pathways
Unsurface roads
Surface Roads
1.1.3
Motive Power
Man
Animal
Steam
Petrol
Diesel
1.2.1
Means
Railway Trains
(Passenger Goods)
1.2.2
Ways:Steel Line
1.2.3
Motive Power:
Steam, Diesel
Electricity
1.1 Road
Transport
1.2 Rail
Transport
2.1.1
Means: Canoes
: Boats
Steamers
2.1.2
Ways: River
Canals
Lakes
2.1.3
Motive Power:
Orars
Steam
Diesel
Petrol
2.2.1
Means:
Boats
steamers
ships
2.2.2
Ways:
Ocean Bay
2.2.3
Motive: Steam Power
Petrol
Diesel
3.1
Means:
Aeroplanes
3.2
Ways:
Sky
3.3
Motive Power:
Petrol
2.1 Inland water Transport
2.2 Ocean Water Transport
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1. Land Transport:
Land transport is divided into road transport and rail transport.
1.1. Road Transport:
The road transport is the most primitive mode of transport. It existed in the past
when man used to carry goods on his own head back or arms in the absence of any
alternative means of transport. At present, road is the principal means of transport in
the backward regions as well as in the highly advanced regions. Road is described
as a fundamental institutions of mankind. The progress in science and technology
has immensely contributed towards the improvement in the system of roads and
road vehicles. Roads occupy a pivotal place in the overall development of a nation.
They are in real sense, the veins and arteries of a nation.
There are three elements of road transport viz.,(1) Ways of Roads: (2) Means
or Vehicles. And (3) Motive Power
Roads:
There are different types of roads. They are classified on the following bases:
1. Suitability to the Weather:
� Fair Weather Roads: Fair weather roads are serviceable during good weather.
They are unserviceable during rainy or winter season’s account of heavy rain or
snowfall.
� All Weather Roads: All weather roads are serviceable throughout the year.
They are not affected by the weather conditions.
2. Method of Construction:
� Metalled Roads: Metalled roads are generally made of cement, coal-tar,
bitumen or asphalt. They have ragid and strong surface. Their construction cost
is high. However, their maintenance cost is low. Therefore, they are suitable for
heavy vehicular traffic.
� Non Metalled Roads: Non-mettaled roads are generally made of kankru, broken
stones etc. and covered with earth. Their construction cost is relatively low but the
maintenance cost is higher.
� Earthen Roads: Earthen roads are made of earth only. They are unsurfaced or
‘Kutcha’. They are generally narrow in width and exist in the countryside. They are
mostly used by pedestrians, animals and animal carts. They are unfit for heavy
16
vehicular traffic. Their construction cost is very low but their maintenance cost is
high.
3. Suitability to Mechanical Transport:
� Motorable Roads: Motorable roads are mettaled or kankar-bajri roads. They are
suitable for power-driven and heavy vehicular traffic. Their construction cost is
high but maintenance cost is low.
� Non-Motorable Roads: Non-motorable roads made of earth. They are not fit for
motor-driven vehicles.
4. Regions:
On the basis of region, the roads are classified as rural roads and urban roads.
Roads can be divided on the basis of region e.g. Nagpur plan in India. As per the
Nagpur Plan, 1943 Indian roads are classified as national highways, state highways,
district roads and village roads.
� National Highways: National highways connect ports, foreign highways, capitals
of large states, large towns and industrial areas.
� State Highways: State highways connect the important centres of trade,
Industry and commerce within a state. They are also connected with the
national highways.
� District Roads: The major district roads connect the areas of production and
markets with one another or with the highways or the railway stations. The
minor district roads connect the towns and places of production and markets
within the district.
� Village Roads: Village roads connect villages and groups of villages with the
district roads.
5. Competition:
� Parallel Roads: Parallel roads run parallel to the railway line and compete with
the railways.
� Feeder Roads: Feeder roads are supplementary or complementary to the
railways.
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1.1.1 Means Or Vehicles of Road Transport
Following are the means, which are used in road transport
1. Human Porters: Human porter is the most ancient means of transport.
Man himself was the only means of transport in the olden days. However, the use of
human portage is declining with the development of various means of road
transport.
2. Animal and Animal Driven Vehicles: Animal like dogs, horses, oxen,
camels, yaks, elephant, donkeys, and reindeers are used for road transport. Their
importance has been declined in the modern mechanized age. However, at present,
they are of almost importance at hills, in deserts, forests, in rural areas and
countryside.
Animal driven include wheeled chariots, buggies, ekka and tanga, camel carts
and the bullock carts.
Flexibility, economy, handy and convenient are the advantages of the animal
transport. However the animal transport suffers from such disadvantages as slow
speed, incapable of long journey, long weight carrying capacity, susceptibility to
disease, high maintenance cost and sanitational problems.
3. Cycle Vehicles: Cycle vehicles include bicycles and cycle rickshaws.
These vehicles use pneumatic tyres and are moved by human energy.
Bicycle: The first bicycle in the world was introduced in 1867. Since then, its use
has increased significantly in almost all the countries and more particularly in
underdeveloped countries. India is no exceptions to this. Bicycle is the most popular
means of individual transport on account of its low capital cost and nominal
maintenance cost. It does not require any operating expenses. It is convenient and
handy. It can be parked anywhere. It is most suitable for carrying small loads and
for short distances. It is mainly a means for passage transport. However, it has
come to be used by milkmen, hawkers etc. it suffers from limited carrying capacity
and slow speed.
Cycle Rickshaw: Cycle rikshaw has three wheels and pneumatic tyres. It is used to
carry two passangers for short distances. It is mostly used in cities. It has ousted
tongas and ekkas in cities. It is handy and convenient and used to provide door to
door service. Recently, four wheeled rickshaws are being used. However, it suffers
from, such disadvantages as low speed, low carrying capacity and heavy strain to
rickshaw pullers.
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4. Motor Driven Vehicles: The development in science and technology,
more particularly after the Industrial Revolution, contributed to the manufacturing of
modern mechnised vehicles. Motor driven vehicles include motor cars, buses,
tracks, auto-rickshaws, scooters etc. These vehicles are fitted with a motor. These
are moved by such motive power as petrol or diesel. These vehicles have the
advantage of being, fast, convenient, and rider coverage of distance
1.1.2 Motive Power
Following are the motive power that are the used in the field of road transport.
� Human Power
� Animal Power
� Stearn Power
� Petrol Power
� Diesel Power
� Electricity Power
1.2. Rail Transport:
Rail Transport is considered as the life line of a nation. It occupies the most
premier place among all the means of transport. It started in Europe after the
Industrial Revolution. It, nowadays, constitutes the most important system of
transport in almost all the countries of the world. It is most suited to carry bulky and
heavy goods like raw material, food grains, minerals etc. High speed and huge
carrying capacity are the advantages of rail transport
Rail Transport is capable to meet the requirements of the countries like India,
China, U.S.S.R Canada and U.S.A having extensive plains and long distance, large
population and bulky traffic to carry. It requires huge initial investment. However, the
cost of service per unit of traffic declines with every increase in the volume of traffic.
The Law of increasing returns becomes operative with every increase in the volume
of rail traffic. The electrification and dieselisation of rail transport has made it more
speedy, comfortable, convenient, economical and hence attractive. Rail transport is
either nationliased or regulated by the government.
Rail Transport is classified as Narrow Guage Railway, Meter Guage Railways
and Broad Guage Railway. As compared to the narrow guage railway and meter
guage railway, the broad guage railways requires huge investment. However, it has
19
the advantage of high speed. It is worth to note that rail transport is not fit for rural
areas and for providing door to door service.
2. Water Transport:
Water Transport is the Primitive mode of transport. Water ways have been used
for navigation since the dawn of civilisation. All the ancient civilization were
developed alongside the waterways. The river and lakes were used for inland water
transport. The sea was used for coastal and overseas transport. Waterways
contributed to a great extent to the development of world trade and industry.
The early civilization developed alongside the waterways such as rivers, lakes
and sea. In the course of time, man discovered that he can float over the water and
it would prove cheap and convenient for carrying goods and persons. In the initial
stages, small rafts and canoes were floated. Over the years, there took place the
development in water vehicle engineering. Now a days, we see giant ships and
steamers floating over the sea and going to every nook and corner of the world.
Besides the natural ways, some artificial ways like canalo were also constructed for
inland and overseas navigation. Suez, Panama and Stalin Canals connect two seas
and thereby enable big ships and steamers to pass through them.
It is worth to note that the considerable improvements have taken place in
construction, design, motive, power, speed, safety etc. of the water vehicles. The
natural watersways have been considerably improved through human efforts. For
example, rivers have been deepened, grass, stones etc. are cleared for making
them better serviceable . Seaways have been maped, routs have been fixed and
harbors properly developed and equipped. However, the significance of inland water
transport has considerably deteriorated with the development of railways and motor
transport.
Water transport has many advantage as compared to other means of transport.
Cheaper means, huge carrying capacity, only means of transport at places like hilly
slopes, forests and snow covered areas, national defense, discoveries of new
islands, development of foreign trade and home trade and development of
international relations are the prominent advantages of water transport. However,
water transport has its own limitations. Among them, mention must be made of lilted
area of operation, Zig-Zag and circuitous routs, slow speed, blockade, storms and
hurricanes, seasonal character and international rules.
On the basis of routes, water transport can be divided into inland water
transport and ocean transport.
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2.1 Inland Water Transport:
Ocean Inland water transport includes river, canal and lake transport. The rivers
and lakes are gift of nature. However, canals are man made. Hence, they involve
high cost of construction and maintenance. The primitive societies used rafts,
canoes and boats for inland water transport. But now big boats and steamers float in
the inland water ways. Inland water transport is used for carrying goods and persons
within the national boundaries.
2.2 Ocean Transport:
Ocean transport is divided into coastal and overseas transport. In both the
cases, the way for transport is ocean. In coastal ocean transport, goods and
passengers are carried from one port to another part of the same country. In the
overseas transport, goods and passengers are moved from one country to another
country. Big steamers and ships are used in ocean transport. Ocean is a gift of
nature. Hence, there is no need to incur expenses on construction and maintenance
of the ocean routes. About 75 percent of world trade takes place through shipping.
Nowadays, shipping is a powerful means of combat and defense of the country.
3. Air Transport
Air transport is the modern means of transport. It is also the fastest means of
transport. In 1763, the Montgolfier brothers in France commenced their experiments
attracted world wide attention and encouraged others for the same. Fears of
experiments with scale models, glider, helicopters, proceed the first flight of an aero
plane in 1903 by the Wright brothers - Orville and Wilbur. World War I and World
war II contributed greatly to the development of air-crafts. In the beginning, the
aircrafts were developed to caller the military requirements. Afterwards aircrafts
suited to inter-continental and commercial flights were developed. Nowadays,
different types of air crafts are available for military, scientific, sports, commercial
and industrial services. The air transport has made a rapid progress due to
advanced science and technology and has made its own place in the system of
transport.
Air transport occupies an important place in the system of transport today. It is
main attributed to its high speed, accessibility and unbroken journey. It has united
the world by overcoming all obstacles of Nature. It’s commercial, political and social
significance can hardly be over-emphasised. However, It, being very costly, can not
become a popular means of transport for the masses.
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Elements of Air Transport:
Following are the elements of air transport -
The Airway:
The sky is used as the way for flying aircrafts. It is a permanent Way. It requires
no expenditure either on construction or maintenance. Air routes connect air traffic
centres or airports well equipped with immediate landing fields at suitable intervals
and communication facilities etc. Aircrafts depend on the earth for landing, taking off
of guidance, safety etc.
Airport: An airport is the Locality, either of water or land, which is adopted for
landing and taking off of aircraft. It also provides facilities for shelter, supply and
repair of aircrafts.
Classification of Airports:
The airports can be classified as terminal airports, and intermediate landing
ports.
Terminal Airport:
The terminal airports consists of the terminal facilities and filling station for
aircrafts. The terminal airports may be sub-divided on the basis of ownership and
administration as :
(a) Commercial and Private Airports: These includes the airports owned and
operated as business or private ventures by individuals, companies, clubs or
associations.
(b) Municipal Corporation: These airports include those which are built and
operated by cities or town governmental units.
(c) State Ports: State Ports include the airports that are built and administered by
the government
Intermediate Landing Ports:
These airports are the areas provided for safe landing and take off along the air
routes placed there to promote the safety of air Commerce.
The airport can also be classified as per their size, facilities or nature of flights,
In U.S.A the airports have been classified according to size and facilities as class I
and Class VI. In India the airports may be classified as national and international
airports.
22
The essentials of a good airport include a good size, adequate port facilities
and the management. The vehicle used in air transport is known as aircraft or
aeroplane Aircrafts are mainly divided into two types. Lighter than air crafts and
heavier than aircrafts. The aircrafts are driven by motor using highly inflammable
petrol.
Classification of Communication:
Communication is an exchange of information, ideas and emotions with the
help of words, letters, symbol or message that brings about common understanding
and response. Communication is a dynamic process. It is always changing, it grows
and develops. The communicator chooses a sutitable channel or medium by which
to send the message. The choice of the channel or medium also influences the
shape of the message. There are different methods and types of communication.
Table 1.2 shows the classification Communication
Table 1.2 Classification of Communication
Classification of Communication
1. Methods of
Communication:
Verbal
Communication
Non-Verbal
Communication
Oral Communication
Written Communication
2.Types/Channels of
Communication
3. Media and Modes
of Communication
External
Communication
Internal
Communication
Outward Communication
Inward Communication
Formal
Channels
Vertical Communication
Horizontal Communication
Informal Channels
Conventional Modes
Electronic Modes
Media of Mass
Communication
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1. Methods of Communication:
A. Verbal Communication: Communication by the use of words, whether
written or spoken, is called verbal Communication. According to Bartol and Martine,
“Verbal Communication is the written or oral use of words to communicate.” Verbal
Communication includes speaking, writing, listening and reading. The research has
revedled that business people spend 30 percent, 45 percent, 9 percent and 16
percent of the total time of verbal communication on speaking, listing, writing and
reading respectively. Speaking and writing are used to send the message to the
audience.Listening and reading are used to receive the message.
Verbal Communication is divided into Oral Communication and Written
communication.
1. Oral Communication: Oral Communication refers to communication
through speech. The conversations, meeting, conference, interviews, training
sessions, speeches, announcements, radio speeches, telephone talk, public
speaking, are all forms of oral communication. Oral communication can be used
effectively to inform, satisfy, praise, criticise, please, inquire and a variety of other
purposes. Oral communication skill helps us to build and develop human
relationships. It is an integral part of one day to day life
Advantages of oral Communication:
Oral Communication has following advantages.
� saves time and money.
� more effective tool of persuation and control.
� immediate feedback.
� coneveys the message more effectively.
� speaker can modify his message.
� suitable to communicate with groups at meeting, conferences etc.
� helps to promote friendly relations with friends, colleagues, customers,
suppliers etc.
� possible to communicate confidential and secret information.
24
Disadvantages of oral Communication:
Oral Communication has following disadvantages.
� Consumers more time and money, for instance, meeting, arranged at far off
place.
� Inconvenient for Lengthy and complex messages.
� No Legal validity unless they are taped and recorded in proper form.
� Can be misunderstood or misinterpreted
� Not easy to fix responsibility for mistakes
� Can not be referred for future.
� Difficult to retain message for a long time.
� Effectively depends upon the ability of a speaker to communicate.
2. Written Communication: Written Communication is a type verbal
communication. Writing is the expression of human language by means of visible
signs. The transmitter of an idea encodes it in the form of written message and
sends it to the audience through proper channel. Written Communication includes
Letter, circulars, memos, telegrams, reports, fax, books, e-mail etc. Everything that
is transmitted in written form is known as the Written Communication.
Advantages of written Communication:
Written Communication has the following advantages.
� Accurate and precise and hence can’t be misunderstood.
� Creates permanent record and hence useful for future reference.
� Acceptance as Legal evidence.
� Helps to Communicate Large and Scattered audience.
� Promotes the goodwill of the organisation
� Help to assign responsibilities.
� Can be rescrutinised.
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
25
Disadvantages of written Communication:
Written Communication has the following disadvantages.
� Slow and time consuming.
� Formal and tends to be rigid.
� Can reach only the literate.
� No immediate feedback.
� Creates huge paperwork and files.
B. Non- Verbal Communication: Communication without the use of words or
language is called non-verbal communication. In non verbal communication,
symbols other than words such as pictures, sounds, colours, body movements,
facial expressions etc. are used to convey the message to the audience. Bartol and
Martin define non-verbal communication as “communication by means of elements
and behaviours that are not coded into words.” Non-verbal communication is the
most basis form of communication. Anthropologists have revealed that long before
human being used words to talk things over, our ancestors communicated with one
another by using their bodies. Bartol and Martin point out that non-verbal aspects of
communication account for 65 to 93 percent of what is communicated.
The importance of non-verbal Communication is for two reasons. One, non-
verbal cuers are more reliable than the verbal. Second, It is more efficient mode of
transfer of ideas from both the sender and the receivers standpoint.
The important function of non-verbal Communication are as follows.
� To provide information either consciously or unconsciously.
� To regulate the flow of information.
� To express emotions through facial expression.
� To complements contradict or expand the verbal message.
� To influence the other through appearance, gestures etc.
� To facilitate specify take e.g. to coach a person how to play judo or karate.
Kinds of Non-Verbal Communication:
Experts have classified the different forms of non verbal Communication into
the following groups.
26
1. Body Language : Body Language implies the changes that occur in the
body position and movements that show what the person is felling or thinking. The
body sends a continuous flow of hints. All our bodily movements, gestures, postures
etc. are guided by our thought process and emotions, we send out signals that
speak louder than words by nodding our head, blinking our eyes etc. Body
Language makes human communication interesting.
Importance of Body Language
� Body conveys the truth.
� Understanding of body language makes us success full in practical life.
� Oral face to face communication supplemented with appropriate body language
becomes more effective.
Components of Body Language :
� Body shape and appearance: People tend to expect the connection between
physique and behavior. For example, tall persons are likely to be considered
more credible than short persons. Different types of Dress e.g. The police
dress, the military dress, khadidress etc. convey message to the people.
Besides, the hair style, jewellery, cosmetics etc. that we use convey signals to
others.
Nonverbal Communication
Body Language Para Language Time and Space
Language
Sign Language
Body Shape and
Appearance
Posture
Gesture Touching
Facial Expression
Eye contact
Pitch Variation
Speaking speed
Pause
Volume variation
Colours
Pictures
Graphics
Posters
Signs and Signals
Maps
Voice Proper Word
Stress Visual
Audio or
Sound
Signals
27
���� Posture: Posture is the way we hold our body and head, the way we stand or
sit. For example, holding the head high is sign of self respect, confidence,
integrity etc. A head bent low in certain situation shows modest.
���� Gestures: Gestures are physical move mats of our arms, legs, hands, torsos
and head. Gestures are used to show emoticons. They convey definite
messages or information. For example, foot shaking and finger tapping signify
nervousness.
���� Touching : Touching is a meaningful mode of communication. For example, a
firm handshake indicates decisiveness, a damp handshake indicates and
anxiety.
���� Facial Expression: Facial expressions show emotions. They reflect what is
going on inside us. For example, happiness, surprise, fear, anger etc. usually
require definite facial expressions and eye patterns.
���� Eye Contact :Eyes are considered mirrors of soul. Eye contact takes place
when two people look at each other’s eyes in order to seek feedback. Eyes
provide information about speakers sincerity, goodwill and flexibility.
2. Para Language : Para language literary means ‘like a language’. It is the
communication effect of the speed, pitch, volume, connectivity of spoken words
through voice variations and stress on the different words.
Voice : The kind of voice used in oral Communication conveys the hints about
speakers’ sex, background, education and temperament. The following facets of
voice add more meaning to the oral message.
a) Pitch variation: Pitch is the high or low note of scale. The people in authority
speak in high pitched voice. The too high pitch voice indicates emotional
imbalance.
b) Speaking spead: Easy parts of the message should be presented at brisk
pace. The complex part or the parts we want to emphasize should be presented
at slower speed..
c) Pause: The correct pauses at appropriate place indicate the confidence of the
speaker.
d) Volume: The volume of our voice should be adjusted as per the size of the
audience.
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Word Stress:
The stress on proper word is essential to convey the intended meaning.
Advantages of Para Language:
� It includes speakers’ status.
� It is an integral part of language.
� It gives the clear hints about speakers’ educational background.
� It indicates national and regional background.
� It indicates speakers’ mental state.
3. Space Language: Space language is a form of nonverbal communication.
The space around us end its content convey a definite meaning. Space language is
crafted by our culture. Distance between us and the other people with whom we
communicate conveys us some hints about the nature of our relations with them.
Zone Distance
Intimate Physical contact to 18 inches.
Personal Physical contact to 18 inches to 4 feet.
Social Physical contact to 4 feet to 12 feet.
Public Physical contact to 12 onward as far as we can
see and hear.
In each these zones (spaces), our communication behaviours differ and convey
different meanings.
� Intimate Space Language: It is the space for our lovers, parents, and
members of the family. The language used is informal. It is in the form of
whispers and low tone.
���� Personal Space Language: It is the space for our close friends colleagues,
associates and visitors. Communication is personal in nature.
���� Social Space Language: It is the space for our work related interactions. We
do most of our business in the social space.
���� Public Space Language : The communication is formal and mostly oneway
communication. It has no attachment or emotions involved in it.
29
4. Sign Language: The English words ‘Signs’ and ‘Signal’ are both derived
from the Latin word ‘Signum’ which means ‘a mark’. Signs and signals are used in
communication when the communicants do not have a common language. Even
when the communicants a common language, the use of signs and signals is a
speedy way of communicating. The language of sign is of universal nature.
According to D.Joel Whalen, “The most basic element of communication is the sign.
A sign is a symbol. A symbol is something that stands for something else.” In this
sense, language itself is a kind of symbol.
Sign language has two forms. Viz, Visual signs and Audio signals
1. Visual Signs:
� Colours: Colours are silent communicators of different ideals. Traffic signals
regulate the traffic on roads. Colours have psychological effect e.g. fresh and
cooling colours at work place. They also symbolise different moods and feelings
e.g. black stands for sorrow, red for danger etc. Besides, they are used for
identification.
���� Pictures: Pictures is an effective form of nonverbal communication. It is the
most suitable mode of mass communication e.g. paintings and engravings
found on the wall of ancient caves and temples.
���� Graphics: Graphs and charts convey a statistical information.
���� Posters : A poster is a combination of pictures and words. Poster’s help in
public education i.e. aids awareness, family planning.
� Signs and Signals: A signs has a fixed meaning e.g. the danger sign of a skull
and cross bones. A signals is a previously agreed movement which serves to
warn, direct or command
���� Maps: Maps convey space relationships between places. They give
instructions about routes and help to locate places.
2. Audio Sound Singals:
Audio sound signals are the symbols perceived by ears. They have been used
by human beings since the beginning of civilization drum bits were used by ancient
people to convey the messages. Even today, we use different alarm signals such as
fire alarm, casually alarm etc.
2. Types/Channels of Communication: Recent advance in information
technology has resulted into a new pattern of communication networks. Computer
30
mediated communication is replacing many of the traditional forms of internal
communication is many business organizations. This new form of communication is
quick and tends to be informal. An organization has internal and external
communication.
A. External Communication: Communication with those outside the
organization is known as external communication. External communication is the
two types viz, Outward communication and Inward communication.
���� Outward Communication: Message that go out of an organization to
customers, suppliers, banks, insurance companies, and the public are called as
outward communication. They may be in the form of letters, faxes, telephone
calls etc.
���� Inward Communication: Message, that are received from outside i.e., from
customers, suppliers, other organization, government departments and so on,
are termed as inward communication. They may be in the form of letters,
telegrams, fax messages, telex message etc.
B. Internal Communication: Communication within the organization among
its member, is called as internal communication internal Communication has two
channels i.e. Formal and informal channels.
���� Formal Channels: Formal channels are those which carry the official
messages in the organization. They are of two types viz, vertical
communication and horizontal communication.
���� Vertical Communication: Vertical communication includes all the message
that more between subordinates and their superiors. It is also known as Two-
way communication i.e., Downloads Communication and Upward
Communication.
���� Downloads Communication: When order, directions, instructions and
information flow downward from superiors to subordinates it is called Downward
communication.
���� Upward Communication: When, within an organization, information is given
to superiors by their subordinates, it is known as Upward communication.
���� Horizontal communication: Communication between persons of equator
comparable status is known as Horizontal communication, viz, clerk, manger to
manager etc.
31
Informal Channels:
In addition to the formal channels of communication, every institution has
informal communication network that supplements official channels. Informal
channel of communication is one by which news and information are quickly
transmitted among persons who work together in a group. It is called grapevine as it
spreads in any direction and anywhere. Informal channels link persons with similar
interests and experiences.
3. Media and Modes of Communication: A medium is the means of
conveying a message. Some media carry written words and/ or pictures/graphics
and other media carry the voice. There are many media of communication. One can
transmit a message by any suitable medium. Written messages are transmitted by
the mail, courier, telegraph, telex, fax, E-mail etc. Oral messages are transmitted by
the microphone/Land speaker, the telephone cellular phone, voice mail and the
radio. The cinema and the TV can transmit all types of messages, written, oral,
visual and auditory
Conventional Modes: Conventional modes include mail, telex, and telegraph.
Electronic Modes: Electronic modes comprise of telephone, cellular or mobile
phone, fax, E-mail, teleconferencing, Internet and E-commerce.
Media of Mass Communication:
Mass Communication is communication from many to many. The messages are
prepared by teams and reach a large number of people. The conventional modes of
mass communication include dance, drama etc. Radio, TV, films, newspapers and
periodicals are the modern modes of mass communication. The wart modern media
of mass communication include satellite, lugging and Internet.
1.2.3 Integration of Transport and Communication means:
Infrastructure is a source of positive externalities in the development process. In
fact, there is a positive relationship between the level of economic development and
the availability of infrastructure including transport and communication. Transport
means to carry goods and services from one place to another. Communication
implies an exchange of information, ideas and emotions with the help of words,
letters, symbols or messages which brings about common understanding and
response. Means of transport include road transport (animals, animal carts, motor
cars, buses, trucks, scooters etc.) rail transport, water transport (canoes, boats,
steamers and ships) and the air transport (Aero planes, helicopters etc.) Modes of
32
communication comprise of mail, telex, telegraph, telephone cellular or mobile
phone fax, E-mail teleconferencing, internet and E-commerce. Radio, television,
films, newspapers and periodicals are the modern modes of mass communication.
The ultra modern modes of mass communication include satellite, blogging and
internet. There is a close interlink between communications and transport. They are
complementary to one another. Improvements in communication help to speed up
transport while improvements in transport help to speed up communications. The
competitiveness of national economy, by and large, depends upon the efficiency of
its transport and communication. Hence, transport and communication are
described as the lifelines of nation.
An efficient transport system is necessary both for national integration as well
as for socio-economic development. Transport can be classified as land, water and
air transport. In ancient times, animals and human porters were used as means of
transport. They were also used to convey message from one place to another.
However, with every advance in transportation, the postal system has become more
efficient. For instant, sea mail requires two months for a letter to reach from India to
the U.S.A., but air mail can do this task in just twelve days. Telecommunication
networks have resulted in still faster and more efficient mail services. Road, rail
water and air transports are complementary to each other. Therefore, they need to
be integrated properly. For many Indian Villages, it is the lack of transport
connectivity and communication that cripples their development.
The development of radio, telephone, television, mobile telephone networks
requires the efficient transport system. The material and equipments necessary to
TV, radio, telephone centres need to be transported from one place to another. This
requires well developed network of roads, railways, airports etc.
The mobility of factors of production like labour, capital etc. promotes economic
growth. These factors of production needs to be moved from the surplus areas is the
deficient area’s which requires both well developed transport as well as
communication. The most striking feature of industrial Revolution was the movement
of factors of production- the tremendous speed with which goods and persons could
be carried to far off places.
Business firms produce different goods. They need to collect information
regarding the demand for their products from different places. This calls for the
efficient communication system. Besides, there is a need for a well developed
transport system to distribute the finished goods over wider national and
international markets.
33
Mail, telegraph, telephone, telex, fax etc. are the media and modes of
communication. The people communicate to each other through these modes and
media. The communication system is changing very fast. Telegraphs are being
replaced by the teleprinters. Satellites are used for the communication
Teleconferencing and video-conferencing are used for face-to-face interaction
without having to travel long distances to meet persons. Nowadays, mobile
telephone is a popular mode of communication. It is capable to reduce the rural-
urban disparities. The efficient communication as well as transport are essential to
maintain internal law and order and national security. Rail transport, air transport
etc.depend by and large on the communication system for their functioning. In short,
transport and communication are complementary to one another. Therefore, they
should be developed in an integrated manner.
1.2.4 Government Policy Since 1991:
The sustainable and inclusive economic growth required extensive and efficient
infrastructure network. It is critical for the effective functioning of the economy and
industry. The key to global competitiveness of the Indian economy lies in building a
high class infrastructure. In order to accelerate the pace of infrastructure
development and reduce the infrastructure deficit, the Government has initiated a
number of projects and schemes to upgrade physical infrastructure. It is, therefore,
in this context necessary to study the policy of the Government towards the
development of transport and communication since, 1991.
Transport:
Road Transport:
An efficient road network is essential both for national integration as well as for
socio-economic development. India has 3.3. million kilometers of road network. It is
the second largest road network in the world. It carries 65 percent of freight and 80
percent of passanger traffic. India’s road network contists of national highways,
State Highways, Major/District roads and villages/rural roads. National highways
constitute only about 2 percent of the Indian’s road network. But they carry about 40
percent of the total road traffic in India. The National Highways Development project
(NHDP) is managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Ministry
of Road Transport and Highways. It aims to upgrade, rehabilitate and widen major
highways in India. The Government has approved various Public Private Partnership
(PPP) projects on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis to upgrade the
34
national highways and to convert single lane highways into two lanes with paved
shoulders.
The roads length per 100 square kilometres as the national level rose from 45.1
kilometres to 81.2 kilometres during the period from 1981 to 2004. The coverage of
road to per million population increased from 21.7 kilometers in 1981 to 23.9
kilometers in 1991 and from 23.9 kilometers in 1991 to 26.0 kilometers in 2004
under the constitution, responsibility for the development and main maintenance of
national highways rests with the Central Government. The responsibility for the
development of other roads rests with the State Government concerned. The
Pradhan Mantri Bharat Jodo Pariyojana (PMBJP) deals with linking up major cities
to the NHDP highways. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
addresses rural roads. Rural roads has been identified as one of the six components
of Bharat Nirman and has the goal to provide all weather road connectivity to all
village with a population of 1000 (500 in the case of hilly or tribal areas). The
Government of India is taking initiatives with the help of Asian Development Bank
(ADB) and the World Bank. Due consideration is also being given to roads in urban
areas for which National Urban Transport Policy was adopted in 2006.
Rail Transport:
The Indian railway system is presently the largest in Asia and second largest in
the world. It is owned and managed by the Ministry of Railway and the Railway
Board. The total route length of railways at the end of March 2007 was 63,465 km.
route was electrified. During 2006-07, the Indian railways carried 6,219 million
passanger and 727.75 million touness of revenue earning freight traffic.
The Indian railways operate services on three gauges . the broad guage, the
metre guage and the narrow guage. The broad guage network is the largest
operating network (49,820 km) in India and accounts for the bulk of traffic.
On August 15, 2002 the Prime Minister approved the Nation Railways Vikas
Yojana. Salient features of this scheme are the following.
���� Removal of capacity bottleneck in the critical sections of the railway network
���� Strengthening of the Golden Quadrilateral and its Diagonals.
���� Strengthening of rail connectivity to ports
���� Construction of four mega brides.
���� Operation Cleanliness.
35
Indian railways needs to be more user-friendly and market-savvy organization. It is
supporting from the loss of freight market share. Therefore, it has to improve the
quality of its services. The Eleventh plan laid emphasis on the capacity
enhancement, technology up gradation, higher maintenance standards and safely
and passenger amenities. It is the fact that transportation by rail has the highest
energy efficiency as compared with other options. However, this requires substantial
reforms in the functioning of railways. The Metro Railways Amendment Act, 2009 is
being implemented to develop metro railways in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and
Mumbai. In order to attract private capital for accelerated construction of fixed rail
infrastructure, the Ministry of Railways has for mutated ppp investment models for
its existing shelf of projects and new projects.
Water Transport:
Water Transport can be divided into inland water transport and shipping. India
has got about 14,500 km of navigable inland waterways on the areas of the states
like Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. Inland
water transport was given priority in the sixth and seventh plans. The Inland water
Transport policy, 2001 aims of giving a boost to the development of this mode of
transport. The Eleventh plan emphasized the development of infrastructure for the
existing waterways.
Shipping is divided into coastal shipping and overseas shipping. India has a
long coastline of 7517 kms. There are 12 major and 200 non-major parts which
serve the Indian coastline. Major Ports handle about 75 percent of port traffic.
Overseas shipping occupies an important place in international trade. Therefore,
considerable attention has been paid to increase the shipping tonnage in the
planning period. The capacity of the Indian ports increased from 20 million tonnes of
cargo handing in 1951 to 519.67 million tones in 2007-08.
The primary responsibility for development and management of major ports
rests with the central Government. These ports are governed by the major port
Trusts Act, 1963. State Governments administer interrelate and the minor ports
under the Indian parts Act, 1908. The other Acts applicable to the port sector are the
Merchant shipping Act, 1958, The Dock workers. (Regulation and Employment) Act,
1948 and Dock workers (Safety Health and wel fore) Act of 1986.
The key problem faced by India ports is low productivity attributed to the factors
like operational constraints, poor inter-departmental communication, inadequate
facilities for berth and channels at certain ports. Etc. Recently, same areas of Indian
36
part facilities have been opened up to the private sector on a BOT basis. They
include construction of cargo handling berths and dry-docks, container terminals and
warehousing facilities and ship repair facilities. This is expected to bring about an
improvement in efficiency, productivity, quality of service as well as to usher
competitiveness in the provision of part services.
Air Transport:
In India, a beginning in air transport was made in 1920. The civil aviation works
actually started in 1924-25. It was managed by the private companies. In First plan,
the government decided to nationalize air transport. Accordingly, the Air Corporation
Act was passed in 1953. As per the Act, two state corporations namely, the Air India
International and the Indian Airlines were established. The Air India International
system. The Indian Air lines corporation was to operate the internal scheduled
services and the air services to the neighbouring countries. The regulatory function
are the responsibility of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau
of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Operational functions are performed by Air India
Ltd., Indian Airlines Ltd. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd; together with the other private
sector airline operators. Infrastructure facilities are provided by the Airports Authority
of India.(AAI)
The monopoly of public sector air carriers ended with the amendment of Air
transport Act, 1953 in March, 1994. Automatic approval Act. 1953 in March, 1994.
Automatic approval for foreign equity participation in airport infrastructure up to 100
has been allowed. Foreign investors are allowed to have representation on Board of
Directors of the domestic airline company. The Airport Infrastructure policy 1997,
permits private equity participation in development of airport infrastructure. The
international airport in Delhi and Mumbai are being modernised and upgraded
through private sector participation. AA1 is also considering development of non-
metro airports. Domestic passaenger traffic and cargo handling reached 108.1.
Million and 0.75 MMT respectively during January-November 2011. International
passanger traffic and cargo handling reached 33.6 million passangers and 1.4 MMT
respectively during the same period.
Communication:
Post:
India Post is the largest postal network in the world. It has 1,54,979 post offices
across the country. As on 31 march 2010, out of this total, 1,39,182 were in rural
areas and 15,797 in Urban areas. On an average, each post office serves 7176
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
37
people and covers an area of approximately 21.21 sq.km. India Post has so far
introduced 1082 franchisee outlets to cater to the demand for postal services.
Except for courier services, postal operations are still a government monopoly.
During the reform period, India Post has taken the following steps:
� Project Arrow - About 1530 post offices have been covered under the 6 ‘Project
Arrow Transforming India Post.’
� Automated Mail Processing Centres (AMPC) are set up in Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
� The India Post aircrafts operates on the Kolkata- Guwahati- Imphal- Agartala-
Kolkata rout on a regular basis.
� Computerisation and networking of post offices
� Financial inclusion
� Disbursement of wages to Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee
Scheme (MGNREGS) beneficiaries.
� The Department of Posts in collaboration with the NABARD provides micro
credit facility to self help groups (SHGs).
� Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance
� Central Assistant Public Information Officer at tehsil level.
� World Net Express in collaboration with Duetsche Post.
Telecommunication:
Indian telecommunication is in operation since 1851. It is among the oldest
such systems in the world. Telephone services were originally operated by private
companies. However, they were taken over by the Government of India in 1943.
Indian telecommunication is considered to be one of the most successful stories of
the Indian liberalisation. In 1991, India had a total stock of just 5 million telephones.
By 2009, this rose to 562 million phones. As a result, the tele-density increased from
less than 1 per 100 in 1991 to about 41 in 2009. The ratio of mobile phones to fixed
phones increased from insignificant amounts to about 14. It is attributed to the
diffusion of Internet in the country. Following steps taken by the Government of India
during the reform period have contributed immensely to the development of
telecommunication in India.
38
� National Telecom Policy of 1994- Telecommunication opened to the private
sector.
� Telecom Regulatory Authority Act of 1997- Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India. (TRAI) was set up on February, 20, 1997.
� New Telecom Policy of 1999.-
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) was setup, the government opened the
National long distance services to private operators.
� Broad Band Policy of 2004 – Encouraged the growth of mobile telephone.
� Third Generation (3G) telecom services.
� Mobile Number Portability.
Following policies/indirectly influenced Indian Telecommunication
� Foreign Direct Investment Policy.
� Electronics Hardware Policy- 2003.
� Semi Conductor Policy of 2007.
1.3 Summary:
Adequate quantity, quality and reliability of infrastructure are essential for rapid
economic growth. Transport and Communication are no exceptions to this.
Transportation means the conveyance of goods and persons from one place to
another. Communication is the process by which information is transmitted between
individuals and or organisations so that an understanding response results.
Transport and communication occupy a pivotal place in different walks of human life
economic, political, Social and Cultural.
Transport can be classified as Land transport, Water transport and air transport.
Communication may be classified as the methods of communication (verbal and
non-verbal communication), channel of communication (External communication
and internal communication), and media and modes of communication.
Infrastructure is a source of positive externalities in the development process.
Transport and Communication are described as the life lines of a nation. They are
complementary to one another. Improvements in communication help to speed up
transport while improvements in transport help to speed up communications.
39
In order to accelerate the pace of infrastructure development and reduce the
infrastructure deficit, the Government has initiated a number of measures since
1991. Privatisation and approval to the foreign investments are the important
measures adopted by the Government. Indian telecommunication is considered to
be one of the most successful stories of the Indian liberalisation.
1.4 Glossary:
� Transport : the conveyance of goods and persons from one place to another.
� Communication : the transmission and interchange with understanding of
ideas, facts and courses of action.
� Communicator: the person who initiates the action of communicating.
� Verbal Communication: Communicating by the use of words, whether written
or spoken.
� Non-Verbal Communication: Communication without the use of words or
language.
1.5: Self – Learning Questions:
A) Choose the correct answers given below and rewrite the statement.
1. The term transport is derived from the Latin word ………………………
a) Transportation b)Transport c)Transformer d) Transportare
2 As per the Nagpur plan- 1943, Indian roads are classified into …………………
categories.
a) Two b) Four c) Three d) Five
3 Indian road network is the ………………………… largest road network.
a) Third b) Fourth c) Second d) Fifth
4. The Prime Minister approved the National Railways Vikas Yojana on …………
a) August 15, 2002 b) August 15, 2004 c) August 15, 2003 d) August 15, 2005
40
5. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was established on ……………………
a) February 20, 1997 b) February 21, 1999 c) February 20, 1998 d) February 21, 2000
B) Answer in One Sentence
1. What is Transport?
2. State the meaning of the term ‘Communication’.
3. What is a ‘message’ ?
4. Define the term ‘Communicator’.
5. State the meaning of the term ‘ Communicatee’
1.6 Answer to the Self Learning Questions:
A) 1) d 2) c 3) b 4) a 5) a
B)
1. The conveyance of goods and persons from one place to another.
2. The process by which information is transmitted between individuals and or
organizations so that an understanding response results
3. It is the information conveyed such as instructions, ideas, orders etc.
4. The persons who initiates the action of communicating.
5. The person for whom the communication is intended.
1.7 Questions For self Study:
A. Essay type questions
1. What is transport? State the significance of ‘transport’
2. What is Communicator ? State the significance of ‘Communication’
3. Explain in brief, the classification of transport
4. Define communication. Explain the methods of communication.
5. Review the Governments transport policy since 1991.
B. Write short notes.
1. Economic significance of transport
41
2. Economic significance of Communication
3. Land Transport
4. Non. Verbal Communication
5. Integration of Transport and communication
1.8 Field Work :
1. Visit the nearby S.T. bus stand depo and collect the information of the arrival
and departure of buses.
2. While communicating your friends or any other persons observe his or her body
movements, facial expressions etc and prepare a note.
3. Prepare the list of programmes transmitted through different channels on the
T.V.Set at your home.
1.9 References:
1. J.K Jain:(1981) Transport Economics, Chaitanya Publishing House Allahabad.
2. M.V. Srinivasa Gowda, Susheela Subrahmanya Ed. (1997) Infrastructure
Development For Economic Growth, Deep & Deep Publications, New Delhi
3. A. Vijaykumar:(2008) Services sector in India, Recent Policy Initiatives, New
Century Publication, New Delhi, India.
4. Aspi Doctor, Rhoda Doctor (2008) Principles and Practice of Business
Communication, Sheth Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai
5. Urmila Rai, S.M.Rai (2008) Business Communication, Himalaya Publishing
House, New Delhi.
6. Dr.P.M.Herekar:(2007) Business Communication, Mehta Publishing House.
7. S.K.Misra & V.K.Pur:(2009) Indian Economy, Himalaya Publishing House,
Mumbai.
8. Government of India:(2011), Economic Survey 2010-11, Oxford, Uni. Press,
New Delhi.
9. D.M.Nachane(Ed):(2011), Indian Development Report 2011, Oxford, Uni.
Press, New Delhi.
10. Institute of Applied Manpower Research, Planning Commission Government of
India : (2011), Indian Human Development Report 2011, Towards Social
Inclusion ,Oxford, Uni. Press, New Delhi.
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42
Unit- 2
Railway Transport
Index:
2.0: Objectives
2.1: Introduction
2.2: Subject Description
2.2.1: Nature, Scope and Importance of Railway Transport
2.2.2: Laws of Returns in Railway Transport
2.2.3: Growth and Problems of Indian Railway during Planning Period
2.2.4: Structure and Theories of Frights and Passenger transport
2.2.5: Regulation, Administration and Control of Railway Transport
2.2.6: Railway Budget- 2012
2.3: Summary
2.4: Self-learning Questions
2.5: Answers of Self-learning Questions
2.6: Key Words
2.7: Questions for Self Study
2.8: Field Work
2.9: References for Further Study
2.0: Objectives:
Following are the main objectives of this unit.
1. To understand the nature, scope and importance of railway transport.
2. To study the theories of returns of railway transport
43
3. To understand the progress and problems of Indian railway during planning
period.
4. To study the structure of freight and passenger transport.
5. To study the Regulation, Administration and Control of Railway Transport
6. To analyze the Railway Budget: 2012-13
2.1: Introduction:
In the unit no 1, we have studied the importance and classification of the
Transport and Communication means. The economic, social and cultural
development of each and every country is depending on the development of
transportation sector. Now a day in the process of industrialization transport system
became a base. International trade is also depending upon the different kinds of
transportation means. The role of transport is very important in the development of
backward regions, to provide required inputs for the agricultural sector and to
transport the products from agriculture to market, to provide assistance to the
society in the natural calamities, to protect the economy, and cultural exchange etc.
The Rail, Road, Water and Air transport is working in the economy as like blood
veins in the human body. In this respect we will try to focus on the rail transport.
2.2: Subject Description:
In the present unit we will try to discuss on the nature,, scope and importance of
railway transport. The progress and problems of Indian rail during the planning
period, the fare rates for the passengers and freight, the regulation, administration
and control on the rail transport. At the last we also try to discuss on the railway
budget 2012-13.
2.2.1: Nature, Scope and Importance of Rail Transport:
In India Railways is the most important form of transport system. Railways are
in existence in India for only about 142 years. The first railway was laid between
Bombay and Thane in 1853. After that, rail services have developed a lot. At the
time of independence, the total route length was 53596 km with 8209 engines,
19536 passenger bogies and 206000 goods wagons. The Britishers had built up an
44
extensive network of railways to exercise and maintain a tight control over the vast
Indian Territory and to open up the country as a source of food and raw materials for
their industries. With the following points we can explain the nature, scope and
importance of railway transport.
1. Speed and safety: Rail transport is the most important means of land
transportation because of its speed and safety. It is a useful mean of transport for
carrying cheap, bulky and heavy articles over long distances.
2. Depend on Climatic Conditions: Rail Transport is depending on the
climatic conditions of a region. The cost of providing railway service in plain region is
less as compared to hilly areas because of the high cost involved in digging tunnels.
The development of railways is also difficult in areas of heavy rainfall and snowfall
throughout the year
3. Industrial Development: Railway assists to accelerate the process of
industrialization in many countries. The stage of economic and industrial
development of a country can be judged from the adequacy of the rail network in it.
The development of Mumbai’s Cotton Industry, Jute industry of Kolkatta and Coal
industry of Zarkahand is and impact of expansion of rail transport. Railway playing a
vital role in providing the raw material to the industries and transport, the finished
goods to the market. The developed countries in the world have reached upto the
developed stage due to development of railway transport. The development of small
scale industry in Japan is totally depending on the rail transport.
4. Capital Base: Heavy capital investment is the one more important feature
of rail transport. The capacity of railways to carry passenger and goods is much
larger than road transport. It can transport full wagonload goods over long distances
at lower cost.
5. Economic Mode of Transportation: Railways transport is an economic
mode for transportation of bulk commodities and passengers. With a high degree of
operating efficiency, the railways are considered as a vehicle of economic growth.
As compared to the road and air transport rail transport is economic mode for long
distance. Railways transport is an important and inexpensive mode for economic
exploration of natural resources in a large country like India.
45
6. Own Separate Track: One more characteristics of railway transport is that,
railways have its own separate track and wagons to carry passengers and goods.
The movement from one track to another or in the reverse direction can only be
made where facilities for switching or crossing loops have been provided. The
movement of goods and passengers in railway transport takes place at fixed points
provided for the purpose, i.e. at terminal stations or in the siding, where they have to
be brought by road or other modes.
7. Door-to-door delivery not possible: Road transport can provide door-to-
door delivery but railway transport has not possible this kind of facility. Railway
transport is required the complementary road transport support. The movement
takes place in train loads resulting in haulage of large quantity of goods at a time,
but this also needs marshalling of wagons enroute for switching individual wagons to
proper destination which results in detention of goods as well as additional cost of
marshalling.
8. Useful in Natural Calamities: Railway transport is very much useful in the
natural calamities. In the situation of flood, earthquake, draught etc. railway
transport can provide the packets of food, medicine, shifting of citizens etc. For the
defense purpose this mode of transport is playing crucial role.
9. Increase in Competitiveness: Railways transport increases the
competitiveness of products in the market by reducing transportation cost. The
industrially developed countries have developed well-planned railway network in
their countries to optimize the utilization of their resources by cutting down the
transportation cost. This mode of transport offers an excellent opportunity to do so.
10. Reduce the distance between urban and rural area: Railway transport is
helpful to reduce the distance between urban and rural area. Due to the rapid
development and increase in the network railway can reach upto the every suburban
area. So the people from suburban and rural area can travel easily from their places
to urban place for different purposes. They can work at urban area and live in the
rural area due to the only availability of rail transport. It is helpful to the society to get
the different types of opportunities from the urban area.
46
11. Cultural Exchange: Railways are travelling from each and every state and
part of the country. The different culture having passengers are travelling from the
same train. Passengers can share their cultural thing and thoughts, which are very
helpful for the national integrity. Passenger from the whole country can travel and
visit to historical, religious, geographical and cultural places. From this travelling it is
possible to conserve the cultural heritage.
12. Employment Generation: Railway transport is one of the largest public
sectors which provide the direct and indirect employment opportunities to the all
sections of the society. Railway provides employment opportunities to youth for
different posts. It is paying to the employees as per the central government rules
and regulations. Railway is also providing the social security to their employees. So
Rail Transport is playing an important role in the employment generation.
2.2.2: Laws of Returns in Railway Transport:
The service of railway transport is one kind of product. So the law of return in
the firm is also applicable to the rail transport. In the railway transport different kinds
of economies are realising. Railway is getting the internal and external economies,
so it is possible to save the capital with the help of labour distribution and
specialization. Railway transport is getting technological, managerial, market, capital
and risk bearing economies. It includes the purchase of land, tracks, signaling
system, construction of railway stations, purchase the rolling stock etc. Single
railway track having the capacity to travel 100 trains per day, but at the initial stage
the number of trains are also less. As per the increase in the demand for
transportation there is increase in the rolling stock also. So, at the initial stage the
cost of transportation is high. With the increase in the demand of transport the fixed
cost is distributed on per unit of transport and per unit cost will decline. From this
stage the increasing returns or decreasing cost stage will start. The rolling stock of
railway transport is utilized at optimum level. Railway transport getting profit on large
scale and this situation remain upto long period, so this stage is called constant
returns.
The increasing cost or the decreasing returns are started from breakeven level
where the maximum capacity has utilized of fixed factors. After reaching the
optimum scale, the firm may try to remain there. Perhaps constant returns may
47
continue over a certain range. Constant returns cannot continue indefinitely. When
all factors are increased in the same proportion, a stage will be reached when there
is no further scope for division of labour. In fact, any further increase in scale will
bring in diseconomies and disadvantages of large-scale production. This is why
returns ultimately start declining. In this stage it is necessary to build the new railway
track. An increase in the demand for transportation and demand forecasting of
transportation should be take into consideration while taking the decision of new
track. If there is delay in building up the new track the pressure of transportation is
increased on the present rolling stock. So the maintenance cost is increasing and
the slope of cost curve would positively slope from left to right. The new railway
track will benefit to decrease in the cost of transportation because the pressure of
goods and passengers on present rolling stock is reducing. This stage is called
increasing returns.
We can explain the law of returns to scale in railway transport with the help of
following diagram.
Diagram No. 1.
Above diagram shows the returns to scale in railway transport. Ox axis shows the
Quantity of transportation service and Oy axis shows the Cost of transport service.
The level of cost is decreasing upto K level. At the K level railway transport can get
the maximum returns, because it is possible to railway to optimum utilization of the
rolling stock. The slope of cost curve from K to K1 shows the increasing cost of
48
The measures for increase in transportation capacity:
1. To increase the number of Long route Trains.
2. To increase the speed of the Trains
3. To improve the capacity of Trains with the using of modern technology
4. Reform in controlling system
5. Rail-road Co-ordination
2.2.3: Growth and Problems of Indian Rail during Plan Period:
The Indian Railway had modest beginnings in 16th April 1853 when first railway
train journeyed a distance of 21 mails (34 K.M.) between Bombay to Thana within
75 minutes. The first rail had 14 wagons and 400 passengers were journeyed. The
Indian railways have been a good integrating force of more than 155 years. The
railway are the most convenient mode of transport for the long distance and are
most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods like iron etc. The railway
development was very rapid and by 1900 there were nearly 25000 miles of railway
line. Railway construction of slackened and in the next 50 years, only 10,000 miles
or railway lines were added making up a total of a little more than 34,000 miles of
railway line in 1950.
Originally, the Railways were operated by private companies owned by
Englishmen. The Government gave certain concessions such as free grant of land,
guarantee of a minimum return on capital etc. In the period of 1954 to 1860 there
were eight private Rail companies has been established.
1. The East Indian Railway
2. The Great Indian Peninsula Railway
3. The Madras Railway
4. The Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway
5. The Sindhia Railway
6. The Western Bengal Railway
7. The South Indian Railway
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
49
8. The Kolkata and South Eastern Railway
Government of India and these eight companies signed an agreement and with
the help of Guarantee system Railway transport has been established. In this
agreement, it was the condition on the Government to pay 4.5% to 5% rate of
interest on the capital invested by the private companies, provide the land on free of
cost for the Railway stations, Buildings and Houses of workers. Companies should
give the 50% share from their profit. With this agreement upto the 1853, there were
240 K.M. railway lines were originated. There were criticisms and complaints against
private ownership and management. The benefits of this agreement got by the
railway companies only. This system was worked upto the 1860. Till this year 4255
k.m. railway lines were completed. Then after, Government has taken the charge of
development of railway and private companies’ agreement has been abolished.
Under these contracts the Railway Companies undertook to construct and
manage specified lines, while the East India Company (later, the Secretary of State
for India) agreed to provide land free of cost, and also guaranteed return of Capital
upto specified rates of interest, the rates fixed being in various cases were 5 per
cent, 4-3/4 per cent and 4-1/2 percent according to the market rates prevailing at
the time of execution of the contracts. The rate of exchange for remittance of
interest charge was also fixed. Half of any surplus profits earned were to be used
towards repaying the Government any sums by which it had been called upon to
supplement the net earnings in any previous period to make good the guaranteed
rate of interest and the remainder was to belong to the shareholders.
The companies were placed by contract under the supervision and control of
the Government regarding standard and details of construction, the rolling stock to
be provided, the number, time and speed of trains, the rates and fares to be
charged, the expenditure to be incurred, the standard of maintenance and, above
all, the form of accounts. The Railways were to be held by the Companies on leases
terminating at the end of 99 years when the fair value of their rolling stock, plant and
machinery was to be paid to them. Provision was also made to enable the
Government to purchase the lines after 25 or 50 years on payment of the
Companies Capital at par.
50
Government started the railway development programme, but it was not
succeeded, because the unfavorable environmental conditions and drought. So
Government used the maximum funds for the removal of drought. It was the
recommendation of railway line development for the removal of draught. But,
government don’t have the sufficient capital so, again after 1880 the new warrantee
system has been started. In the year 1881, Lord Hartington prepared the new rail
development programme. It had some conditions and legislative articles. In this
period 33 small and large size rail companies were started. In the year 1900 there
was 24,752 k.m. railway lines were developed. In year 1925, the Government of
India took over the first railway company. Gradually, the other companies were also
taken over; by 1950, the railways in the former princely States were also taken over
by the Government of India. Indian Railway has been affected by the First World
War, Great Depression and Second World War. Railway faced the large loss due to
above incidences. Government of India has appointed the different committees for
the recommendation for development of Railway Transport. These committees are
as under:
1. Robertson Committee (1901)
2. Mackey Committee (1907)
3. Acworth Committee (1920)
4. Dickenson Committee (1926)
5. Rowan Committee (1926)
6. Pope Committee (1932)
7. Wedgwood Committee (1936)
The Indian Railway has now become a unified State-enterprise. It is the
country’s biggest nationalized enterprise and one of the largest railway system of
the world with a capital base of about Rs. 58000 crore and 63,000 route K.ms. In
terms of route length, the Indian Railway system is fourth largest in the world after
US railroads and Russian and Chinese railways. As regards freight traffic, again it is
fourth but substantially behind these three railway systems.
51
Effect of Partition:
With the attainment of independence and partition of the country on the 15th
August, 1947 two of the existing Railway systems {viz. North Western Railway in the
west and the Bengal Assam Railway in the east), which fell into both the territories,
had to be divided. The portions of these -systems falling in India were either partly
added to the other existing lines or partly formed into separate units thus the
Eastern Punjab Railway and the Assam Railway Administrations came into being as
separate units although they were not considered economical, efficient and self-
sufficient systems. An administrative re-organisation with a view to securing both,
efficiency in operation end economy in management, therefore, became a
compelling necessity.
Taking over of the ex-States Railways: As a result of integration of the Indian
States into a small number of sizeable units their incorporation in the Union, and the
further integration with the Union of their federal functions, the following railways
which were owned and managed by those States came under the control of the
Central Government in addition to these which already being worked by the Indian
Railways and were later merged into the contiguous Indian Railway System
Name of Railway Mileage Date from which taken over by
Centre
(i) Gaekwar's Baroda State Railway* 736 1st August, 1949
(ii) Bikaner State Railway 883 1st August, 1950
(iii) Cutch State Railway 72 1st August, 1950
(iv) Dholpur State Railway 56 1st August, 1950
(v) Jaipur State Railway 253 1st August, 1950
(vi) Jodhpur Railway 807 1st August, 1950
(vii) Mysore State Railway 712 1st August, 1950
(viii) Nizam's State Railway 1396 1st August, 1950
(ix) Rajasthan Railway 179 1st August, 1950
52
Name of Railway Mileage Date from which taken over by
Centre
(x) Saurashtra Railway 1274 1st August, 1950
(w) Scindia State Railway 294 1st August, 1950
Growth of Railway since Planning Period:
Plans for rehabilitating the railways system started after the partition of the
country in the year 1947. Indian railway had to surrender 11,166 k.ms of railway line
alongwith a considerable portion of locomotives, coaching vehicles and wagons to
Pakistan. The existing tracks without adequate maintenance were not of high order.
All these factors had their impact on movement of trains, frequency of engine failure,
and decline in the efficiency of rail operation. So, large orders were placed with early
delivery dates for locomotives. Efforts were made to set up a modern locomotive
manufacturing industry with a capacity to produce 120 locomotives annually, and
other spare components. A committee was set up to undertake a detailed
examination of rates and recommend the changes to be introduced. According to
the recommendations to revised rates were incorporated and effected from 1948.
The re-organization of the railways was a necessity because of partition and
integration of several princely states with the Union of India. The re-organization of
all these lines to form a smaller number of efficient units was thus imperative to
bring order in the railway system in the country. The first re-grouped railway to be
formed was the Southern Railway on April 14, 1951, comprising the Madras and
Southern Marahatta Railway, the South Indian Railway and the Mysore Railway with
headquarter at Madras. The Central Railway and Western Railway were formed on
November 6, 1951 with the headquarters at Bombay.
1. First Five year Plan and Indian Rail: The time of Independence the
railways were under severe pressure and, therefore the First Plan was devoted
mainly to the rehabilitation and modernization of rolling stock and of fixed assets.
Generally 1640 Locomotives, 5120 passenger bogies and 25000 wagons were in
condition to replace. So, railway had spent Rs. 424 crore on railway development. In
53
the period of first five year plan 1304 k.m. new railway lines were constructed and
370 k.m. existed railway lines were transferred to double lines. With this 370 k.m.
railway lines were electrified in this plan. First five year plan period registered the
production of 4758 passenger bogies, 61251 wagons and 1566 locomotives. On
account of the heavy replacement demands, the need for expansion could not be
fully met in the First Plan.
2. Second Five year plan: The second plan also had to make a substantial
provision for the rehabilitation of aged assets. The Rs. 1043.69 crore has spent on
various programmes of railway development. In this investment railway has invested
Rs. 465 crore as own capital. The emphasis in this plan, however, shifted to the
programmes required to augment line capacity on different sections of the railway
and to the procurement of additional rolling stock to the growing demand for railway
transport arising from the increased production in the agricultural and industrial
sectors of the economy. In second plan period 11311 k.m new railway lines were
constructed, 512 k.m. old single railway lines are transferred in the double lines.
Apart from that, 361.5 k.m. railway lines were electrified, 7728 passenger bogies,
97956 wagons and 2216 locomotives were produced within the plan period.
3. Third five year plan: Third plan was formed for the objective of fulfill the
need of 245 million tonnes goods transport and 15% increased passenger transport
in the second five year plan. It was also recognized that in view of the difficulties of
coping with anticipated increase in traffic with steam traction in the regions where
the coal-fields and the new steel plants are situated, electrification and dieselization
had become an operational necessity. So, in this plan period Rs. 1685.8 crore had
spent. In this investment railways own capital was Rs. 541 crore. The new 1801 k.m.
railway lines were constructed, 3228 k.m. railway lines were converted into the
double lines, 1746 k.m. railway lines get electrification, 8089 passenger bogies and
1864 locomotives were originated in this plan period. Apart from this, the expansion
of yard, modernization of signaling system took place. Railway got the Rs. 733.6
crore incomes at the end of third plan.
4. Three annual plan periods: Fourth five year plan was not started due to
various economic and political reasons. So in the place of five year plan in the year
1966 to 1969 three annual plans has been implemented. In the first year of this plan
54
52 k.m. new railway lines has been constructed and 776 k.m. old single lines were
converted into the double line. In these three year 404 k.m. railway lines were
converted into the electrification, 1269 passenger bogies, 21207 wagons and 1294
locomotives were manufactured. In the year 1967-68 and 1968-69 Rs. 182.25 crore
and Rs. 172 crore has been spent respectively for rail development.
5. Fourth five year plan: Railway development plans were very helpful for
the increase in the railway transport in the fourth plan. In this plan the focus has
been given on the increase in the efficiency of the means and system of railway
transport and reduces the transportation cost. To modernize the railway equipment
and practices within the limits of the funds available and to convert 1676 km. of
meter gauge to broad gauge in areas of rapid economic development and high
traffic potential. The total expenditure on railway development was Rs. 1000 crore
and in this expenditure Rs. 525 crore was the railway depreciation fund, but total
expenditure made Rs. 1410 crore. The expenditure on rolling stock, track renewals
and line capacity works constituted about 70% of the expenditure on railway
development.
6. Fifth Five year plan: Fifth plan was targeted to spend Rs. 2202 crore on
the railway development. Out of this two third portion spent on the rolling stock,
renovation of railways and increase in the efficiency of line capacity works. The fifth
plan recognized the important role that railways had to perform in developing the
transportation systems in the economy. An objective of fifth plan was to electrify the
1800 k.m. of rail tracks, to manufacture the 1300 Engines, 6500 passenger bogies
and 100000 wagons. The total transport turnover expected to 260 million tonnes
upto the 1978-79, but it is reached upto 240 million tonnes.
7. Sixth Five year plan: The sixth plan kept an outlay of Rs. 5100 crore for
railways of which Rs. 2100 crore was to be for rolling stock and Rs. 500 crore for
track renewals. The actual expenditure in the Sixth plan was around Rs. 6573 crore.
The objectives of the Sixth plan were to develop 70 km new railway lines, renewals
of 9600 km railway lines, double lines of 600 km etc. In the year 1984-85, increase
in the passenger and goods transport was 11% and 17% respectively.
8. Seventh Five year plan: The plans and programmes of the seventh five
year plan were decided in respect of to face the challenges of the 21st century. The
55
basic objective of this plan was to increase the 8 % growth rate of transport sector.
So, 12.8% outlay was constituted for the transportation sector. The railways
recorded an excellent performance during the Seventh plan in terms of additional
transport effort, rehabilitation of the system, financial performance, better
productivity, technological upgradation, modernization and industrial relations. The
provision of budget of Rs. 12334.30 crore was made for to fulfill all these objectives.
9. Eighth Five year plan: The main objectives of this plan were, to increase
the passenger transport by 5% and to increase in the goods transport upto 4432
million tonnes. The main thrusts are in this plan was, rehabilitation, modernization,
energy conservation, develop the transport capacity, to produce the profit making
centers, improvement in the relationship between railway management and workers.
At the end of the year 1992-93, the 1350 k.m. of the railway lines were converted
into the broad-gauge. An effort of privatization was taken for to improve the
infrastructure of rail transport.
10. Ninth Five year plan: This plan was implemented between the periods of
1997 to 2002. The main objective of railway in this plan was to improve the capacity
of long distance passenger and freight transport. To this end, the railways are
concentrating on electrification of dense corridors, improvement in operations,
optimal assets utilization, increasing container facility and raising manpower
productivity. The railway had set a target of 525 million tonnes of freight traffic to be
achieved during the period of ninth plan.
10. Tenth Five year plan: From last nine five year plans, railway has given the
stress on the electrification of railway lines, manufacturing of railway engines,
wagons and passenger bogies, conversion of meter gauge to broad gauge, increase
in the volume of transport etc. Some of the very important issues and business it
has lost over past few decades. With this purpose in view, the thrust was on
modernization and technological upgradation of the railway system. It was also
decided to make Indian Railways more user-friendly and market-savvy organization.
11. Eleventh Five year plan: The structure of eleventh plan has made with
considering the increased pressure on railway infrastructure, centralization and low
speed of passenger and freight transport. The objectives of for the railway during
the eleventh plan was, to enhance the capacity, technological upgradation, higher
56
maintenance standards, security and improve the transport facilities. Eleventh five
year plan was made provision for the railway development of Rs. 1, 94,263 crore as
the prices of 2006-07, which was 23% of budget.
The progress of Indian Railway is shown in the table no, 2.1
Table No. 2.1 Progress of Indian Railway during Planning Period (Ways and Income)
Sr. No
Particulars 1950-51
1960-61
1970-71
1980-81
1990-91
2000-01
2006-07
2007-08
2008 -09
2009-10
2010-11
1
Length of Rail ways Electrified Total
0.4 53.6
0.8 56.2
3.74 59.8
5.4 61.2
10.0 62.4
14.9 63.0
17.8 63.3
18.3 63.3
18.6 64.0
18.9 64.0
19.6 64.4
2
Million Tonne Revenue Receipts Total Transport
73.2 93.0
119.8 156.2
167.9 196.5
195.9 220.0
318.4 341.4
473.5 504.2
727.8 744.6
793.9 804.1
833.4 836.6
887.8 892.2
921.7 926.4
3
Fright Transport (Billion Tonne K.M.) Revenue Receipts Total Transport
37.6 44.1
72.3 87.7
110.7 127.4
147.7 158.5
235.8 242.7
312.4 315.5
481.0 483.4
521.4 523.2
551.4 552.0
600.6 601.3
625.7 626.5
4
Revenue from Freight Transport (Rs. Crore)
139.3
280.5
600.7
1550.9
8247.0
23045.4
41073.2
46425.5
51749.3
56937.3
60687.1
5
Average Freight Transport (K.M.)
470
561
648
720
711
626
649
651
660
674
676
6 Average rage per K.M. (Paise)
3.2
3.9
5.4
10.5
35.0
73.8
85.4
89.0
93.8
94.8
97.0
7 Passenger Transport (Million)
1284.0 1594.0 2431.0 3613.0 3858.0 4833.0 6219.0 6524.0 6920.4 7245.8 7651.1
8 Passenger K.M. (Billion)
66.5
77.7
118.1
208.6
295.6
457.0
695.0
770.0
838.0
903.5
978.5
9
Receipts from passenger Transport
98.2
131.6
295.5
827.5
3144.7
10515.1
17224.6
19844.2
21931.32
23488.2
25792.6
10
Average rater per passenger K.M. (Paise)
1.5
1.7
2.5
4.0
10.6
22.9
24.7
25.7
26.1
25.9
26.3
57
Table No- 2.2
Progress of Indian Railway since Independence
Year
Length of Rail ways (K.M.)
Total Passenger
Transport
(Lakh)
Frieght
Transport
(Lakh Tonne)
Number of Engines
Number of
Coaches
Number of
Wagons
Electrified
Non
Electrified
Steam
Diesel
Electric
1950-51 388 53208 53596 12840 930 8120 17 72 19628 205596
1960-61 748 55499 56247 15940 1562 10312 181 131 28539 307907
1970-71 3706 56084 59790 24311 1965 9387 1169 602 35145 383660
1980-81 5345 55895 61240 36125 2200 7469 2403 1036 38333 400946
1990-91 9968 52399 62367 38576 3414 2915 3759 1743 38511 346103
2000-01 14856 48172 63028 48327 5042 54 4702 2810 42657 222193
2001-02 15994 47146 63140 50927 5222 53 4815 2871 44069 216717
2002-03 16272 46850 63122 49708 5187 52 4699 2930 44756 214760
2003-04 17503 45718 63221 51123 5573 45 4769 3003 44119 228170
2004-05 17800 45580 63380 62200 7500 45 4820 3290 51000 208000
2009-10 18927 45047 63974 -- -- 42 5022 3825 51038 219931
Source: 1. Year book, 2009-10, Indian Railway,
2. India’s, A Reference Annual, 2005, page- 675
58
Problems of Indian Rail Transport:
Since independence railway transport have been developed rapidly. This mode
of transportation is playing a crucial role in the development of Indian economy. But,
since last few decades Indian Railway facing the different kinds of problems and
these problems are major obstacles in rail development. The main problems and
issues in railway development can be discussed with the following points.
1. Declining Market Share: In the year 2009 Indian Railway Ministry have
released a white paper. As per this paper, market share of rail transport has reduced
rapidly from 89% in 1950-51 to 30% in 2007-08. At the same period the road
transport has gaining a lot with its share increased from 11% in 1950-51 to 30% in
2007-08. However the railways have maintained their traditional dominance in the
carriage of bulk commodities. (For example, 66% in case of coal in 2007-08, 66% in
iron ore, 75% in fertilizers and 45% in cement.) In this context, an important
observation made by the white paper is that 88% of the railway freight traffic is
accounted for by eight bulk commodities with the share of non-bulk commodities
being only 12% of the total traffic. Railways are facing road competition on long
distance routes particularly where break-of gauge transshipment poses a problem.
2. Capacity Requirements: The capacity assessment of the system
necessarily has to contend with certain inherent characteristics of the railways as a
mode of transport. Common physical assets are created to provide different types of
transport services like freight and passenger movement and any change in the mix
alters the output of the system. Over the period 1950-51 to 2007-08, route-
kilometers has increased by just 18% and track-kilometers by 11% while freight and
passenger output has gone up by more than 12 and 11 times respectively. A
considerable portion of the railway asset is location specific and cannot be adjusted
to the changes in the demand for services. When comparing investments for
augmenting capacity either in Railways or road services, it should be borne in mind
that the Railways, as a common carrier cannot refuse any particular commodity,
whereas individual truck owners can pick and choose, while places the railways in
disadvantageous position. If, therefore, traffic increases and rail facilities remain
inadequate, the high rated commodities, which are more susceptible to diversion,
will go to the roads and this will weaken the financial position of the railways.
59
3. Cross –subsidisation: Freight earnings today account for over 66% of the
total traffic earning of Indian Railways. Freight traffic on Indian railways is among the
highest in the world. One of the main reasons for this is that passenger fares are
very low in India as compared with most of the foreign railways with the result that
there are substantial losses in passenger operations (the loss on coaching
operations was as high as Rs. 13,958 crore in 2008-09). High freight rates cross-
subsidies the low passenger fares. This makes the fare-freight ratio of Indian railway
one of the lowest in the world.
4. Energy Conservation: The railways are a major user of liquid fuels and
must contribute to energy conservation. Due to paucity of fund energy inefficient
obsolete steam engines and rolling stocks are yet to be replaced.
5. Technology Up-gradation: The incidence of ‘on-line-failures’ of fleet and
equipment is fairly high. Such failure in crowded traffic corridor brings a quasi-
paralysis of the corridor. The maintenance of infrastructure is still inadequate in
relation to the rolling stock. The rolling stock designs are outdated and maintenance
practices in several areas are based on obsolete technology. The existing
technology of both electric and diesel locomotives are considerably old. There is a
need for introduction of higher horsepower electric and diesel locomotives, which
are also more fuel-efficient. The percentage of ineffective rolling stock far exceeds
prescribed level. The railways have to suffer because of its un-remunerative branch
lines for public service obligations.
6. Planning of Manpower: The manpower cost in the working expenses of
the railways form a sizable portion due to absence of substantial efforts for
technological up-gradation of operational system of the railways. The system is
beset with excess manpower and manpower development has not kept pace with
technology up-gradation.
7. Problem of Capital: Before 1924, Railway finances formed part of the
Central Government finances. But from 1924, the Railway finances were separated
from the general finances of the Central Government. The general tax-payer was
given the status of a shareholder in the Railway, but in practice, the Central
Government was the sole share-holder of the Indian Railway. The relation between
the Central Government and the Railways and the finances of the Railways in
60
particular is determined by Parliamentary Railway Convention Committee. As on
April 1, 2009 the balance funds required to complete the projects was as high Rs.
79,462 crore. Given the fact that the average annual plan expenditure under these
categories of projects in the last two years was about Rs. 9000 crore, at the current
rate about 9 years will be required to complete the projects on hand. According to
the white paper the above are rough abstract estimates and the actual funds
required could be much more. The railways ability to generate its own resources for
growth and replacement has not shown any improvement. In fact, rate of return on
the capital investment has been low in Indian railways.
8. Traction Policy: Steam traction is inefficient, both from the point of view of
operation and energy and energy consumption. Most of the steam locomotives are
now relegated to inferior services and are, thus, a drag on the system. Due to non-
availability of electric traction in many important railways sections lead to delay in
movement of traffic. The shortage of capacities in railways and very high traffic
density on major routes are also responsible for creating problems of railways to
increase the flow of goods and passenger traffic.
9. Problem of Ticketless Journey: Ticketless travelling is one of the major
problems in railway transport as compared to other modes of transport. Now a day
railway administration has using the different kinds of actions regarding the
ticketless passengers. But, as the social responsibility railway have to accept this
kind of problem. So, railway transport is facing the problem of loss.
10. Increase in the problem of accidents and attacks: In India the ratio of
railway accidents is higher than other countries. There are various reasons for rail
accidents i.e. technological backwardness, attacks from terrorists, manmade
mistakes and natural calamities etc. From the last one decade the deaths and
injured passenger due to accidents are shown in the table no. 2.3
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
61
Table No. 2.3
Railway Accidents due to various reasons
Year
Death and Injured Passengers and Servants
Passengers Other People Rail Servants Total
Injured Deaths Injured Deaths Injured Deaths Injured Deaths
2001-02 192 921 1232 1520 114 1421 1538 3862
2002-03 251 951 1443 1844 143 1181 1837 3976
2003-04 138 599 2748 2217 77 1017 2963 3833
2004-05 118 360 2023 2984 85 841 2226 4185
2005-06 346 688 3265 3438 109 341 3720 4467
2006-07 204 665 3882 4024 109 386 4195 5075
2007-08 134 667 4102 4387 113 335 4349 5389
2008-09 200 651 4575 4721 77 324 4853 5696
Source: Ministry of Railway (Railway Board)
1. Problem of Energy: At the beginning railway transport was dependent on
the steam. But, due to increase in the scope of railway transport it become
necessary to use the diesel and electricity for the fuel. The coal is also using by the
railway for the fuel but coal is natural asset and it is not available on permanent
basis because it is non renewable resource. To improve efficiency and speed of the
railway transport the electricity is needed in the future. So it is necessary to the
railway to optimum use the resources and planning and conservation of resources.
2. Lack of Modern Management: There is a lack of modern management
as railway failed to attract adequate incentives and suitable talent. In addition to it, it
could not make economic analysis for perspective planning tariff.
3. No Balanced Approach: Another problem, perhaps, is that there is lack of
balance between the two conflicting objectives of earning substantial revenues and
62
social responsibilities. This is due to the fact that the railways are forced to operate
on unremunerative lines, resulting heavy losses on suburban and other traffic.
2.2.4 Structure of Passenger and Goods Transport and Fare Rates in
Railway:
Railway have to take into consideration different types of factors while
determining the passenger and goods fare rates. Traditionally, railway rates in India
have been determined on the basis of two considerations, i.e., value of service and
cost of service. The application of these principles results in a differential structure of
rates. Thus, railways have to adjust the rates suitably in the interest of the business
so as to distribute the burden of their overheads of joint costs over various
commodities. In regard to bulk commodities, which carry comparatively small value
in relation to their weight, as a commercial undertakings, the railways have so far
found it sufficient to meet their out-of-pocket expenses with overheads or joint costs
being partially left un-recovered, especially in respect of long distance traffic. The
greater part of the overhead or the joint cost of the railways fall over the other
commodities, which are generally high priced and can bear high charges.
Railway administration taking into consideration the two factors i.e. price of
service and remuneration of service while determination of fare rates. Different kinds
of the commodities are available for the transport and it is highly impossible to
charge different prices. So railway has to differentiate and classify the commodities
with different categories. Railway displayed the fare rates with category for the
information to customers. Passengers are divided themselves with different
categories and railway administration divided the commodities with different
categories. Railway is the public utility, so it is necessary to determine the fare rates
with optimum size. Because high fare rates are directly affecting the price level. The
classification of goods is depending on the following factors:
1. Size of Commodity: The size of commodity is large and bulk it will charge
low rates, because in this situation all the responsibility is of the customer. Vice
versa the commodities are small in size and less, in this situation railway have to
take responsibility to handle. Apart from that, there is number of functions regarding
the transaction of commodities railway has to do. (i.e. registration of commodity, risk
of transport etc.)
63
2. Weight of Commodity: Weight of commodity is the one more important
factor for the determining the fare rates. Some goods are large in size but low
weighted, it required the large area of wagon. In this situation railway cannot use the
optimum level of wagons capacity. E.g. one wagon of railway can travel 22 tonnes of
steel but the same wagon travel only 5 tonnes of the cotton. So low weighted
commodities are classified under the high prices category because the cost of travel
is high.
3. Non perishable and inflammable goods: Some goods are non
perishable and highly inflammable, there is a possibility to loss in the transport. So,
these commodities are classified into the high cost category. For example, glass
wares, petrol, diesel, kerosene, different chemicals etc. If these goods are damaged
or fired railway administration have to pay the full cost of these commodities. So,
railway charges the high fare rates for this kind of commodities.
4. Packaging of Commodity: If the commodities are packed properly it will
require less area of wagon and it is easy to travel. But some goods are not packed
properly it requires large space and problematic to transport. So, railway classified
the loose goods in the high fare rates. Valuable goods are also included in high fare
category.
5. Types of Wagon: Railway is providing the different types of wagons. For
example, packed wagon, open wagon, refrigerated wagon etc. For the packed
wagon the capital investment and cost also is high. Cloth, foodgrain, sugar,
machanaries, fuel, chemical etc require the packed wagons. So those commodities
classified into the high fare category. Coal, stones, wood etc are not required the
close and refrigerated wagons, so this kind of commodities are classified into the
low fare rates category. Milk, Fish, Mutton, flowers etc required the refrigerated
wagons, the cost of refrigeration is high, so these commodities are classified into the
high fare category.
6. Nature of Commodity: Three kinds of commodities are available for the
transport. i.e. final goods, mediate goods and raw material. Finished goods are
easy to transport, but non finished goods are inconvenient to travel. So non finished
goods are classified into the high fare category. Raw material classified into the low
fare rate category.
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7. Consistency in transport: There are two kinds of customer i.e. regular
and irregular. Regular customers vail the commodities regularly. In this situation
railway transport can optimum utilize the rolling stock and cost of transport would be
low. So railway administration classified these commodities into the low fare rate
category. And irregular commodities are included in the high fare rate category.
8. Intrinsic Value of the commodity: Every commodity have internal and
face value. Which commodity have high internal value, those are classified into the
high fare rate category. Which commodities having the low internal value those
classified into the low fare rates category.
10. Competition among the transportation modes: Railway, Motor, Ship
and Air transport having the cut throat competition. Short distance and low weighted
goods there is competition between railway and motor transport. So, in this situation
railway have to charge low rates. If railway are not reduced the fare rates it will face
the problem of loss.
Railway’s fare policy is generally based on “what the traffic can bear”. The
transport cost should not be more than the production cost of an article. The
transport cost must be reasonable enough, so that the produced goods can be
distributed in a widely spread market. Railways shoulder responsibility of keeping
the price of essential commodities at a reasonable rate, be it a liquid or a solid
goods, for the benefit of both consumers and producers.
Recommendations of the Railway Freight Structure Enquiry Committee, 1955:
The Railway Freight structure Committee was constituted under the
chairmanship of Dr. A Ramswamy Mudaliar. To review the existing freight structure
for transport by goods train in all its aspect in the light of the development of
economy. The major recommendations of the committee are as follows:
1. A regular and progressive increase through a percentage system from the
lowest class to the highest class from an integrated scale of rates covering both
class rates and wagonload scales. For this purpose they recommended a norm
rate called class 100 rates.
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2. All commodities are classified as wagonload and small. However for some
commodities for which separate smells and wagonload classification has no
significance there the rate would apply on any quantity basis.
3. There should be relativity between the rates for wagonloads and smalls and
allowed an increase in the rates for smalls as compared with wagonloads to the
extent of some 15 to 36 percent.
4. The loading and un-loading in respect of wagonloads should be done by
consignors and consignee only. The terminal charges as such should be
abolished. But this fact should be taken into consideration in evolving the revised
freight structure.
5. The additional short distance is not justified and that it may be abolished.
6. Railway should apply through the destination, irrespective of break of gauge
both in the case of general merchandise and livestock.
7. Practically for all commodities rates should be quoted at railway’s risk barring a
few commodities to be carried at owner’s risk. The owner’s risk rates for these
commodities should be at a level one class below the corresponding percentage
class rate.
In June, 1955, the Ministry of Railways appointed the Railway Freight Structure
Enquiry Committee to review the then existing railway freight structure and to
suggest, among other things, modifications bearing in mind the needs of the
developing economy and the necessity for maintaining the financial stability of the
Railways.
Based on the recommendations of this Committee, a revised freight structure
was introduced in 1958. Over the years, there were changes in the freight structure
with a view to raising additional revenues for meeting the escalation in costs.
Similarly, there were changes in the passenger fares and parcel structures. The
Public Accounts Committee as well as the Railway Convention Committee had
examined the tariffs and had emphasized the need for rationalizing the fare and
freight structure having due regard to cost of service. Accordingly, a high powered
Committee, viz. Rail Tariff Enquiry Committee was set up in 1977. It submitted its
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report in 1980. The Committee had not only examined the passenger fares, parcels
freight structure and other allied matters.
The existing Goods/Passenger and Parcels freight structures, by and large are
based on the recommendations of this Committee.
Traffic Costing: The Freight Structure Enquiry Committee (1955-57) had made
a general observation that a time had come when the Indian Railways must make a
sustained effort to ascertain, as far as possible, the direct cost of service, and take
note of this in determining the appropriate rates for individual commodities. The
Railways have given a great deal of attention to traffic costing over the last few
years in order that it may be used as an effective aid to management mainly In the
matter of adjustment in freight structure and for the purpose of financial appraisal of
projects. Costing of rail transport is not strictly comparable to the costing of
commodities of other services. Rail transport presents many special features which
are not present in the case of other commodities and products. For example,
transport services are offered at hundreds of stations all over the country and
decisions have to be taken on an all-India basis whereas other industries, including
road operations, operate only in a limited area with the sole object of maximising
profits. There are again a vast number of services produced by the Railways like
goods transport of various commodities, carriage of passengers of different classes,
luggage, parcels, Rail way MaiI traffic, etc. Further, transportation is a “perishable"
commodity in that it cannot be stored. If the wagons are not utilised for loading, they
remain idle and the transport capacity during that period is lost forever. Similarly, if
seats on a passenger train are not occupied, the corresponding earning capacity is
lost forever. Another peculiarity of rail operations is that it is highly Capital intensive
and its assets have to be created for a long span of life of (say) 40 to 60 years.
There is also the problem of providing suitable manpower In the face of fluctuating
demands for rail transport depending on seasonal requirements.
While an effort must be made to arrive at the cost of service for different
operations as accurately as possible, it should be realised that there are no set
formulae for costing. Costing is not an exact science, but traffic costing can be an
effective aid to management if the technique is soundly based on valid principles
and proper identification and collection of appropriate data. It should also be
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possible to make necessary adjustment as required to reflect changing conditions to
suit the particular type of problem. In fact, cost study requires a sound knowledge
and basic understanding of all facets of railway working.
Analysis of transport costs is a complex problem since railways are essentially
a 'Joint Cost Industry'. In fact there are more items of expenditure which are 'joint,
costs' than those which can be directly allocated to individual services such as
coaching and goods operation. For example, provision and maintenance of railway
track salaries of station staff, maintenance of signaling and telecommunication
installations are all joint expenses. Where possible, of course, the expenses are
debited direct and in full to coaching service, or goods service but in the case of joint
costs, a suitable basis has to be evolved for apportionment and also for further
allocation to the sub-divisions concerned in each service, like marshalling,
transshipment, etc., for goods services.
Computation of costs for individual streams of traffic is necessary to determine
whether or not a particular category of traffic is remunerative and to examine the
feasibility of quotation of special rates to combat inter-modal competition or to move
additional traffic in lighter sections or in empty movement direction, etc. Costing is
also essential for making realistic financial appraisal to aid fresh investment
decisions whether in respect of new construction projects or major schemes such as
change of traction.
A beginning in traffic costing on Indian Railways was made in the early 60's
with the setting up of traffic costing cell in the Board's office. Similar cells in the
zonal railways came up much later, in 1972-73.
General Principles of Railway Rating Policy: Indian Railways carry a
heterogeneous variety of goods; raw materials, finished products, perishables,
goods in bulk and in bags, liquids, articles of high and low value, fragile and
dangerous goods, building materials of all kinds, medicines, chemicals and drugs,
clothing, footwear and essential foodstuffs; and in fact every article and
commodity that, either directly or remotely, enters into the daily existence of
the average person. To fix the charges for the transportation of these diverse
varieties of goods, over different distances and under varying conditions, is clearly
a matter of great complexity and cannot obviously be reduced to an exact
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scheme. There are, however, several broad principles which determine not only
the method of charging but also the general level of rates for the various
commodities, an understanding of which is indispensable to a study of the Goods
Rates Structure of the Indian Railways.
One such principle is commonly referred to as charging "what the traffic will
bear", i. e. fixing the charge for each variety of goods according to its ability to pay
for transportation. This is also called the 'value of service' principle. In this way,
goods of high value are made to pay more, so that commodities and articles of low
value, including foodstuffs and industrial raw products, may be carried at lower
rates. This is eminently equitable and it is from this principle of charging "what
the traffic will bear" that the Railways derive sanction for the practice of classifying
commodities into different groups, within each of which a sufficient degree of affinity
of transportation and economic characteristics can be found to justify the
application, to each group, of a different scale of basic rates.
Another basic principle of rating which is receiving increasingly greater
attention is that of the 'Cost of Service'. Thus, caking the two principles together,
each variety of goods should be charged no more than it can ordinarily afford to pay
for transportation and, by and large, no less than it costs to move it. For applying
this criterion, duo cognizance has to be taken of the factors affecting the ability of
commodity to pay for transport viz. - (a) value in relation to weight, (b) uses, (c)
stage of manufacture, (d) volume of traffic, and also the factors affecting the
costs of transportation viz. (i) bulk in proportion to weight, (ii) risk of damage,
wastage, or deterioration in transit, (iii) speed of transit, and ; (iv) volume of traffic.
As stated earlier, Government had laid down as early as 1883 that the 'value of
service' was to provide the ceiling and the 'cost of service' the floor in determining
the railway rates. With the growth of road transport and its competitive
characteristics, the point of substitution of one mode of transport by another, would
constitute the effective ceiling on the 'value of service' based rates. The second
limitation to the application of the aforesaid twin principle is the legal prohibition
against undue preference and undue prejudice.
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Theories of Railway Fare Rates:
The prices of the commodities in the competitive market are determined as per
the demand and supply theories. In this price determination marginal utility is
affected on demand for commodity and marginal production cost is affected on
supply side. In the competitive market the prices are determined where the marginal
utility and marginal production cost are equal. Railway fare rates are also depending
on these theories. So, production cost and the utility are the two important factors
have taken into consideration while price determination. It is necessary that the rail
fare rate policy should be supplementary to the government taxation and tariff
policy. There are different theories of railway fare rates, some of them are as
follows:
A) Cost of Service Principle:
The cost of service is depending of various factors. Railway administration has
taken into consideration the service cost while determine the fare rates of passenger
and goods. Factors affecting cost of service are as follows:
1. Size of Consignment: Railway has spent the different types of cost for
the transportation. Sometime the cost of service is the constant. Suppose there are
40 wagons are attached to the train and from these only 30 wagons have fully
loaded and 10 are empty. But in these 30 wagons different kinds of material and
goods have loaded, so it is also required the different charges. But It is not possible
to the railway to charge same rate for all the goods. And the 10 wagons are empty
but cost is requiring for the travel these 10 wagons, there is no saving in the cost.
This kind of situation may be happen regarding the passenger transport also. If the
capacity of one bogie is 120 passengers and there is only 100 passengers are
available. In this situation the cost of service is same, and the revenue of railway will
be less. Vice versa if the railway having full load of goods or passenger the revenue
will increase. In brief, the revenue of railway is depending on the availability of
goods and passengers.
2. Packaging of Goods: Transportation cost is depending on the packaging
of the goods. If the proper packaged goods are available for the transport the space
is required less and handling of the goods is also easy. So the cost of transportation
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of small goods which weight is 1 tonne will high rather than transportation of 1 tonne
coal.
3. Speed of Train: The transportation cost is also affected by the speed of
the train. Superfast train required the modern and efficient engine and also the
trained driver. It required the high price. So the fare rates of transportation of
superfast train are high and general trains fare rates are less.
4. Distance: The fare rates are reducing with the increasing distance. In the
long distance rail transport can utilize the maximum capacity of the rolling stocks.
5. Nature of Commodity: Transportation cost is also depending on the
nature of the commodity. Liquid, inflammable, non perishable and glass material
require the more security. For the non perishable goods refrigeration facility is
required. It increases the transportation cost, so the fare rates are also high.
6. Capital Expenditure: To manufacture the passenger bogies and freight
wagons the huge capital investment is necessary. From the open wagon coal, wood,
steel can transport, so it will charge low rates. Foodgrain, Sugar, Machinery,
Flowers, other consumable items are required the closed wagons, so it will charge
with high rates. AC I class, two tier bogies have high capital investment, so
passengers who are travelling through these bogies charged high fare rates.
7. Consistency in journey: Transportation cost is also affected by
consistency in journey. If railway transport is getting continuous freight or passenger
for the transportation, so railway can fully utilize their rolling stock and reduced the
transportation cost. So regular passenger and freight can charged with low fare rate.
B) Value of Service Principle: The fare rates in this principle are determined
with taking into consideration the utility of transportation. Elasticity of demand of
transport is also very important factor which affected on the determination the fare
rates. Because the utility of precious goods or high prices goods is high so the fare
rates also are high. Vice versa the low valuable goods having the less utility so the
fare rates are low. While fare rates are determined by the rail administration it is
necessary to consider the bearing capacity of the good also.
C) Discriminate Principle: While price determination in railway it is very
difficult to calculate the utility of the commodity. So, in this situation discriminating
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principle should be taken into consideration. The implementation of this principle is
of monopoly in nature. There are number of factors that are affecting the fare rates
of rail transport, these are as follows:
1. Locational Discrimination
2. Discrimination in value
3. Personal discrimination
4. Class discrimination
A) Flat or Equal Mileage Rate Principle: Fare rates are charged from this
principle by the distance of journey. In respect of passenger the kilometer and in
respect of freight total weight in quintal is considered.
B) Tapering Charge or Telescopic Rate Principle: The telescopic fare rates
has implemented in the Indian railway in 1955. This type of fare rates is very much
helpful for the inspiration of long distance journey.
C) Principle of Zonal Charging: This kind of fare rate determination is
depending on the postal fare rate. This principle is inspired to the long distance
journey. Postal services are of monopoly in the nature, so it is possible to them. But,
Railway transport has competed to other means of transportation. If this principle is
applied by the railway, it will adversely affect on the transport.
2.2.5 Regulation, Administration and Control of Rail Transport:
The origin of Indian Rail Transport is from 16th April, 1953 in real terms. From
1980 to 1907 the construction and regulation of rail transport was held on the
railway companies and Indian government. The private sector has productive
railway and government having the unproductive railway in that period. So,
government was facing the continuous loss. But the ultimate burden of this loss on
the public. Government has established the Railway Board in the year 1905.
Government has purchased all the railway lines upto 1907 which are constructed by
the private companies. In this period the most of the companies were working as the
Managing Agency. At the beginning of the First World War the total railway lines
were 35,285 miles. Due to the war situation there were number of obstacles in the
development of rail transport.
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Government has appointed Acworth Committee for recommendation for railway
development in the year 1920. The recommendation of Acworth committee has very
much importance in the history railway. To reforms in functioning of railway, Rates
Tribunal for determination of railway fare rates, Separation of railway finance from
the public finance, Abolition of dual control from government and companies and
only government control is essential, The establishment of local and central level
advisory body, The establishment of depreciation and reserve fund etc are the most
important recommendations of the Acworth committee. All recommendations of this
committee have accepted by the government.
From the year 1923 the policy of nationalization has been accepted partially.
The limit of agreement with the East Indian Railway and Great Indian Peninsula
Railway has completed in the year 1924 and 1925 respectively. So government has
taken the decision to take the charge of railway lines of these two companies under
the public sector. From 1924 the railway budget is presenting separately.
Indian railway has suffered a lot due to 1929 Great Depression. Railway faced
a huge loss. To fulfill this loss railway has to withdraw some amount from the
reserve fund. So government has appointed the Pope Committee in 1932, for the
recommendations regarding the control of the railway expenditure. Wedgewood
Committee has been appointed by the government in the year 1936 for study the
economic condition of the Indian Railway. The important recommendation of this
committee are, To establish the Central Saving Research Committee, Distribution
of Indian Railway within Eight sections, The contribution of Indian Railway in the
Public Budget should be stopped, The surplus revenue of the railway should be
spent for to provide the better services to the passengers, Reduce the competition
with the road transport etc. Some recommendations of this committee have been
accepted by the government.
Government has continuously run the programme of nationalization of railway,
so the length of railway lines was increased rapidly at the beginning of the Second
World War. Due to war situation the progress of railway lagged behind. The
modernization of railway programme was also collapsed. Government has
established the War Transport Board in the year 1942. As per the order of this board
railway has given priority to provide the service to the defense purpose. After
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
73
division of India and Pakistan government has appointed the Kunzroo Committee in
the year 1949. This committee has recommended that regrouping railway lines
proposal should be stopped. But government has not accepted this
recommendation. As per the regrouping proposal the 37 rail systems has clubbed
under the six sections. Then after these sections expanded and the new eight
sections are established. Now a day there are 9 sections are working in the India. In
this way Government has played always an important role in the development of
Indian Rail Transport.
Railway Administration and Control:
The important characteristic feature of the management of the Indian Railway is
that there is a central controlling authority, co-coordinating the functions of various
zonal railways and ensuring planned development of the railway system and takes
into account the actual needs of the people of India. The Railways function as a
department of the Government in the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Board
functions as its secretariat and also as the top-executive and policy making body.
The administrative machinery on the Railways functions at three levels such as-
a) Railway Board
b) General Manager
c) Divisional Railway Manager
Railway Board:
The system of Railway administration and control is very strong. It is the apex
administrative and executive body, which assists the Railway Ministry in the day-
today control and operation. The Chairman of the Board is the ex-officio Principal
Secretary in the Ministry of Railways. Four other members, who remain in charge of
traffic, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and staff, assist him. These
members are ex-officio Secretaries to the government of India.
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Functions of Railway Board:
The functions of railway board are as follows:
1. To function as the Ministry of the Railways to assist the Railway Minister in the
discharge of his responsibilities and to co-ordinate with the other ministers or
departments of Government.
2. To formulate policies and to watch their implementation.
3. To plan a co-ordinate development of the Railways in accordance with the
expanding needs and to watch its execution.
4. To frame the capital and Revenue budget of the Railways for sanction of the
parliament.
5. To allocate the budgetary grants between the different units of administration
on the basis of a system of performance budgeting.
6. To review periodically the trend of expenditure in relation to the performance
and to initiate measures for appropriate regulation of expenditure.
7. To maintain a watch on the operational performance and to co-ordinate the
activities to the extent individual units are unable to do so.
8. To take steps to ensure that the work in the various railway workshops
proceeds on a co-ordinate and rationalized pattern.
9. To frame various codes, including the detailed rules for compilation of the
statistical data which may be comparable from year to year and to lay down
procedures for assessment of the financial justification or economic analysis of
development works.
10. To formulate the pay and allowance structure to staff with a view to ensuring a
degree of uniformity on the Railways.
2.2.6: Railway Budget: 2012-13:
Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi presented the first Railway Budget in
Parliament on Wednesday on 14th March. He has recommended the increase in the
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fare rates of railway. This is the first increase in fare rate from last eight years. The
important highlights of Railway Budget are as follows:
1. Passenger fares increased marginally. The increase will be by 2 paise per km
for suburban and ordinary second class; 3 paise per km for mail/express
second class; 5 paise per km for sleeper class; 10 paise per km for AC Chair
Car, AC 3 tier and First Class; 15 paise per km for AC 2 tier and 30 paise per
km for AC I.
2. Minimum fare and platform tickets to cost Rs 5.
3. 50 per cent concession in fare in AC-2, AC-3, Chair Car and Sleeper classes to
patients suffering from 'Aplastic Anaemia' and 'Sickle Cell Anaemia'.
4. Extending the facility of travel by Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains to Arjuna
Awardees.
5. Travel distance under 'Izzat Scheme' to increase from 100 kms to 150 kms.
6. SMS on passenger mobile phone in case of e-ticket to be accepted as proof of
valid reservation.
7. Introduction of satellite based real time train information system (SIMRAN) to
provide train running information to passengers through SMS, internet, etc.
8. On board passenger displays indicating next halt station and expected arrival
time to be introduced.
10. Installation of 321 escalators at important stations of which 50 will be
commissioned in 2012-13.
11. Introduction of regional cuisine at affordable rates; launching of Book-a-meal
scheme to provide multiple choice of meals through SMS or email.
12. Introduction of coin/currency operated ticket vending machines.
13. Upgradation of 929 stations as Adarsh Stations including 84 stations proposed
in 2012-13; 490 stations have been completed so far.
14. Specially designed coaches for differently-abled persons to be provided in each
Mail/Express trains.
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15. Introduction of Rail Bandhu on-board magazines on Rajdhanis, Shatabdis and
Duronto trains.
16. Setting up of AC Executive lounges at important stations
17. 75 new Express trains to be introduced.
18. 21 new passenger services, 9 DEMU services and 8 MEMU services to be
introduced.
19. Run of 39 trains to be extended.
20. Frequency of 23 trains to be increased.
21. 75 additional services to run in Mumbai suburban; 44 new suburban services to
be introduced in Kolkata area, 50 new services to be introduced in Kolkata
Metro; 18 additional services in Chennai area.
22. 725 km new lines, 700 km doubling, 800 km gauge conversion and 1,100 km
electrification targeted in 2012-13.
23. Rs 6,872 cr provided for new lines, Rs 3,393 cr for doubling, Rs 1,950 cr for
gauge conversation, Rs 828 cr for electrification
24. Highest ever plan outlay of Rs 60,100 cr
25. Rae Bareli coach factory manufactured 10 coaches in 2011-12; phase-II of the
factory would be commissioned in 2012-13.
26. A wagon factory to be set up at Sitapali (Ganjam District of Odisha)
27. A rail coach factory with the support of Government of Kerala to be set up at
Palakkad; two additional new manufacturing units for coaches to be established
in the Kutch area in Gujarat and at Kolar in Karnataka with active participation
of the State Governments.
28. Setting up of a factory at Shyamnagar in West Bengal to manufacture next
generation technology propulsion system for use in high power electric
locomotives.
29. Creating Missions as recommended by Pitroda Committee to implement the
modernization programme.
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30. Setting up of Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority to be considered.
31. New Board Members for Safety/Research and PPP/Marketing to be inducted.
32. Rail-Road Grade Separation Corporation to be set up to eliminate level
crossings.
33. Indian Railway Station Development Corporation to be set up to redevelop
stations through PPP mode.
34. Logistics Corporation to be set up for development and management of existing
railway goods sheds and multi-modal logistics parks.
35. National High Speed Rail Authority to be set-up.
36. Pre-feasibility studies on six high speed corridors already completed; study on
Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Jodhpur to be taken up in 2012-13.
37. Introduction of a ‘Green Train’ to run through the pristine forests of North
Bengal.
38. Setting up of 200 remote railway stations as ‘green energy stations’ powered
entirely by solar energy.
39. Providing solar lighting system at 1,000 manned level crossing gates.
40. 2,500 coaches to be equipped with bio toilets.
41. Setting up of 72 MW capacity windmill plants in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
42. Installation of Integrated Security System at all 202 identified stations to be
completed in 2012-13.
43. Escorting of trains by RPF/GRP extended to 3,500 trains.
44. Integration of RPF helpline with the All India Passenger Helpline.
45. Setting up of a Railway Safety Authority as a statutory regulatory body as
recommended by Kakodkar Committee
46. Three 'Safety Villages' to be set up at Bengaluru, Kharagpur and Lucknow for
skill development for disaster management.
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47. Over one lakh persons to be recruited in 2012-13 • backlog of SC/ST/OBC and
other categories to be wiped off.
48. Introduction of a wellness programme for railway staff at their work places.
49. Ensuring proper rest for skilled and technical staff including the running crew.
50. Institution of 'Rail Khel Ratna' Award for 10 rail sports-persons every year.
51. New coaching terminal at Naihati, the birth place of Rishi Bankim Chandra
Chattopadhyay commemorating him on 175th Birth Anniversary.
52. Project to connect Agartala with Akhaura in Bangladesh to be taken up in 2012-
13.
53. Freight loading of 1,025 MT targeted; 55 MT more than 2011-12
54. Passenger growth targeted at 5.4 per cent.
To fulfill the above schemes railway has made provision Rs. 6o, 100 crore. Out
of this Rs. 50,000 crore will be taken from the open market. In this budget rail
minister has given the more tress on security of transportation. In his budget speech
he said that, there is a need of to modernize the 19,000 k.m. railway lines. Basically
it is need of to connect the hilly and backward area with the railway transport and it
is required the Rs. 6467 crore. According to the Rail Minister, for achieve the
sustainable rate of development of Indian Economy, it is necessary to keep 10%
annual growth rate of Railway Transport.
2.3 Summary:
Railway transport is one of the most important and largest public sector in India.
Railway transport is mostly used for the long distance journey. This transport is not
elastic as like road transport. Railway transport provides the separate services for
the passenger and freight. Now a day the demand for railway transport is increasing
rapidly. The development of economy is also depending on the railway transport
development.
The importance of Railway in the Indian economy and also in the World is very
much. The role of Railway transport is crucial, i.e. cheap transport, Industrial
development, development of agricultural sector, reduce the distance between rural
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area and urban area, and provide the assistance in the natural disaster, national
integrity. The Indian Railway had modest beginnings in 16th April 1853 when first
railway train journeyed a distance of 21 mails (34 K.M.) between Bombay to Thana
within 75 minutes. Government of India has taken the charge to development
Railway after 1969. Today Indian Railway is very important and having the large
network in the world.
The cost of service and the price of service principle is taking in to
consideration while determination the fare rates. Railway classified the goods for the
price determination. Passengers are divided in the different categories on their own.
Railway is itself doing this work for the goods transport. Railway transport authority
takes into consideration the different principles for the determination of fare rates
e.g. Service principle, service utility, differentiate rate, telescopic rate, regional rate
principle etc.
Railway Board has the important place in the management of railway transport.
Railway Board has been established in the year 1905. Government of India has
established the different committees for the development of Railway transport.
Those committees are, Acworth committee, Wagwood committee, Pope Committee,
Kunzroo committee etc. These committees recommended various recommendations
for the development of Indian railway. Government of India accepted the some
recommendations for the railway development. These recommendations are very
much useful for the development of Indian Railway Transport.
2.4: Self-Learning Questions:
A) Choose the correct alternative from the following and rewrite the
sentence:
1. The largest public sector enterprise in India is --------------.
A) Road B) Railway C) Hindustan Machine Tools D) None of the above
2 Ticketless Journey is problem of ------------- transport.
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A) Air B) Water C) Railway D) Road
3 ------------- government has started the rail transport in India.
A) Hindustan B) British C) India D) None of the above
4. The First Railway started in India in ---------------.
A) 1855 B) 1853 C) 1990 D) 1893
5. There are ---------------- railway companies that has been established in India in the
period of 1854 to 1860.
A) 10 B) 9 C) 8 D) 6
6 Guarantee system was working in India upto----------------.
A) 1869 B) 1859 C) 1879 D) 1889
7 Robertson Committee has been established on--------------.
A) 1910 B) 1901 C) 1950 D) 1921
8 Acworth Committee has been established in ----------------.
A) 1920 B) 1930 C) 1940 D) 1910
9 Railway Board has been established in--------------.
A) 1901 B) 1905 C) 1915 D) 1925
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10 Railway Transport Structure Committee has been appointed under the chairmanship
of--------------.
A) Kunzuru B) Pope C) Dr. Ramswami Mudliyar D) Acworth
B) Answer in One Sentence:
1. On which way the first Rail way was started?
2. Give the two problems of Railway transport.
3. From which year the telescopic rates have been implemented?
4. On which year the passenger tax converted into the fare rates?
5. From which year Nationalisation policy of Railway being accepted?
6. Which committee has been appointed in the year 1932 for the recommendation
regarding the railway finance?
7. On which year Wagwood committee has been established?
8. On which year War Transport Board has been established?
9. Which Committee has been established for the rail development after the
division of India and Pakistan?
10. Which committee has recommended the separation of Rail Budget from the
Public Budget?
2.5 Answers of Self-Learning Questions:
A) 1 – B 2 – C
3 – B 4 – B
5 – C 6 – A
7 – B 8 – A
9 – B
10 – C
82
B) 1 – Mumbai to Thane 2 – Decreasing share of market, Technological
backwardness, Ticketless Journey
3 – 1st April, 1955 4 – 1861-62
5 – 1923 6 – Pope Committee
7 – 1936 8 – 1942
9 – Kunzuru Committee 10 – Acworth Committee
2.6 Key Words:
1. Returns: Dividend or interest from the investment of any sector.
2. Container: Means of goods transport
3. Discriminate Rate: Different fare rates as per the location, person and types etc.
2.7. Questions for Self Study:
A) Broad Answer type Questions
1. Explain the nature and scope of Railway transport.
2. State the importance of railway transport in the economy.
3. Explain the law of Returns to Scale in the railway transport.
4. Explain the progress of Railway during the planning period.
5. State the problems of Railway Transport.
6. Explain the structure of goods transport in the Railway Transport.
7. Give a detailed note on the Regulation, Administration and Control of Railway.
Transport.
B) Write Short Notes:
1. Railway Budget – 2012-13
2. Functions of Railway Board
3. Importance of Railway Transport
4. Problems of Railway Transport
83
5. Classification of goods
6. Law of Service Cost
7. Law of Differentiate Fare
2.8. Field Work:
1. Collect the information regarding service of Railway Transport and Regional
development from your area and prepare a project report.
2. Analysis the trends in Revenue and expenditure of Railway Transport since last
decade from the Railway Budget.
2.9. References for Further Readings:
1. Mishra Bimalendu and Chaudhary Prasannkumar (1998), Transport Sector in
India, Kalyani Publishers, Dudhiyana.
2. R.K. Lekhi (2004), The Economics of Developemnt and Planning, Kalyani
Publishers, Ludhiyana, 9th edition.
3. Misra & Puri (2010), Indian, Economy, Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai,
28th revised edition.
4. R. N. Kshirsagar (1979), Transport Laws and Development, Contenental
Publications, Pune, 1st edition.
5. Dr. Ghatage L.N. & Dr. Wavare A. K (2010), Indian Economy, Nirali Prakashan,
Pune, 1st edition.
� � �
84
Unit- 3
Road Transport
Index:
3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Subject Description
3.2.1 Nature, Significance and Characteristics of Road Transport
3.2.2 Private and Public Transport System in India
3.2.3 Road Transport in India-progress and problems. National Highway
Authority of India.
3.2.4 Policy of Motor Transport, taxation city- transport in India-Nature, present
situation and problems. Rail-Road Coordination.
� Objective Questions and their answers.
3.3 Summary
3.4 Self-Learning questions
3.5 Answer of Self-Learning questions
3.6 Keywords
3.7. Questions for Self-study.
3.8 References for Further Study.
3.0 Objectives:
After studying this unit ‘Road Transport,’ you will be able to know –
� The meaning and nature of road transport.
� The features of road transport.
� The private and public city transport system in India.
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
85
� The progress and problems of road transport in India.
� The functioning of National Highway Authority of India Ltd.
� The policy of motor transport in India.
� The co-ordination between road and railway transport in India.
3.1 Introduction:
The means of transport plays an important role in human resource development
of a country. Most of the countries in the world have developed transport system in
20th country for their economic development. The road transport plays vital role in
the development of developing as well as developed countries. The overall transport
system includes road, rail, water and air transportation. We will consider the details
in respect of road transport in this particular Unit No-3. Road transport is important
transportation means for more than govt. of peoples in a developing country like
India. Now-a-days, road transport is known as a infrastructural investment for
economic development of a nation. Now we will consider the meaning nature,
features of road transport, progress and problems of road, transport in this particular
unit.
3.2 Subject Description:
Road transport is one of the old means of transportation. This transport system
is always connected with the day-today needs of common man. Road transport is
essential for the establishment of co-ordination between the demand supply of
commodities and services within the short-run period. Now we will get details
regarding road transport as follows.
3.2.1 Nature, Significance and Characteristics of Road Transport:
Road transport infrastructure is important in economic development of a
country. Road transport facility is more convenient where rail and water transport is
impossible, such type of transpiration is more useful for a developing country like
India for rural development in respect of transportation of agricultural produce from
rural to urban area. Now we will consider the significance or importance of road
transport.
A) Source of increase in National Income: Economic development of a
country depends on the progress of industry, agriculture and service sector of an
economy. When a country develops all these sector, the development of road
86
transport takes place automatically. In a developing country like India, road transport
is a major means of transport for all these sectoral development. Due to the
development of roads, passenger and goods services also develops and with this
development, a country’s overall national income increases thorough tax revenues.
B) Road transport–base of country’s economic development: Road
transport is the base of economic development of a country like India such type of
transport establishes the linkage between rural and urban areas. Road transport
becomes useful for the transportation of agricultural and agro-based products from
rural area to the urban. Thus, road transport leads to agricultural and industrial
development of a country which is the base of economic development of a
developing country like India.
C) Source of employment: Road, transport facility is an important source of
employment in a developing country. Unemployment is one of the basic problems of
developing countries like India, Lakhs of people have obtained skilled and unskilled
type jobs through the construction of roads as well as maintenance of roads in India,
well-known road transport facilities have played vita role in transportation of food
supply from rural to urban areas. Thus, road transport is a essential tool of
employment opportunities in a country.
D) Road transport leads to industrial growth: Due to the development of
roads, a country’s industrial development takes place with a systematic way. The
size and growth of population in last 20th and 21th century, increases on large scale.
Most of metro-Politian cities and industrialization is based on the development of
infrastructural facilities like road transport, so that central and the state governments
in India have given stress to develop roads in rural as well as urban areas of the
country since 1957. The development of small, medium and large scale industries
takes place due to the development of roads in a country.
E) Road transport and agricultural development: Agriculture is the base of
economic development of Indian Economy. The intensive and extensive growth of
agriculture in India depends on the progress of road transport. Since 1957,
Government of India and the, various, state governments have provided various
facilities to this particular sector. So that the food grain and cash crops production
has increased in a country. On the contrary, road transport facilities have played
vital role for the transportation of agricultural produce from rural to urban areas in
the country. Now-a-days, road transport is only the cheap transport for agricultural
87
marketing. Thus, India’s agricultural development occurs due to the development of
roads.
F) Road transport helps to develop other means of transportation: Road
transport is helpful for other means of transport also. Due to the development of
road transport, rail and air transport has been developed in India. Road transport
also helps to the development of water transport in India. Thus road transport is
complimentary means to other means of transport.
G) Political and social welfare: In a developing country like India road
transport is important for political and social welfare of the country. Road transport
facility is useful for the protection of all borders of the country. Such types of
transport is, useful for the means for communication of rural to urban areas.
In this way, Road transport develops a country both rural and urban areas in
India. So that most of the developed and developing countries have given
importance to develop road transport for all round development.
���� Characteristics of Road Transport:
Road transport is an integral part of any transport activity. This type of transport
has developed at the end of 19th century. The importance of road and road transport
can be judged with the help of length of roads and the size of population of a
country. The nature and importance of road transport is basically depend on social
and economic angles. Now we will consider the important features of road transport.
A) Less investment: The total investment to be made by the country for road
transport is less than water, air and rail transport. The human capital required for the
construction and maintenance of roads is mostly unskilled as well as local. The total
cost of maintenance for roads is also less as compared to the other means of
transport i.e. railway and air transport. Thus the investment, for such type of
transportation facility is less.
B) Flexibility: This is an important feature of road transport. The flexibility of
movement of passengers and goods is more possible in road transport. The roads
are more flexible than railways has no fixed route or time to move. Road transport
can also establish the linkage between rural and urban areas. Roads are most
important for goods transport.
C) Freedom for utilization: Road transport is more elastic as compared to
rail or air transport, because due to natural or other problems rail or air transport
88
becomes unhealthy and obstacle oriented. But there is full freedom for the utilization
of roads to the passengers.
D) Speedy transportation: Roads are most important for speedy
transportation from one place to another. Existences of adequate roads and road
transport facilities assists to develop all the sectors of country. We can get inter
connectivity between one village to another and village to city for the various
purposes. So that road transport is most suitable for producers, manufactures and
traders also. Road transport is acceptable to carry bulky as well as perishable
products like fruits and vegetables over short distance. If the quality of roads of the
country is better, we can reach to the proper place in proper time with a speedy
method.
E) Safety journey of passengers and goods: Road transportation is most
safety for passengers and goods as compared to other means of transportation
within the certain limit. So that people gives more preference to road transport rather
than rail or air transport. Apart from this if some obstacles arises in road transport,
alternatives can find out for, transportation which is not possible for rail or air
transport tool of economic development with sate journey.
F) Useful for shorter distance transport: Road transport is most reliable for
short distance transport in a developing country like India, because such type of
transport can develop in a lakhs of villages in India with the help of surfaced and un
surfaced roads. Railway or air transport cannot become more benefisher to India
because of its vast geographical area. This road transport is the useful means of
transportation for short distance in a development country like India.
In this way, above mentioned all features of road are important. Due to the
large size of increasing population and urbanization, some problems arises in road
transport. But we can solve these obstacles, with a systematic way. Government of
India and all state governments in a country have given stress on the development
of roads and road transport since last 20 years. Thus, road transport plays vital role
in all round development of a country.
3.2.2 Private and Public Transport System in India:
Road transport was not so developed in India before 1947. But since
independence central and state Governments have given priority to the
development roads in country. Due to the appropriate policy adopted by
89
Government of India, private and public transport system has been developed since
1957. Private transport system includes the goods transport, passenger transport
as well as the various means of passenger and goods transport. Government of
India has given the permission to private transport to solve the problems of
transportation. Most of state governments, in India are providing Bus facility to the
passengers in rural and urban areas of the country. In addition to this, Government
has implemented a policy for the development of various types of private vehicles
for passenger and goods transport in country. i.e. Minibus, Zips, trucks, Rickets,
private cars etc. Now we will see the progress of private and public means of
transport during the period of 2001 to 2008. The Table No.3.1 clears statewise
progress of private and public transport system in India.
“State wise progress of private and public registered vehicles in India.”
“Statewise progress of Vehicles Registration in India from 2001-2008”
States/Year 2001
(in’000)
2002
(in’000)
2003
(in’000)
2004
(in’000)
2005
(in’000)
2006
(in’000)
2007
(in’000)
2008
(in’000)
Andhra
Pradesh 3,966 4,389 5,002 5,720 6,446 7,232 8,042 8,989
Arunachal
Pradesh 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21
Assam 542 596 657 727 798 883 973 1,086
Bihar 949 1,024 1,121 751 726 694 647 593
Chhattisgarh 857 948 1,076 1,216 1,367 1,536 1,726 1,939
Goa 341 366 397 436 483 537 585 638
Gujarat 5,576 6,008 6,508 7,087 7,892 8,785 9,633 10,543
Haryana 1,949 2,122 2,279 2,548 2,883 3,267 3,689 4,167
Himachal
Pradesh 217 244 269 289 319 375 421 480
Jammu &
Kashmir 330 364 399 439 493 556 628 719
90
States/Year 2001
(in’000)
2002
(in’000)
2003
(in’000)
2004
(in’000)
2005
(in’000)
2006
(in’000)
2007
(in’000)
2008
(in’000)
Jharkhand 909 984 1,101 1,217 1,341 1,479 1,630 1,796
Karnataka 3,537 3,636 3,738 3,977 4,338 4,717 5,036 5,360
Kerala 2,112 2315 2552 2792 3180 3612 4034 4564
Madhya
Pradesh 3,095 3,173 3,459 3,804 4,119 4,442 4,710 4,968
Maharashtra 6,760 7,414 8,134 8,969 10,055 11,281 12,477 13,817
Manipur 77 90 97 106 114 123 134 145
Meghalaya 62 67 73 73 78 84 89 95
Mizoram 31 34 37 42 48 54 61 70
Nagaland 160 177 162 172 186 201 215 230
Orissa 1,096 1,215 1,359 1,525 1,717 1,936 2,159 2,417
Punjab 2,910 3,103 3,308 3,529 3,859 4,225 4,571 4,992
Rajasthan 2,943 3,197 3,487 3,834 4,285 4,791 5,281 5,815
Sikkim 12 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
Tamil Nadu 5,162 5,658 8,005 8,575 10,085 11,901 13,860 16,208
Tripura 50 57 66 76 85 95 105 117
Uttarakhand 364 406 457 516 580 651 732 822
Uttar Pradesh 4,921 5,171 5,928 6,460 7,271 8,144 8,970 9,919
West Bengal 1,690 1,690 2,366 2,548 2,816 3,138 3,464 3,833
Adman &
Nicobar
Islands
25 28 28 28 31 34 38 42
Chandigarh 386 386 562 586 629 677 732 799
91
States/Year 2001
(in’000)
2002
(in’000)
2003
(in’000)
2004
(in’000)
2005
(in’000)
2006
(in’000)
2007
(in’000)
2008
(in’000)
Dadra &
Nagar Haveli 13 13 31 35 43 54 67 86
Daman & Diu 37 41 44 48 55 63 71 79
Delhi 3,635 3,699 3,971 4,237 4,544 4,868 5,166 5,469
Lakshadweep 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8
Pondicherry 252 270 293 313 359 418 495 552
Source - www.automobileeindustryinindia.com
Table No. 3.1 shows the statewise progress of total private and public vehicles
registered in India during 2001 to 2008. The table also indicates that Andra-
Pradesh, Gujrat, Haryana, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh are the most developed
states in respect of registered vehicles during 2001 to 2008.
���� The progress of registered private and public vehicles in India during
planning period:
The total number of various types of private and public vehicles has been
increased during the period of 1950-51 to 2007-2008. The following table No-3.2
indicates the progress of these vehicles since 1950-51 to 2007-2008.
Table No.3.2
“The Growth of Registered vehicles in India during planning period.”
Year
Type of vehicle Total No.
of
vehicles Two
wheelers
Car/Jeeps
&Taxi Buses
Goods
Transport
Other
Vehicles
1950-51 27 159 34 82 04 306
1960-61 88 310 57 168 42 665
1970-71 576 682 94 343 170 1,865
1980-81 2,618 1,160 162 554 897 5,391
92
Year
Type of vehicle Total No.
of
vehicles Two
wheelers
Car/Jeeps
&Taxi Buses
Goods
Transport
Other
Vehicles
1990-91 14,200 2,954 331 1,356 2,533 21,374
2000-01 38,556 7,058 634 2,948 N.A. 54,991
2005-06 63,487 11,571 879 4,345 N.A. 88,068
2007-08 77,588 14,222 1,003 5,018 N.A. 1,06,591
N.A.
Reference :
A) Ministry of Road Transport Govt. of India, Motor Transport Statistics Various
issues.
B) Economic Survey 2011-12 Govt. of India. New Dehli.
Tables No. 3.2 clears the growth of private and public vehicles in India
since(13) 1950-51 to 2007-08. The total number of all registered private and public
vehicles has increased from 3.06 lakh to 10.66 crodes (352 times) during the period
of 1950-51 to 2007-2008. The table also indicates that two-wheelers and four
wheelers number has increased mostly. All types of these vehicles play vital role in
road transport and economic development of a country now-a-days.
���� State-wise Registered Commercial and Non-commercial Vehicles
Progress in India:
The number of registered private and public vehicles has been increasing
since, 1951. Due to the economic development of a country, every state has made a
considerable progress. So that the standard of living has also enhanced. As the
income level of the various states increased, the number of private and public
vehicles has increased. These two types of vehicles have played vital role in Indian
economy. Now we will consider the progress of various types of registered vehicles
in the states during 2001 to 2008 in India. The table No. 3.3 shows us the details
regarding state-wise registered vehicles in India.
93
Table No. 3.3
State-wise position of registered vehicles in India
Sr.No. States
Total
Commercial
Vehicles
Total Non-
Commercial
Vehicles
Total No. of
Vehicles
1 Andhra Pradesh 5,70,488 51,49,432 57,19,920
2 Arunachal Pradesh 5,272 15,872 21,144
3 Assam 1,47,966 5,78,853 7,26,819
4 Bihar 97,280 6,53,623 7,50,903
5 Chhattisgarh 88,621 11,27,124 12,15,745
6 Goa 50,842 3,85,278 4,36,126
7 Gujarat 7,49,317 63,38,173 70,87,490
8 Haryana 2,68,192 22,79,718 25,47,910
9 Himachal Pradesh 66,609 2,22,204 2,88,813
10 Jammu & Kashmir 86,949 3,51,647 4,38,596
11 Jharkhand 1,30,176 10,86,782 12,16,958
12 Karnataka 4,53,262 35,23,322 39,76,584
13 Kerala 6,85,191 21,06,883 27,92,074
14 Madhya Pradesh 2,38,404 35,65,124 38,03,528
15 Maharashtra 11,43,904 78,24,829 89,68,733
16 Manipur 12,456 93869 1,06,325
17 Meghalaya 24,819 48,563 73,382
18 Mizoram 10,319 31,826 42,145
19 Nagaland 66,506 1,05,411 1,71,917
94
Sr.No. States
Total
Commercial
Vehicles
Total Non-
Commercial
Vehicles
Total No. of
Vehicles
20 Orissa 1,46,512 13,78,570 15,24,982
21 Punjab 1,77,965 33,51,135 35,29,100
22 Rajasthan 3,40,537 34,93,269 38,33,806
23 Sikkim 7,325 9,911 17,236
24 Tamil Nadu 8,28,021 77,47,220 85,75,241
25 Tripura 20,931 54,616 75,547
26 Uttarakhand 40,271 4,75,711 5,15,982
27 Uttar Pradesh 2,86,860 61,73,338 64,60,198
28 West Bengal 3,88,627 21,59,336 25,47,963
29 Delhi 2,33,212 40,03,463 42,36,675
Total of Union
Territories 44,922 9,97,701 10,42,623
All India Total 74,11,756 6,53,05,503 7,17,44,474
Source – Website – www.automobile.industry in India
Table No. 3.3. shows us the state-wise position of registered total number of
private and public vehicles during 2001 to 2008 in India. The total number of these
vehicles has increased on large scale during last 10 years. Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nude, Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi are the states where the
registered number of non-commercial vehicles (private vehicles) has increased on
large scale. This means that the total number of private and public vehicles has
increased during last few years due to the growth of population and standard of
living of the people’s in the country. But on the contrary, the quantitative and
qualitatively roads have not developed. So that the various problems have been
arised in respect of road transport in a country. We cannot neglect these problems
for overall growth of infrastructure in India.
95
3.2.3 Road Transport in India-progress and problems. National
Highway Authority of India.
Road transport plays vital role in a developing country like India of all the
means of transportation. Government of India and all state Governments have made
considerable efforts for the development of road transport facilities in India during
planning period. Government of India has made sufficient financial provision for road
transport development in rural as well as urban areas of the country. The overall
development of a country is depend on the infrastructural progress i.e. road, rail,
electricity etc. So that the principle of BOT (built, operate and transfer) has been
accepted by the Government to earn maximum reverse from road transport and for
the expansion roads with quality. Now we will consider the development of roads in
India since 1951.
���� Progress of Road Transport – The Government of India and the various state
Governments in a country have developed following 5 types of roads in country
during last 60 years of independence.
A) National Highways: National highways are always connected with
important ports, industrial places and the states in a country. The road construction,
maintenance and management of highways are belongs to central Government in
India. At present, there are 70000 Kilometers length highways in a country. The
quality and management of such type of roads is very excellent as compared to
other roads available in a country.
B) State Highways: The roads linked with the important cities in the states
are known ‘State Highways’. The construction, maintenance and management of
such type of roads is under the state Government authority. Now-a-days we find
1,36,000 kilometre length of state highways existing in a country.
C) District Roads: District roads are connected with the talukas and
important places in a district. These roads are important for marketing and
production of centers. At present, there are 3 Lakh kilometers length district roads in
a country. The maintenance and management of such type of roads is in the hands
of Zilla-Parishads. The quality and maintenance of such type of roads is not superior
as compared to state and national highways.
D) Rural Roads: There are two types of rural roads available in a country i.e.
surface and subsurface. Village panchayat prepares such type of rural road up to 2
96
to 5 kilometer distance since 10 plan, due to the central and state Government’s
assistance, rural roads have been developed. In India, rural roads have been
developed within the 6 Lakh villages. But the quality and maintenance of these
roads is very poor. So that many problems arises in rainy season particularly while
transporting light and motor vehicles on rural roads.
E) Border Roads: Such type of roads, are prepared the Nation. These roads
have been constructed for the protection of border of the country. In India, there are
18500 kilometers length roads are of border roads.
Road Transport progress in India:
Government of India has given attention to the development of all types of
roads since 1951. Government has established a institute of road research in 1950.
This institute has given technical consult and guidance to the Government time to
time. According to the guidelines of this institute, Central Government has
developed national and state highway roads, district roads and rural roads. Due, to
the proper guidance of research institute, since 1951 all types of roads have been
developed in a country. Now we will see the progress of roads in India during
planning period with the help of table no. 3.4 given below
Table No. 3.4
“Development of roads in India during planning period”
Unit - 000 Km.
Sr.
No Particulars
Development of Roads
1950-
1951
1960-
1961
1970-
1971
1980-
1981
1990-
1991
2000-
2001
2007-
2008
1 Total length
of Roads 399.9 524.5 914.9 1485 2331 3374 4110
2
Length of
National
Highways
19.8 23.8 23.8 31.7 33.7 57.7 70.5
3 Length of
State
Highways
1.66 N.A. 56.8 94.4 127.3 13.2 155
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
97
Sr.
No Particulars
Development of Roads
1950-
1951
1960-
1961
1970-
1971
1980-
1981
1990-
1991
2000-
2001
2007-
2008
4
No.of
registered
vehicles
(000)
306 665 1865 5391 21374 54991 114951
Denotes the figures of 2008-09.
Source – Economic survey-2011-12. Government of India. Ministry of finance,
Department of Economic Affairs, Economic Division Feb. 2012.
Table No. 3.4 shows the overall progress of roads in India during the period of
1950-51 to 2007-08. Due to the development of above mentioned roads, the total
number of goods and passenger vehicles, who are using the roads available, also
increased. This is a sign of India’s infrastructural development in rural as well as
urban areas. Since 10th five year plan, Government of India along with the State
Government has given more priority to road development thorough various
schemes. The infrastructural development has been made with the help of public
and private sector, participation. Due to this proper policy, since last 10 years, the
quality and progress of rural and urban areas in India has also improved.
Problems of Road Transport in India:
Since 1957, Government of India and the State Governments have made
considerable progress in respect of road transport quantitatively. But being a vast
country, road transport of country is facing a number of problems in rural as well as
urban areas. Now we will discuss the major problems of road transport in India.
A) Inadequate surface roads and poor maintenance: Most of the Indian
roads are unsurfaced. We find that 42.65% of roads in India are unsurfaced which
are not useful for vehicle traffic. In addition to this, the maintenance of these roads is
very poor. So that they aggravates the problems especially in rainy season. Due to
the poor maintenance of roads, various types of vehicles have to face the problem
of increasing losses of Rs. 200 crores per year. Thus, inadequate surface roads and
poor maintenance of roads is one of important problem of roads transport in rural as
well as urban areas of the country.
98
B) Mixing of means of transport on roads: This is one of the important
problem of road transport in India. Indian roads are mixing of traffic vehicles. We find
that two-wheelers, three-wheelers, bullock carts, cyclists, high speed cars, tractors,
trucks, and animals etc. are often use roads. Even though highways are not free
from this malady. This situation leads to traffic congestion, pollution and road
accidents.
C) The problem of multiple check-posts and excessive taxation: Indian
vehicles have to pay more and excess tax for using the roads. There are multiple
check ports, toll tax, octroi, rates in a country. Some time due to the policy of check-
post, the speed of vehicles decreases and cost of transportation increases. In short,
defective multiple check-posts and taxation policy is caused to time-wasting and
irritation to the transports in India. The average taxes charged to each vehicle in
India is of Rs. 3500/- every year. Due to this road transport in India has become
expensive.
D) Lack of facilities for safeties: Since 1951, the total length of roads has
increased on large scale. But as compared to the expansion of road transport
Government has failed to provide the facilities of safeties i.e. servicing center, first
aid centers, telephones, clean toilets, restaurants and rest places. Due to the lack of
these facilities, road transport quality is not superior as compared is not superior
compared to air and railway transportation.
E) Little partnership of private sector: The share of private sector in road
transport development was very little during the period of 1951 to 1990. There are
two basic reasons for less participation of private sector in road transport
development in India i.e. long gestation period and low returns on it. Government of
India and the State Government have also not prepared legislatives on work for
private investment in road transportation. Government has not shown the keen
interest in designing and construction of roads up to 2005-06. So that private sector
participation in Indian road development was little up to 2005-06. But since 2005-06,
Government has given priority to increase the share of private sector in road
development through BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer) principle for rural and
urban areas in the country.
F) Lack of coordination: Government of India and the State Governments in
country have made considerable progress in the lengths of roads during last 60
years. But yet we do not find coordination between the facilities provided to National
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Highways and rural roads. The attitude towards national highways roads
maintenance is always positive whereas the rural roads construction and
maintenance is always neglected. So that rural and taluka level roads condition in
rainy season is very bad now-a-days.
G) Lack of stable road development policy: There has been no stability in
road transport policy in India. It has changed as per change in government. On the
contrary, there are number of private and public sector agencies which look after the
construction and maintenance of diffident types of roads in India. We also find that
there is no co-ordination between these agencies about road development
programmers. Due to the unstable policy in road transport development, India’s
quality of roads and infrastructure is not superior as compared to the developed
(western) countries.
H) Shortage of funds for road development: This is one of the important
problems in India in respect of road development. The quality and quantity of roads
is bad due to the scarcity of funds for the construction and maintenance of roads in
a country. The plan allocation for road development has decreased from 6.9% to 3%
of, the total plan expenditure during the period of 1950-51 to 1997-98. Since 9th plan
government has given priority to increase the funds for road construction and
maintenance in rural as well as urban areas of the country. Government has also
taken the decision of private sector participation to solve the problem of funds for
road development.
Apart from all above mentioned problems the problem of inadequate roads of 2
and 4 lines, lack of other facilities, increase in the rate of accidents, variation in the
rates of toll etc. are the issues before road transport in India. We must have to solve
these problems for overall development of country.
National Highways Authority of India:
Road transport consists of 40% share in India’s total transportation facility.
Being a vast nature of country, the development of road transport was not quite
excellent up to 1951 to 1990. So that central Government in India prepared a plan
for the expansion of road transport. Government of India has set up a autonomious
body named ‘National Highways Authority of India’ in 1989. But actually this board
started its functioning since February 1995. The main function of this autonomous
board is to take a responsibility of development, maintenance and operation
National Highways and other associated facilities for rural and urban transport.
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Government of India provides funds to this board. This board has to develop the
road facilities in association with the state’s Public Works Departments (PWDS) and
Broder Road Organization. Now we will see the nature and progress of National
Highway Authority of India since its establishment.
The functioning and progress of National Highways Authority of India:
The nature of functioning of this board is at national level. Up to 2003, the board
has started 135 different type of works related to road development through the
contractors in a country. Out of which 87 road development work were undertaken
with the help of domestic contractors, 11 are related to foreign contractors and 37
are of collaborative i.e. domestic and foreign contractors jointly. The total value of
this total work of road transport was of Rs. 20,000 crores. The board has prepared a
systematic plan for road transport development since last 6 years. The board has
prepared a plan of road development within the 7 phases with their specific period of
completions as given below.
NAHI’s Plan of Road Development:
Phase Total Length of Road Period
I & II 14145 km. Dec.2009
III 12109 km. Dec.2013
IV 20000 km. Dec.2012
V 1000 km. Dec.2015
VI 6500 km Dec.2015
VII
Ring Roads, Bypasses,
Grade Separators, flyover
Bridges, under bypasses
On BOT principle
Ref : Economics Survey of India 2011-12(10I)
Since 2006-07, the scope of National Highways Authority of India is increasing.
The board has made the solution for the increasing trend of road accidents through
the development of the construction of two-four, six and eight lines highways roads.
Upto Dec 2009, the board has determined target to construct roads of 5846km, for
the metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Along with this, the
board has also prepared a plan of 7142km. 4 lines road in I and II phase for East,
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West and South states in India. The total cost of I and II phase work to be completed
by NHAI was of Rs. 80826 crores.
National Highways Authority of India has made a plan to prepare 12109 km.
length of 4 & 6 lines roads up to December 2013. Which where linked to the high
density states in a country. These roads were useful to the capital cities of the
states, tourist places and economically benefisher cities. The board has also
determined to construct 20000 km. length 2 lines roads with pavers in the 4th phase.
Such type of roads will be developed with BOT principle whose total estimated cost
is of 6950 crores.
NHAI has also determined to construct 7500 km. 4 lines roads in the 5th phase
of estimated cost Rs. 41210 crores. Apart from this, the board has also made a plan
of 1000 km. length road construction upto Dec.2015 (6th phase) with the help of
Government and private sector participation whose estimate cost is of Rs.16680
Crores.
National Highways Authority of India has started to work for the problem of road
traffic in a metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, etc. The board has made
a solution for road safetyness through ring roads, expressways, tunnels and
overfly’s. Such type of work should be completed with BOT principle. The total
estimated cost of these road facilities is of Rs.16680 Crores. The board has also
determined to develop road facilities to eastern and north side states of the country.
Thus NHAI has made considerable progress in respect of road construction,
maintenance and the provision of qualitative roads for urban and rural areas. Since
last 10 years, NHAI has become successful for providing quality roads with the help
of public and private sector participation based on BOT principle. Due to the proper
working of NHAI, the infrastructural facilities of road transport has been developed in
a country.
3.2.4 Policy of Motor Transport, taxation city- transport in India:
Road transport has developed in India since 1951 rapidly. The number of all
types of vehicles is increasing day-by-day since 1951, The size and growth of
passenger and goods transport has also increased on large scale during planning
period. The number of all types of vehicles has increased from 3.06 Lakh to 11,495
Lakh during the period of 1951 to 2008. Due to the rapid growth of vehicles in a
country, the policy for motor transport has been emerged. So that Government of
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India and the State Governments has made proper policy for smooth working of
motor transport in a country. Now we will see the policy developed in India for
motor/vehicle transport on roads.
The first motor transport act was made in India on 1865 for goods transport.
After all, Government of India has made “Motor Vehicles Act’ on 14 October 1988.
The provisions in this “Motor Vehicles Act” are useful non-a-days also. The
important provisions of Motor Vehicles Act of 199 are as follows.
I) According to this Act, every moter-owner must have driving licence with one
year minimum 1 year experience.
ii) Motor-driver must have to obey the rules and regulations of transport.
iii) This act has cleared the rules for temporary and permanent license system.
iv) The act has given full authority to Central Government for policy determination
and implementation.
v) The act also denoted the machinary for the effective implementation of
transportation on roads. i.e. ministry of rail and road transport officer and
assistant regional transport officer, etc.
vi) This act has given full authority to charge fine for faulty motor driving-holder.
vii) R.T.O. of the state has given powers to control the rural and union transport
vehicles.
Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and Central Motor Rules 1989 have been modified later
on. The basic amendment have been made on 1994, 2000, 2001 and 2004. These
amendments are related to categorisation of motor Vehicles, encouring use of
battery CNG and solar energy. The amendment of 2000, has authorised use of LPG
as an auto fuel for vehicles. Amendments of 2004 includes the safety norms for
various components of agricultural tractors i.e. power steering, lamps, light, parking
light etc. The extension of Bharat State- II emission norms for 4 wheelers in solapur
and Lucknow with effect from 01-06-2004 and 11 mega cities in India from 1.4.2005.
The Central Government has notified the amendments in 2005 regarding the revised
norms for emissions and CNG/LPG type vehicles. Some of the state have been
empowered to prescribed special provisions such as fog lamp, power steering,
defogging and demisting systems in transport vehicles plying in the hilly areas.
Thus, In India, the various types of amendments have been made for safety road
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transportation since 1951. Due to the appropriate policy of transport, the quality of
road transport has been developed and controlled by the state governments under
Motor Vehicle Act of 1989.
Motor Transport Taxation Policy in India:
Road transport is an important infrastructural facility developed in India since
1951. As per increase in the size of passenger and goods transport in a country,
Central and State Governments have made considerable efforts to develop the
quality and extensive work regarding roads. But due to the rising trend in various
types of vehicles in India since last 20 years, the problems of road transport are also
enhancing. Here we must consider the cost and income from road transport for the
development roads in India. So that it is necessary to take into consideration the
cost of road construction, maintenance and income generated from the various
taxes charged on it. Now we will see the number of vehicles and income obtained
through the taxes to the Central and State Governments since 1951 with the help of
Table No. 3.5.
Table No. 3.5
Income from Road Transport in India
* Rs. In Crores
Year No. of Vehilcles Income from Road Transport
Central Govt, State Govt.
1950-51 30.6 Lakh 34.8 Crores 12.6
1960-61 66.5 Lakh 111.7 Crores 55.2
1970-71 186.5 Lakh 451.8 231.4
1980-81 539.1 Lakh 930.9 750.4
1990-91 2137.4 Lakh 4596 3259.6
2000-01 5499.1 Lakh 23861 12901.7
2006-07 9670.7 Lakh 54580 21770
2007-08 10533.3 Lakh 56758.2 24025.8
2008-09 11495.1 Lakh 53098 34241
2009-10 N.A. 59345.5 37733.5
Source: Economic Survey 2011-12 Government of India, New Delhi.
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Table No. 3.5 shows the trends in the income from road transport since 1950-
51 to 2009-10. It indicates the rising trend in income as per increase in the number
ofvehicles running on the roads in a country.
Nature of taxes and tax revenue from road transport in India:
Central and State Governments in India have increased their tax revenue from
road transport since independence. The government has also increased the tax
rates of road transport during planning period. In India, the taxes like registration fee
vehicle tax, maintenance tax, passenger toll etc. are charged to owner of the
vehicles. Table No. 3.6 denotes the progress of various types of tax revenue to the
states since 1980-81.
Table No. 3.6
Income from Road Transport in India
* Rs. In Crores
Year
State’s
income from
vehicle tax
The share of vehicle
tax to the total tax
revenue(%)
1980-81 687 10.38 %
1990-91 2628 8.66 %
2000-01 8740 7.41 %
2004-05 16017 8.47 %
2005-06 18417 8.67 %
2006-07 20047 7.94 %
2007-08 21951 7.66 %
Source : A) Economic Survey 2011-12
B) Various issue of State Finance RBI
Table No. 3.6 shows us the progress of the vehicle tax revenue to the states in
India since 1980-81 to 2007-08. It is clear that as per increase in vehicle tax
revenue, the states have not improved the quality of roads in india. The average
share of vehicle tax to the total tax revenue remains up to 8 to 10%. It is necessary
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to increase the infrastructure facilities in India for overall rapid economic growth of a
country. But the state Governments have to try to increase tax revenue from the
various types of taxes through road transport facility.
Urban Transport in India:
In a developing country like India, since 1951, due to the rapid growth of
population leads to the growing figures of cities and metro-Politian cities. On the
contrary, the flow of rural youth attracts towards urban areas for getting employment
on large scale. The old taluka and district level cities have created the various
problems of urbanisation. So that we have to consider the progress of urban areas
in country. Here we will also consider the problems of urban transportation in India.
Nature of Urban transport in India:
The urbanisation in India has increased due to the process of economic
development through industrialisation since 1951. As per increase in the cities and
suburban areas in big cities like Mumbai,Delhi, Kolkata etc. the number of private
and public vehicles has also increased on large scale. The number of benefishery of
local train has increased per day from 6551 to 88872 during the period of 1950-51 to
2000-2001in india. The number of all types of vehicles has increased due to the rise
and expansion of Indian metro-Politian cities. Now we will see the number of
vehicles running on roads of selected and cities in India. The table No. 3.7 shows us
the position of urbanisation of the selected cities in the country.
Table No 3.7
Private and Public Transport Vehicles in selected Metropolitan Cities in India
(As on 31/03/2000)
Metropolitan
Cities
Number of Vehicles
Total Two
Wheelers Cars
Taxiess
Rickshaws Buses Others
Ahmedabad 6,16,738 1,04,179 43,865 14,993 19,316 7,99,091
Bangolare 11,64,204 2,38,374 77,375 6,380 63,362 15,49,695
Chennai 8,48,118 2,07,860 45,016 4,409 44,223 11,49,626
Delhi 21,84,581 8,69,820 1,04,747 37,733 2,26,593 34,23,474
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Metropolitan
Cities
Number of Vehicles
Total Two
Wheelers Cars
Taxiess
Rickshaws Buses Others
Hyderabad 7,57,684 99,314 48,898 2,539 42,189 9,50,624
Jaipur 4,44,889 76,133 12,513 14,362 49,760 5,97,657
Kanpur 2,73,208 3,23,212 5,252 882 23,556 6,26,110
Kolkata 2,98,959 2,38,560 41,946 8,586 75,995 6,64,046
Lucknow 3,44,268 53,069 15,454 2,816 26,779 4,42,386
Mumbai 4,07,306 3,25,473 1,56,261 15,414 65,226 9,69,680
Nagpur 272734 27,573 10,666 2,788 17,478 3,31,239
Patna 184585 40,357 16,302 3,785 30,989 2,76,018
Pune 4,43,266 62,885 44,590 7,827 3,4,046 5,92,614
Other : includes goods vehicles, tractors and other vehicles
Source : Review of Urban Transport in India. Sanjay K. Singh page No. 83
Table 3.7 shows us the nature of various types of vehicles registered as on
31/3/2000. Since last 12 years the number of above table mentioned vehicles has
also increased on large scale. Due to the increasing number of these vehicles, the
pressure on road transport in urban areas in India has also become serious.
Since 1991, the speed or urbanisation in India has in increasing trend. As per
increase in the number of various types of vehicles the urban area people have to
face several problems i.e. the problems of housing, inadequate public transportation
facilities, the problems of infrastructural facilities, pollution and health problem etc.
The metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Bangalore have
become centres of pollution and health hazards. Road accident has become a
serious problem in Indian cities since last 10 years so that urban transport has to
face several problems in India.
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Urban transport problems In India:
The problems of urbanisation and urban transport have become serious now-a-
days. The important problems of urban transport in India since last 20 years are as
follows:
A) Traffic congestion and accidents: There is a serious problem of traffic
congestion in big cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore arises due to the
increasing trend off all types of vehicles. Most of the vehicle-owners do not obey the
traffic rules, hence the ratio of accidents is increasing day-by-day. Every year 8000
people avergely lost their lives in a accidents. On the contrary, the population growth
is also one of the important reason for these deaths and accidents. So that we have
considered this serious problem of urban areas transportation and make a solution
over it.
B) Environment Pollution: Noise, air and water pollution in Indian cities is
the gift of defective urban transportation and population growth in a country.
Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore have crossed the
pollution level in a country. World Health organisation has given red indicator in
2001 to these cities and Government of India to control the environmental pollution.
Most of the petrol and Diesel vehicles running on the roads creates air pollution and
rising level of dust in a big cities in India. Recently Delhi and some elsewhere cities
have adopted policy of CNG, fuel, but the ratio of these vehicles is very low. So that
environment in these cities has already not apart from pollution.
C) Roadways congestion and speed of vehicles: Due to the increasing
number of vehicles in a big cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune etc. The problem of
traffic congestion arised. It affects all modes of transportation as well as all socio
economic groups in a country.
In a capital city of India (Delhi) the number of vehicles is increasing around 10%
per year, Due to the rise in the number of these vehicles, the average roadway
speed for motor vehicles in Mumbai has decreased from 38 km/ph to 15 km/h during
1962 to 1993. In Delhi, the average vehicular speed come down from 27 km/h to 15
km/hour during 1997 to 2002. In a city Kolkata the average speed of motor vehicle is
of 7 km/hour in 2003. Thus, the decreasing average speed of motor vehicles in a big
cities increases the cost of transportation which leads to the inflation and low
standard of living of urban people. It is necessary to prepare a systematic plan for
urban transportation for health.
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D) Inadequate public transport facilities: Most of the metropolitan cities in
India are increasing on large scale. As per increase in the population, the public
transport facilities like buses, locals and metro-trains have not enhanced. Due to the
inadequate facilities of public transport the number of private vehicles is increasing
recently. So that the various traffic congestion problems arises in these cities. In
addition to this, most of the person using footpath are not obey the traffic rules. So
that the problems of accidents often take place in a city while developing a
metropolitan city, the planner have not considered the future traffic congestion
problems. So that these cities and suburban areas have to face a number of
transportation problems.
Thus, urban transport has to face number of problems. Central and State
Governments in India have adopted a policy of private public partnership for the
road transport development. But this policy is not sufficient to solve the acuit urban
transportation problems.
Rail-Road Coordination:
Railway and road transport in India is compliment and for each other. Due to
the development of road transport facility, the farmers living in Lakhs of villages in
India have got a way to transport their agricultural produce to the market as well as
to the railway stations in the country, Now-a-days rail transport is most useful for
solving the road transport problems arise in a country. Since last 20 years
Government has developed local trains in the metropolitan cities like Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad as the substitute for road transport. In a capital city of
India (Delhi), metro-train facility has been playing important role in the passenger
transportation. Though we find co-ordination between the road and rail transport,
sometimes there is a competition between these two types of mode of transport.
Indian railway is competing with the goods transport of trucks and motor transport. It
is necessary to establish coordination between the means of road and rail transport
for overall development of country. The rural as well as urban economic
development is based upon these two modes of transport. So that Central and State
Government should consider the need of coordination between rail and road
transport in India.
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
109
3.3 Summary:
The means of transport plays an important role in a country. Road transport,
railway and air transport are the important mode of transport for a developing
country like India. Road transport facility has been developed in India since 20th
century. The total length of roads has increased from 3.99 lakh kilometers to 41.10
Lakh kilometer during the period of 1950-51 to 2007-08 in India, Government of
India and the various state Government have developed 5 types of roads in a
country since last 60 years. These roads are as follows.
a) National Highways
b) State Highways
c) District Roads
d) Rural Roads
e) Border Roads.
Due to the rapid growth of population in India, the rural and urban areas has to
face several road transport problems since last 20 years. The various problems of
road transport in India are as follows –
a) Inadequate surface roads and poor maintenance.
b) Mixing of means of transport on roads.
c) The problem of multiple check-posts and excessive taxation.
d) Lack of facilities for astuteness.
e) Little partnership of private sector.
f) Lack of co-ordination
g) Lack of stable road transport policy.
Central Government has established National Highway Authority of India
Limited on 1989 for solving the problems of road transport in a country. This is an
autonomous board working since 1995 for all round development of rods in rural as
well as urban areas of a country. The board has prepared a plan of roads
development within the 7 different stages during 1995 to Des. 2015, with the help of
state Governments and public works departments (PWD’S)
110
During the planning period, Government of India has made a motor transport
act in 1988 for controlling the vehicles on the roads. The Government has also
made necessary provisions, in the motor vehicles act 1988, regarding the taxes and
charges for the registration of different types of vehicles. Due to this proper policy,
the total tax revenue of the Government has increased from Rs. 34.8 Crores to Rs.
39345.5 Crores during the period of 1950-51 to to 2009-10, The total tax revenue of
the states also increased from Rs12.6 Crores to Rs. 37733.5 Crores during the
same period in India.
Now-a-days a problem of urban transport has become serious in India. Most of
the metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and Bengalore have to
face several transportation problems. We must have to consider the problems of
urban transport and make a proper solution over it, Central and State Government
should prepare a policy for infrastructural development of the successive economic
planning. So that it is needed to enhance transport facility quantitatively as well as
qualitatively in a country for substainable and inclusive growth economy.
3.4 Self Learning Questions:
A) Multiple choice questions
1. The rapid development of road transport in the world development was in ------------
------ century.
1) 14th 2) 15th 3) 17th 4) 20th
2 --------------------- is the base of economic development of a country.
1) Road transport 2) Rail transport
3) Road & Rail
transport 4) Air transport
3 Since 1951, --------------- type of vehicles have increased as compared to public
vehicles in India
1) private 2) buses 3) railway 4) bulletcars
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4. --------------------------- state is the most developed in respect of vehicles.
1) Maharashtra 2) Gujarat 3) Assam 4) Karnataka
5. The functioning of National Highways Authority of India Ltd was started in -----------
--------
1) 1989 2) 1995 3) 2001 4) 2005
b) Answer in One sentence
1 State two features of road transport.
2 Which are the two means of public passenger transport in India ?
3 Who gives license of vehicles in India ?
4 Who is getting maximum income from road transport in India?
5 State two problems of urban transport in India
6 Which types of vehicles are on large scale in India ?
3.5 Answer to Self Learning Questions:
(A) Rewrite the following sentences by choosing correct alternative.
1 The rapid development of road transport in the world development was in 20th
century.
2 Road transport is the base of economic development of a country.
3 Since 1951, private type of vehicles have increased as compare to public vehicles
in India
112
4 Maharashtra state is the most developed in respect of vehicles.
5 The functioning of National Highways Authority of India Ltd has started on 1995.
B) Answer in one sentence
1 Less investment and flexibility are the two features of road transport.
2 Business and Railway are the two of public passenger transport in India.
3 Central Government of India gives license of vehicles in India ?
4 Central Government of India is getting maximum income from road transport in
India.
5 Traffic congestion and accidents are two problems of urban transport in India
6 In India, we find two-wheelers on large scale
3.6 Keywords :
A) Infrastructural facility: The facilities developed for overall development of a
country.
B) Rural Roads: The roads developed in rural areas of the country for agricultural
and allied activities development.
C) National Highways: The roads linked with the metropolitan cities and states in
a country.
D) State Highways: The roads developed in the states.
D) Metro-train: A facility developed in a metropolitan cities to overcome traffic
congestion.
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3.7 Questions for Self-study:
A) Write short notes.
1) Nature of Road transport
2) Private and Public transport in India.
3) Development of road transport in India.
4) Policy of Motor transport in India.
5) The problems of urban transport in India.
6) Rail- Road Coordination
B) Essay type Question
1) State the meaning, nature and characteristics of road transport.
2) Explain the progress of road transport in India since 1951. What are the
problems of road transport in a country?
3) State the Motor transport policy of India. Explain the position of tax revenue of
the Government.
4) Explain the present position of urban transport in India. Can rail-road
coordination becomes successful to solve problems of urban transport in India?
3.8 References for Further Study:
1. Transport sector in India (1983) Mishra/ Chaudhary Prasannkumar, Kalyani
Publishers, Ludhiyana (U.P)
2. Management of Modern City Transportation System (2004) Dewan K.K/
Mustafa M. First Edition, Deep and Deep Publication, New Delhi. 110027
3. Economic of Development and Planning (2004) Lekhi R.K. 9th Edition, Kalyani
Publishers Ludhiyana,
4. Review of Urban Transport in India (2007) Singh Sanjay K. Article of website
www.urbantransportinindia.
5. Urban Transport Crisis in India, Transport Policy December (2005) Online
Journal Elsener.
6. Economic Survey (2008-08 to 2011-12) GOI Publication, New Delhi.
7. Transport- Theories and Development (1979) Kshirsagar R.N. (Marathi Book)
Continental Prakashan, Pune (Maha.) � � �
114
Unit- 4
Water Transport
Index
4.0 Objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Subject Description
4.2.1 Scope and Importance of Water Transport
4.2.2 Development of Water Transport in India
4.2.3 Inland and Ocean Water Transport
4.2.4 Problems of Water Transport
4.2.5 Water Transport Policy
4.3 Summary
4.4 Self – Learning Questions
4.5 Answers to self learning questions
4.6 Keywords
4.7 Questions for Self Study
4.8 References for further study
4.0 Objectives:
Following are the objectives of this unit.
1. To understand the scope and importance of water transport
2. To study the progress of water transport in India
3. To take the review of Inland and Ocean Transport in India
4. To understand the problems or limitations of water transport
5. To study the Water Transport Policy of India.
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4.1 Introduction:
Water transport is contributing a lot in the economic development of India. We
have studied the role of road transport in economic development of India. Water
transport is very much useful for the International Trade. Shipping is an important
indicator of both commodity and services trade of any country. It plays an important
role in the Indian economy with around 95% of the country’s trade by volume and
68% in terms of value being transported by sea. As on 1st January, 2012, India had
a fleet strength of 1122 ships with Gross Tonnage of 11.06 million, the public sector
Shipping Corporation of India having the largest share of 36.17%. Of this, 372 ships
with 10.01 million Gross Tonnes cater to India’s overseas trade and the rest of
coastal trade.
4.2: Subject Description:
The unit Water Transport covers the scope and importance of water transport. It
also included the progress of water transport in India, progress of Inland and Ocean
transport, Problems of Water Transport and Policy for Water Transport.
4.2.1 Scope and Importance of Water Transport:
Water Transport is the cheapest mode of traffic for both long and short
distance. However, in ancient period, shipping was one of the big industries of India,
perhaps known as the Queen of Eastern Seas. Indians were much skilled in the
building of ships and used to go to different distance countries like Persia, East
Africa, Malaya and Eastern Island on their ships. In this context, Shri. S.L. Haja has
rightly stated that Indian Naval power was undoubtedly a great achievement of
Indian civilization.
Water Transport is considered as harbinger of modern civilization, a source of
employment and an active agent of progress and the development. Water transport
is the oldest and cheapest form for moving goods from one place to another place. It
operates on natural tracks and hence does not require huge capital investments in
the construction and maintenance of water ways. The path is provided by nature
and less investment is required in laying down the track and its maintenance. This
mode of transport has the largest carrying capacity and suitable for transport of bulk
goods over long distance.
The landmass in the world is connected with various waterways through ocean.
Due to this connectivity the water transport is considered as the best means for
transport of bulk commodities. This form of transport is extensively used for the
116
international trade. Ocean transport is favourable because of geographical fact that
the ocean and seas are interconnected. British Empire could establish several
colonies all over the world due to its well-developed, wall-equipped overseas water
transport system. Water transport can easily carry goods and commodities of low
values. After discovery of various ocean routes, the economic importance of these
routes has been increased significantly. Oceans are considered to be the cheapest
and the safest highway to carry passenger and cargo. Water transport can be
classified into Inland water transport and Ocean transport. The major characteristics
of water transport are as follows:
1. Cheapest mode of Transportation: Water transport is the cheapest mode
of transportation as compared to Rail, Road and Air transport. To build the roads,
railway lines the huge capital investment is required. All types of waterways are
natural gift, so they are not required the capital investment.
2. High Capacity of Transportation: Basically, the water transport is used
for the long distance and heavy freight transportation. As against from the rail and
motor transport the freight transportation capacity is less. So all over the world the
water transport has given the priority for heavy transportation.
3. Less Consumption of Fuel: The important feature of water transport is
this mode of transporatation is fuel efficient. In the Ancient era the small ships were
used for the transportation, and these ships are working without fuel. Today also the
small ships which are using for the fish catching, they are depending on the wind
flow only. As an impact of modern technology, today we are operating very large
ships with the machine. So water transport has got the speed for travelling. But, the
cost of fuel is also less rather than the other modes of transportation.
4. Consumption of Foreign Goods: The trade between two or more
countries is possible to take place due to availability and development of water
transport. The different countries are producing the different types of goods due to
geographical differentiation and scientific revolution. No any one country is possible
to produce all kinds of commodities with their own. So, it is possible from the water
transport. Today the country like India importing the different types of goods and
commodities from the different countries with the help of water transport.
5. Development of International Trade: International trade is contributing a
lot in the development of an economy. Railway and Road transport get boost to the
internal trade. The development of water transport is the pre condition of the
development of international trade. From the ancient India is importing and exporting
the different types of goods and commodities to the various countries in the world.
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The large sized and modern ships are working for the import and export business.
The development of International trade giving the support to economic development
of the country and it is very much important to increase the prestige of the country in
the world market.
6. Less Maintenance Cost: The maintenance cost is very much less in the
water transport as compared to Rail and Road transport. There is not necessary to
build the roads or the railway lines in the water transport. So the maintenance cost
of waterways is zero. It is also not needed to make provision of separate system for
the maintenance. The cost of maintenance of ships is also very less. So water
transport is called as the cheapest mode of transport.
7. Support for Industrial Progress: The progress of Industrial sector is also
depending on the development of transport sector. The supply of raw material and
the inputs to the industrial sector and the finished products carry upto the market
places is get possible due to availability of means of transport and communication.
The progress of Industrial sector of United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium, France,
America, Germany, Japan and Portugal were possible due to the only availability of
water transport. In the economic reforms period the concept of ‘world is a Village’ is
accepted by the whole world. So, now it is possible to every country to trade the
industrial products with any country in the world with the help of the water transport.
8. Increase in International Cooperation: The water transport is important
for the increase in the international cooperation. The various countries get possible
to import and export goods and commodities to each other with the help of water
transport. International trade can fulfill the needs of the different countries. So the
countries of Great Britan, Australia, Silon and Japan are closed to each other.
9. National Defense: Water transport is contributing a lot in the national
defense. The heavy machinery and other material related to defense can transport
with the help of water transport. This transport is economically beneficial.
10. Employment Generation: The country like India facing the chronic
problem of unemployment. To solve this problem water transport is performing a
well. Water transport providing the direct and indirect employment opportunities to
the rural and urban youth. Inland water transport and Costal shipping provides the
passenger and freight transport. At the sea shower number of small business are
established, these business are creating the self-employment. The fish processing
industry also developed at the sea shower.
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11. Development of Tourism Industry: Now-a-day the tourism industry is
developing rapidly at the coastal area. The role of water transport is important for
the development of Tourism Industry. The tourists can take the advantage of costal
travelling.
4.2.2: Growth of Water Transport in India:
India is endowed with natural navigable river systems, which assisted the
growth of transport sector from time immemorial. It is more an economical mode
than other modes of transport. The long coastline and main rivers flowing down
hundreds of kilometers throughout the years provided the means of conducting
domestic as well as international trade from earliest time. In 1829, H.T.Prinsep,
secretary to the East India Company referred to the State of inland navigation as
“there is no rivers in the World, unless those of China be exceptions, on which there
is so large a navigation as on the Ganges and its tributary streams”. Major Rennel,
writing in 1780, reckoned that “no less that 30,000 boatman found their livelihood
from this source and as that was a time when trade was far less flourishing than at
present”.
During 1860 to 1925, there were 102 Indian Shipping Industries but gradually
all of them were destroyed by British. Scindia Team Navigation company was
established in 1919. The history of Indian Shipping Companies from 1925 to 1945 is
in-fact the history of Scindia Shipping Company. In 1945, Government of India
constituted a ‘Reorganisation Policy Sub Committee’ under the chairmanship of
Shri. C.P.Ramaswami Aiyyar who suggested that all the coastal trade of India
should be reserved for Indian ships and suitable opportunity should be given to the
Indian ships in foreign trade. In 1947, the Shipping Act was enacted and it was
compulsory for the ships to obtain licenses. Eastern Shipping Corporation was
established with a capital of Rs. 10 crores in March 1950. In June 1956, Western
Shipping Corporation was set up. Similarly, in 1961 two corporations were merged
into Indian Shipping Corporation with an authorized capital of Rs. 35 crores and a
working of Rs. 23 crores. New Shipping Corporation of India and Mogul Lines are
operating under public sector and 33 companies under private sector.
First Five Year Plan and Water Transport: At the beginning of the 1st Five Year
Plan, India had ships of the capacity of 2.17 lakh gross registered tonnes for coastal
trade and ships of 1.174 lakh gross registered tonnes were traded across the sea.
Rs. 18.7 crores were spent for development of Indian Shipping under the 1st five
year plans. By the end of the plan, the capacity of Indian ships increased to 4.8 lakh
gross registered tonnes. During the first five plan “Ganga-Brahmaputra Water
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Transport Board” was established as a joint programme of Central Government and
states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. The main objective of this
project was, to establish the co-ordination between the states for their efforts for the
development of water transport within the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Second Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
During the 2nd five year plan, Rs. 52.7 crores was spent on the development of
Indian Shipping. It fixed the target of increasing the capacity of ships to 9 lakh gross
registered tonnes. But the capacity of 8.77 lakh gross registered tonnes could be
achieved, out of which 2.92 lakh gross registered tonnes were for coastal trade. The
National Ship Board was established in March 1959 to guide the Government of
India for the promotion of shipping.
Third Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
Rs. 66 crore were the provision for the water transport development in the third
plan. But Rs. 41 crores were spent on the development programmes of shipping in
this plan. It was envisaged to increase the capacity of Indian Shipping to 15.4 lakh
gross registered tonnes, but the capacity of only 10 lakh gross registered tonnes
could be achieved. The efforts had been taken in this plan for the development of
water transport of the Ganga-Brahmputra, Roopnarayan, Mahanadi, Narmada and
Tapi rivers.
Fourth Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
The capacity of Indian Shipping was increased by 3.3 lakh gross registered
tonnes by the end of 1968-69 i.e. under three annual plans the tonnage capacity of
the Indian Shipping increased to 21.4 lakh gross registered tonnes by March 1969.
The fourth plan envisaged the target of 34 lakh tonnes. Rs. 135 crores were
provided for purchasing ships. Under this plan, Haldia Godi plan, Bombay Godi
Expansion plan, Tel Godi plan in Madras and Tuticorin Port Scheme were
completed. Rs. 5 crore was provided for the provision of technical consultancy for
the Central Inland Water Transport Board.
Fifth Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
Rs. 5.44 crore were allocated for the development of ports in the fifth five year
plan. The for the Indian Shipping was 65 lakh ‘GRT’ upto March, 1979. Outlay for
the central sector was kept at Rs. 40 crores. In addition, a provision of Rs. 22 crores
was made for the Farakka project.
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Sixth Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
The sixth plan proposed to increase the total tonnage from the present 5.6
million tonnes to 7.8 million tonnes by 1984-85. The total provision of expenditure for
this purpose was Rs. 720 crores. Outlay for Inland water transport was amounting to
Rs. 45 crores.
Seventh Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
Central Government and State Government made provision of Rs.225.73 crore
for the development of Indian Water Transport. Out of this outlay, Rs. 155 crore in
the central sector and Rs. 70.73 crores under state and union territories were
provided. In this way, the outlay of this sector under Seventh plan is more than
double the expenditure incurred in the six plan. Some of the major Central Sector
schemes are acquisition of vessels by Central Inland Water Transport Corporation,
Development of Rajabagan Dockyard, Hydrigraphic surveys of important water
ways, acquisition of surveys launches, development of national water ways and
setting up of Inland Waterways Authority of India. The programme of CIWTRC
consists of acquisition of 83 new vessels.
Eighth Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
The Eighth plan has the main objective of acquisition of a modern, diversified
fleet capable of fulfilling the national objective of export promotion and improve
balance of payments. It also aims at the scrapping of obsolete vessels acquisition of
modern fuel efficient vessels, and restructuring of shipping companies. Total outlay
for shipping has been of Rs. 3668.91 crores.
Ninth Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
Rs. 9428 crore provision was made in the ninth five year plan for the
development of Water Transport. Out of this outlay Rs. 4839 crores were allotted for
the port development.
Tenth Five Year Plan and Water Transport:
Tenth five year plan accepted the formula of BOT. Rs. 5415 crores were the
provision for the development of water transport. For the fulfillment of the
Government plans the Rs. 11257 crores investment from the private sector was
expected. The main objective of the tenth plan was increased the cargo handling
capacity of major ports in India. The handling capacity of the Indian Ports in the year
1951 was 20 million gross registered tonnes, and it was increased upto the 2008-09
574.77 million gross registered tonnes.
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
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4.2.3: Inland and Ocean Water Transport:
There are three kinds of water transport i.e. Inland Water Transport, Coastal
Transport and Oceanic or Overseas Transport.
A) Inland Water Transport:
India has about 14,500 k.m of navigable waterways, which comprise rivers,
canals, lakes, backwaters and creeks. Inland water ways have greatly expanded
during 20th century in many countries in the world. It is playing an important role in
internal trade and commerce in many countries. Inland water ways may be natural
such as navigable rivers or lakes or may be artificial such as canals. Many rivers
provide natural water ways, which can be used for providing transport services
through small boats as well as big barges. River transport was one of the oldest
modes of the transport. It played a very important role prior to the development of
modern means of land transport.It provides transport facilities to inaccessible forest
areas and other natural regions not connected by roads.
About 45 million tonnes of cargo is being moved annually by Inland Water
Transport in India. It is a fuel-efficient and environment-friendly mode of
transportation. Its operations are currently restricted to a few stretches in the Ganga-
Hugli Rivers, the Brahmputra, the Barak River (Assam), the rivers in Goa, The
backwaters of Kerala, inland waterways in Mumbai, and the deltaic regions of the
Godavari-Krishna rivers. Besides the organized operations by mechanized vessels,
country boats of various capacities also operate in various rivers, lakes and canals.
Canals are artificial waterways basically made for irrigation or navigation or for the
both. Canals can be sued as waterways for inland water transport, but huge amount
of capital investment is required in the construction and maintenance of such man
made artificial waterways. Apart from this, providing adequate water in the canal to
facilitate movement of big boats is considered as a big problem for this mode of
transport.
The main river systems of the country, which consists of the Ganga,
Brahmputra, Indus, Bhagirathi, Hoogly, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri,
Narmada, Tapi etc. have been used for the transportation of goods and passengers
for centuries. But, water transport thrives only in the state of West Bengal, Assam,
Andhra Pradesh and Kerala and to a limited extent in other states. By virtue of
geographical advantages in northeast regions of India the natural network of
waterways continues to flourish and steamer companies were organized on sound
commercial lines. Other regions where inland water transport operated successfully
were on the Krishna and the Godavari, where similar advantages were available.
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The backwaters of the West Coast also supported an active water transport system.
After the introduction of steam vessels, water transport was developed in northeast
India during the early part of 19th century.
The State wise length of waterways in India is showing in the table no 4.1
Table No- 4.1
Length of Inland Waterways in India (k.m.)
State River Canal Total
Uttar Pradesh & Uttranchal 2268 173 2441
West Bengal 1555 782 2337
Andhra Pradesh 309 1690 1999
Assam 1983 -- 1983
Kerala 840 708 1548
Bihar & Zarkhand 937 325 1262
Orisa 761 224 985
Karnataka 284 160 444
Goa 317 25 342
Maharashtra 309 -- 309
Gujrat 286 -- 286
Tamilnadu -- 216 216
Jammu-Kashmir 200 -- 200
All India 10049 4303 14353
Development of Inland Water Transport connected from the Second Five Year
Plan and up to the end of Fifth five year plan, the total expenditure on this sector
was Rs. 34 crore. It was only in the sixth plan that this sector was given priority and
specific schemes of inter-State and National importance for development of inland
water transport were taken up. The seventh plan was an important landmark in the
development of inland water transport.The expenditure on this sector in the Plan at
Rs. 131.85 crore was more than the expenditure incurred right upto the end of the
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Sixth Plan. Three objectives were laid down in the Eighth plan for the development
of inland water transport. a) development of inland water transport in the regions
where it enjoys natural advantage, b) improvement in the productivity of assets
through modernization of vessels and country crafts to suit local conditions, c)
building up of trained and skilled manpower for inland water transport operations.
Ninth Plan efforts were made to make inland water transport as acceptable mode of
transportation by reduction in cost and time of transportation and enhancement of
safety and reliability of the cargo. The Inland Water Transport policy approved by
the government in January 2001 aims at giving aboost to the development of this
mode of transport. An outlay of Rs. 903 crore was approved for inland water
transport in the Tenth plan, against which an expenditure of Rs. 275 crore was
made. The focus of the Eleventh Plan was on putting requisite infrastructure on the
existing waterways to make them fully fuctional. In addition, three more waterways
taking their coverage to 4500 kms.
Advantages of Inland Water Transport:
1. Cheapest mode of Transportation
2. It is one of the most efficient modes of transport from the point of view of energy
consumption
3. It can provide immediate access wherever water exists without requiring
investment in line with capacities as in other mode of transport.
4. It is the labour intensive mode and generates more employment opportunities.
5. It provides transport for heavy, bulky, non-perishable and low-grade traffic with
a low price relative to weight where speed is not an important factor.
6. It provides economical means of transportation of minerals and other bulky dry
and liquid raw materials for industries.
7. It does not require the investment of ways and maintenance.
8. In mountain areas, inland water transport provides excellent service for downhill
movement of goods and passengers.
National Waterways in India:
1. The Ganga between Allahabad –Haldia (1620 km)
2. The Sadiya – Dhubri stretch of the Brahmaputra (891 km)
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3. The Kollam- Kottapuram Stretch of West Coast Canal along Champakara and
Udhyogmandal Canals (205 km) in Kerla.
B) Coastal Transport and Ocean Transport/ Overseas Shipping:
India has a long history of Shipping. The Scindhia Steam Navigation Company
was set up in 1919 on modern lines. At the time of Independence, there were only
59 ships with less than 2 lakh tonnes of Gross Registered Tonnage. Since
Independence, India has made a significant progress in shipping and the shipping
fleet had 872 ships (282 overseas and 590 coastal vessels. At present, shipping
plays a major role in the transport sector of the country’s economy. Nearly 92% of
the total trade volume is moved by sea making shipping the backbone of trade and
economic growth.
Coastal Shipping:
Coastal Shipping is the most energy efficient and comparatively cheaper mode
of transport for carriage of bulk traffics over long hauls, particularly when the origin
and destination of a traffic stream is located along the coast. India has a long
coastline of 7517 kms. Therefore, coastal shipping holds a great promise more so
because it is the most energy efficient and cheapest mode of transport for carriage
of bulky goods like iron and steel, iron ore, coal, timber etc. over long distance.
However, despite this fact, there was a sharp decline in coastal shipping operations
during 1960s and 1970s. The main factors affecting the growth of coastal shipping
adversely were high transportation costs especially for movement other than those
between a pair of water front locations, port delays, poor turnaround time of coastal
ships on account of overaged vessels, and lack of mechanical handling facilities,
etc. The coastal fleet is ageing fast. Also, there is imbalance in coastal traffic
movement as traffic is not equally available in both directions. This makes it
necessary for coastal ships to sail in ballast, at time on return journey. Moreover,
slow handling of the cargo at port undue port delays inflict heavy losses on shipping
companies.
Advantages of Coastal Shipping:
1. It reduces the pressure on rail and road transport systems
2. It is relatively pollution free
3. It is less capital intensive
4. It provides large employment
5. It is the cheapest mode of transport
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6. It promotes coastal base industries such as fisheries and corals collection
7. It promotes tourism.
Ocean /Overseas Shipping:
Navigation through the open sea is known as ocean or oversea transportation.
Navigation along indented or broken coastline is known as coastal shipping. Coastal
shipping is synonymous with domestic shipping by sea between two points in the
same country. Ocean transportation is in fact an extension of coastal shipping to
wider expanses of water. So, as far as the transportation of goods is concerned
inland water transportation and the coastal shipping are national and intra-regional
importance.
Ocean transportation is very significant and vital for growth of international
trade. As a result, the share of Indian Shipping in the transportation of India’s
overseas trade has slowly and consistently increased in the planning period.
Presently almost 95% of the country’s trade volume (68A% in terms of value) is
moved by the sea. India has one of the largest merchant shipping fleet among the
developing countries and ranks 16th amongst the countries with the largest cargo
carrying fleet with 10.11 million gross tonnage as on August 31, 2010 and average
age of the fleet being 18.03 years. Ocean transport has its origin in the beginning of
human civilization. It is considered as an indispensable means for development of
foreign trades. It has brought different parts of the world closer for developing one
big world market. On account of its operation in natural ocean tracks, this form of
transport generally requires no infrastructure investment for providing transport
facilities.
Factors determining Ocean routes:
1. Suitable weather condition
2. Deep Water
3. Availability of Harbors and Ports
4. Availability of full load of traffic
5. Availability of cheaper route and fuel supplies
6. Shipping Service.
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Types of Ships:
1. Single Deck Vessels: Such vessels have one continuous deck, which means
easy access with one hatch for each hold.
2. Twin Deck Vessels: Such vessels have additional decks below the main deck,
running the full length of the vessel.
3. Shelter Deck Vessels: These vessels have additional deck above the main
deck’s shelter deck, which provides more under deck-space for carrying light
cargoes.
4. Other Types:
a) Unitized Cargo ships and specialized vessels: These type of vessels include
pallet vessels, barge carriers, container ships, RO/LO ships, OBOs, O/Os, gas
carriers, wood carriers, car carriers, oil tankers, refrigerator ships etc.
b) Roll-on-Roll-off ships: Ferries are now employed on a multitude trade routes
based on Roll-on-Roll-off concept. This facilitates loading and unloading of all
types of cargoes which can be rolled on horizontally including cars, Lorries, and
other wheeled type of cargoes.
c) Barge ships: Barge ships are standard sized ships, which can be towed or
pushed by tugs into ports and island water ways and which can be hoisted
abroad special Barge carriers with adopted equipment for the Sea voyage.
d) Cellular Ships: Such ships have holds designed to form a series of cells into
which the containers are placed.
e) Panamax: The bulk carriers with a breadth which can pass through the Panama
Canal are described as the panama type.
f) Bulker/container carrier: The container or bulker is a recent development.
g) Very large crude carriers/ Ultra large crude carriers
Major Ports in India:
Ports are the vital link in the trade between nations. Continuous modernization
of ports and ungradation of port infrastructure are important to increase the
productivity and efficiency of ports. At present, there are 12 major ports and 200
non-major ports along India’s coastline. Because of their importance for coastal and
overseas shipping, special efforts have been made in the plans for the development
and modernization of existing ports and establishment of new ports. The National
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Harbour Board was set up in 1950 to advise the Central and State governments on
the management and development of ports, particularly minor ports. Major ports are
the direct responsibility of the Central government while non-major ports are
managed and administered by the respective State governments. The total capacity
of Indian ports has reached approximately 1160 million tonnes as on 1 January,
2012. During 2009-10 and 2010-11, traffic at major ports attained a growth of 5.67%
and 1.59 % respectively over the previous year. The American Association of Port
Authorities, ranks Shanghai at the top with regard to total cargo volume handled in
2009 relegating Singaport from its first position of 2008 to second position. Madras
Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust are ranked 55th and 56th in 2009 in terms of
total cargo volume, up from 70th and 71st position in 2008. Followings are the major
ports in India:
1. Mumbai: Mumbai is the largest and most important seaport along the
western coast of India. It was developed by the British in 1672 as a substitute to the
Surat seaport. It has a natural harbor about 12 meters in depth. This port is situated
near the Arabian Sea and has a magnificent 20 km, 10 km. wide and 25.50 feet
deep long natural harbor. This port is traditionally referred to as “Gateway of India”.
It is the largest and centrally located port in the West Coast in Maharashtra. It has
good infrastructure facilities including modern equipment for material handling and
warehousing facilities. It is connected to all parts of the country through rails and
roads. It has a vast hinterland, stretching over Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The main exports of
Mumbai seaport include cotton- goods, cotton yarn, electrical goods, machinery and
vehicles while fertilizers, chemical, electronic goods, machinery, paper, pulp,
petroleum, petroleum-products, and raw-cotton are the main items of imports. There
are main three docks in this port, i.e. Princes Dock, Victoria Dock and Indira Dock.
The port maintains its own railway system, which serves the docks, local stations
and large numbers of sidings on the Port Trust estates.
2. Kolcutta (Haldia): The Kolkatta-Haldia port is situated along the Hugli
River. The port has a large hinterland which covers the seven states of Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, north-east India, Orissa, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This
is second largest port of India and the biggest terminal port in South Asia. The
metropolitan district of Kolkatta has also the hinterland of the port is considered as
the largest industrial and trade area of the country. This port is located on the left
bank of the river Hoogly, about 129 kms downstream from the confluence of the
Bhagirathi and Bhaireb, Jalengi, the two spill channels of the parent river Ganga.
The main export of the port include bones, bone-meal, bunker-oil, electric goods,
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iron and steel, jute products, lac, leather goods, machinery, mica, scrap, tea, and
timber. The main imports include edible-oils, fertilizers, machinery, railway
equipments and petroleum.
3. Chennai: This is an artificial harbor of about 81 hectare, encroaching into
sea upto meters contour from low waterline, enclosed with breakwaters and quays
on all sides. This post is situates along the northern coast of Tamil Nadu. The harbor
has an entry from the north. It can accommodate 22 vessels. The main exports from
the Chennai port are food-grains, hides and skins, iron-ore, mica, oil cake, sugar,
turmeric, timber and tobacco. The port imports chemicals, coal, cotton, cotton-
goods, edible-oils, fertilizers, iron and steel, machinery, metals and petroleum. The
hinterland of the port covers Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka.
This port is also connected by national and state highways and has adequate
railway network.
4. Vishakhapatnam: This port is a well-protected deep-sea port on the east
coast of India in Andhra Pradesh. Its hinterland comprises of an area of about 341
thousand sq. kms. It has a huge hinterland in the states of the Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, and Orissa. The port is opened to ocean going vessels in 1933. It is
the natural harbor in the country. This port ranked first in India for the last Six years
in respect of Cargo traffic. Its main imports are petroleum, fertilizers, chemicals,
machinery and metals, while iron-ore, manganese ore, leather goods, timber and
food-grains are the main items of exports. The port can accommodate 17 vessels at
a time. There are 4 quay berths on eastern side of the northern arm for
accommodating four ocean going vessels at a time, two oil refinery berths for
berthing two oil tankers on the northern side of the western arm and three jetty
berths, which can accommodate three ships.
5. Cochin: This port is situated along the coast of Kerala, Kochi is a natural
seaport, giving access to about 201 sq. km of navigable breakwaters, Cochin port
affords even in the worst monsoon accommodation for vessels which can lie
comfortably in the harbor and carry on landing and shipping operations without
interruption. It remains open for cargo traffic throughout the year. Being situated
close to the Suez-Colombo route, it has great commercial and strategic importance.
The main items of export are cashew-kernel, coconut, coir goods, copra, oil
lubricants, rubber, fish and sea products, while the main imports include chemicals,
coal, cotton, edible oils, fertilizers, iron and steel, machinery and metals. This port
plays a vita role in the economy of south India. Its hinterland includes the whole of
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Kerala, large areas of Tamilnadu, and some parts of Karnataka. The port is a natural
gateway to the vast industrial complexes and developing market of the south India.
6. Tuticorin: As a port with maritime trade, Tuticorin Port is much older than
Chennai, having been in existence with a flourishing trade in fisheries from the time
of the Pandeyan Kings. This port has been developed about 8 km to the south to the
old Tuticorin port. The port has an artificial deep sea-harbour. It has a rich hinterland
comprising the districts of Kanniyakumari, and Ramanathapuram. It is well
connected with Railways and National Highways. Its main exports include
cardamom, cotton, cotton goods, hides and skins, while the main imports consist of
coal, fertilizers, hardware and machinery.
7. Mangalore: This port has situated along the coast of Karnataka, it was
developed about 9 km to the north of old port of Mangalore. The port is linked
through Broad Gauge railway line and the National Highway NH-17 with Mumbai.
The building cost of Mangalore port was Rs. 22 crore were undertaken during third
five year plan of India. It was declared as a major port in June 1974. It is located at
Panambur, north of Gorupur River, which lies in the western part of India on the
stretch of coastline between Marmagao and Cochin ports. The main exports of this
port are cashew-nuts, coffee, forest products, iron-ore, manganese-ore, and timber,
while the imports include crude oil, fertilizers, machinery, and petroleum and
petroleum products.
8. Kandla: This port is at the head of the Gulf of Kutch, Kandla seaport was
developed after Independence to take up the Karachi which went to Pakistan. It is a
tidal harbor in the Kandla Creek with an average depth of 10 meters. The port has a
vast hinterland in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal
Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Its main imports are petroleum, fertilizers,
phosphates, and sulphur, while the export includes bones, cotton, food-grain,
naphtha, salt and sugar. A free trade zone was created at Kandla in 1965 at a
distance of 96 kms from the Kandla port as an export promotion measure. The port
has a vast hinterland of 2,56,000 sq. kms., which comprises of Rajasthan, Punjab,
Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Western Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
9. Jawahar Lal Nehru Port (Nhavasheva Port): It was commissioned in
October 1989 as a major computerized port near Mumbai with a cost of over Rs.
600 crore. It was constructed mainly to handle container traffic and relive the
Mumbai port from congestion. This port situated about 14 km to the south Mumbai.
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It is a world-class port equipped with all the modern facilities. The seaport is
connected by a four-lane Highway with the hinterland.
10. Paradwip: This port was declared as a major port in April 18th , 1966. At
first, it was developed by the Government of Orissa, in November, 1962, but later on
transferred to Central Government with effect from June 1st , 1965. It is the nearest
deep-sea port for the export of iron ore and other minerals from the mineral belts of
Orissa, Bihar and West Bangal. Paradeep has the deepest harbor in the country. It
exports cotton goods, iron-ore, iron and steel, manganese and scrap, while the
imports include petroleum products, edible oils, machinery and electric goods.
11. Marmagoa: Situated at the entrance of the Zuvari-estuary in Goa, it is the
leading iron –ore exporting seaport of the country. It also betel-leaves, cashew-nut,
manganese and salt. The main imports include manganese, cement, crude-oil,
fertilizers, and machinery. This port has great natural advantages, as it is capable of
berthing large steamers with mechanical ore handling facilities. The port has a quay
of 925 metres long protected by the breakwater and a mole.
12. Ennore: This port is situated about 20 km to the north of Chennai, Ennore
is a natural harbor. It was developed to ease the pressure of the Chennai-seaport.
Ennore exports hides, machinery, mica, rice and sugar. The principal imports are
cement, cotton, edible oil, fertilizers, machinery and petroleum products.
Medium and Small ports:
There are 185 medium and small ports in the country. These ports contributing
a lot in the water transport. The ports are located at the different parts of the various
states. i.e. Gujarat (40), Maharashtra (53), Goa (05), Div and Daman (02),
Karnataka (09), Kerala (13), Lakshadeep (10), Tamilnadu (14), PAndecherry (01),
Andhra Pradesh (12), Orissa (02), West Bangal (01), and Andaman and Nikobar
(23).
We can explain the development of water transport in India with different types.
In this respect the total number of ships, water transport from the Indian ports and
foreign ships, coastal transport ect. Factors are very important. The strength of
Indian ships is given in the table no. 4.2
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Table No: 4.2
Strength of the Indian Ships
Year
Coastal Trade Ocean Trade Total
No. of
Ships
Total
Tonne
No. of
Ships
Total
Tonne
No. of
Ships
Total
Tonne
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2001 329 731367 228 6236390 557 6967757
2002 424 804868 193 5402456 617 6207324
2003 429 805594 196 5817544 625 6623138
2004 454 808392 215 6892568 669 7700960
2005 485 815759 236 7426800 721 8442559
2006 526 840719 250 7576774 776 8417493
2007 573 893139 277 8136411 850 9029550
2008 616 964311 296 8345992 912 9310303
Table No. 4.3
Water Transport from Indian Ports by Indian and Foreign Ships.
Year
Total Ocean
Transport
(Million cones)
Indian Ships
(%)
Foreign Ships
(%)
1 2 3 4
2001-02 275.83 16.70 83.30
2002-03 303.03 14.89 85.11
2003-04 346.32 12.8 87.2
2004-05 400.58 13.7 86.3
2005-06 451.39 13.8 86.2
2006-07 508.91 13.2 86.8
2007-08 (P) 596.22 9.0 91.0
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Source: Transport Research Wing, M/o. Shipping, Road Transport &
Highways.
Note : Percentage were estimates based on the data received from the
ports and not based on the entire overseas cargo traffic handled.
Table No.4.4.
Ship Transport
Ocean and Inland Water Transport from important Ports of India
2000-01 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Quantity
Tonne
Quantity
Tonne
Quantity
Tonne
Quantity
Tonne
Quantity
Tonne
Quantity
Tonne
Quantity
Tonne
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Mumbai
Cargo 4598 33031 3672 27594 4290 28976 9675 74778 9336 66614 9443 63255 8873 68527
Indian 1497 12502 1815 13326 2380 14680 3746 18945 4869 24322 4466 18600 4820 22097
Other 3101 20529 1857 14268 1910 14296 5929 55833 4467 42292 4977 44655 4053 46430
Ships 394 98 293 83 468 131 669 172 1128 6332 1854 10058 1789 12621
Total Ships
4992 33129 3965 27677 4758 29107 10344 74950 10464 72946 11027 73313 10662 81148
Kolkatta
Cargo 1601 10333 1580 11170 1114 4071 1392 7992 2422 21563 5154 22233 1639 12822
Indian -213 -1527 -134 -882 -49 -44 -84 -605 -242 4983 -326 -5832 -209 -135
Other 1388 8806 1446 10288 1065 4027 1308 7387 16580 16580 1828 16401 1460 12687
Ships -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Total Ships
1601 10333 1580 11170 1114 4071 1392 7992 2422 21563 2154 22233 1639 12822
Paradeep
Cargo -- -- -- -- 525 7142 665 9346 823 11976 880 13755 879 129969
Indian -- -- -- -- 51 700 59 761 84 1200 96 1380 131 2403
Other -- -- -- -- 474 6442 606 8585 739 10776 784 12375 784 10566
Ships Total
-- -- -- -- 525 7142 665 9346 823 11976 880 13755 879 12969
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
133
Madras Fort Sent Jorge
Cargo 6136 65103 6157 61970 6079 73858 7711 92336 9459 107844 9065 104083 8414 93464
Indian 3066 30699 2927 25719 2921 36722 2752 32444 3642 35640 3489 23945 2509 18550
Other 3070 34404 3230 36251 3158 37136 4959 59892 5817 72204 5576 74738 5905 74914
Ships -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Ships Total
6136 65103 6157 61970 6079 73858 7711 92336 9459 107844 9065 104083 8414 93464
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Coachin
Cargo 913 4747 279 2478 474 3948 406 3994 797 7326 1365 13660 619 8060
Indian 177 1138 26 215 108 849 82 1479 122 1519 192 2647 161 2014
Other 736 3609 253 2263 366 3099 324 2515 675 5807 1173 11013 458 6046
Ships 688 6230 409 3476 478 4284 697 5346 580 4800 593 5473 412 4784
Total Ships
1601 10977 688 5954 952 8232 1103 9340 1377 12126 1958 19133 1031 12844
Ahmadabad
Cargo 4290 28135 3283 31183 3499 60547 4101 34624 2856 15909 2685 19561 2299 15039
Indian 2662 9466 1892 4610 665 4254 1826 5954 1955 3133 1537 3704 1414 1380
Other 1628 18669 1391 26573 2834 56293 2275 28670 901 12776 1328 15857 885 13659
Ships 1445 1955 232 1034 -- -- -- -- -- -- 6 68 -- --
Total Ships
5735 30090 3515 32217 3499 60547 4101 34624 2856 15909 2871 19629 2299 15039
Kanaddla
Cargo 2544 15555 2972 18840 2976 19490 1492 10309 3563 25302 3895 27122 3104 21833
Indian 610 3928 243 1610 183 860 121 647 373 2371 498 2975 269 2009
Other 1934 11627 2729 17230 2793 18630 1371 9662 3190 22931 3397 24197 2835 19824
Ships -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Total Ships
2544 15555 2972 18840 2976 19490 1492 10309 3563 25302 3895 27172 3104 21833
Maramagoa
Cargo 1117 23276 992 28753 1207 36018 1512 54583 963 24753 1140 21905 1584 21183
Indian 735 6636 384 7454 315 2620 528 2551 361 2662 256 1584 653 2929
Other 382 16640 608 21299 892 33398 984 52029 602 22091 884 20231 931 18254
Ships -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Total Ships
1117 23276 992 28753 1207 36018 1512 54580 963 24753 1140 21905 1584 21183
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Table No. 4.5
Ship Transport
Import and export for Important Ports in India.
(‘000’ Tonne)
Important
Ports
2000-01 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Kolkatta
Total
Trade 23179 6821 26460 9344 30236 11024 33206 13001 30801 22342 38742 18540 38742 18540
Coastal
Trade 2925 4416 4371 409202 4657 3890 3908 4213 4392 4726 38742 18540 38742 18540
Foreign
Trade 20254 2405 22089 5252 25579 7134 29298 8788 26409 17616 -- -- -- --
Mumbai
Total
Trade 15079 9311 14027 10277 16055 10496 19764 11475 21915 11093 23404 13216 24835 12323
Coastal
Trade 2198 6624 12604 7127 1359 7533 2189 9721 1468 7661 1481 8512 2274 7832
Foreign
Trade 12872 2687 1423 3150 14696 2963 14575 3554 20447 3432 21923 4704 22561 4491
Chennai
Total
Trade 28548 12299 19605 14082 20302 16408 24745 19061 27203 20053 30759 22655 -- --
Coastal
Trade 15547 7033 7602 965 6495 1059 5793 1788 3956 1989 455564 1318 -- --
Foreign
Trade 13001 11566 12003 13117 13807 15349 18952 17273 23247 18064 26195 21337 -- --
Vishakhapatnam
Foreign
Trade 17005 18186 18544 20283 19305 21369 21290 24916 25495 25149 27929 23830 -- --
Coastal
Trade 4716 10016 4366 8889 3682 8079 2766 8992 3115 100076 2870 12176 -- --
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Important
Ports
2000-01 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Foreign
Trade 12289 8170 14178 11394 15623 13290 18524 15924 22380 15073 25059 11654 -- --
Cochin
Total
Trade 11061 2083 10899 2125 11119 2453 -- -- -- -- 18853 11306 19082 12889
Coastal
Trade 4783 1011 3670 1016 2750 798 -- -- -- -- 865 969 893 1567
Foreign
Trade 6278 1072 7229 1109 8369 1655 -- -- -- -- 17988 10337 18189 11322
Kandla
Total
Trade 31954 4787 30259 10374 31214 10309 32007 3545 35731 10177 39979 11732 46707 16516
Coastal
Trade 5250 387 3394 997 3308 1102 3754 890 4215 719 5645 1052 4814 1893
Foreign
Trade 26704 4400 26865 9377 27906 9207 28253 8655 31516 9458 35334 10680 41893 14623
Paradeep
Total
Trade 6840 13052 6991 16910 6705 18606 8438 21666 11424 21685 -- -- 16837 25583
Coastal
Trade -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Foreign
Trade 6840 13052 6991 16910 6705 18606 8438 21666 11424 21685 -- -- 16837 25583
Marmagoa
Total
Trade 3574 15938 4380 19269 4468 23406 5631 25028 6074 25614 7050 27191 7185 27943
Coastal
Trade 1016 125 1001 193 1227 80 847 287 555 359 624 203 638 404
Foreign
Trade 2558 15813 3379 19076 3241 23326 4784 24741 5519 25255 6426 26988 6547 27539
New Mangolare
Total
Trade -- -- -- -- -- -- 15512 18379 16519 17932 17922 14120 19625 16394
Coastal
Trade -- -- -- -- -- -- 4235 4172 3949 3602 4555 3098 2932 3139
Foreign
Trade -- -- -- -- -- -- 11277 14207 12570 14330 13367 11022 16693 13255
136
Important
Ports
2000-01 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Import
Export
Total Major Ports
Total
Trade 82477 131165 139404 114071 157593 143071 175162 154045 204638 142590 173013 130188
Coastal
Trade 36435 23312 37008 23279 23478 22541 23492 28263 21650 29132 25346 45868 50293 33375
Foreign
Trade 100796 59165 34157 79385 115926 91530 134101 114808 153512 124913 146292 96722 122720 96813
Source – Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics Ministry of Commerce.
4.2.4 Problems of Water Transport:
The problems of water transport in respect to the Inland and Ocean transport
are different. These problems are as follows:
A) Problems/Limitations of Inland Water Transport:
1. This kind of transport is slow in the speed as compared to other transport.
2. Navigable Waterways are not perennial in nature in many areas.
3. Scope of transport is less; it becomes very much limited in polar area because
freezing of water may cause hindrance.
4. Huge capital investment is required in construction, maintenance and dredging
operation of canals.
5. Climatic factors exercise greater influence in case of inland water transport.
6. Inland water transport can be used where speed and time are not important.
Perishable products cannot generally be transported by inland water transport
for a longer distance.
7. Most of craft used for mechanized operation are over-aged and inefficient.
8. Research and development along with training has not received due attention.
9. Shallow Water and narrow width of channels during dry weather, siltation and
bank erosion and lack of navigational aids affect free movement of vessels.
10. The irrigation cum navigable canals has a limited utility for navigation purposes.
11. They are not properly lined for the use by mechanized crafts.
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B) Problems in Coastal Shipping Sector:
1. Over-aged vessels are fuel inefficient and involve high maintenance and
operating cost. This has increased transportation cost.
2. Coastal shipping carries low rated bulk commodities like coal, cement, salt for
which railway freight rates are lower with consequent consumer preference for
rail transport.
3. Inordinate delays at ports too have affected competitive advantage of coastal
shipping.
There are directional imbalances in coastal traffic movement. Thus coastal
vessels very often undertake empty movement.
C) Problems of Ocean Transport:
1. Over –aged fleets: Due to over-aged fleets the operating cost is high.
2. Lack of protection for Indian Shipping Companies.
3. Lack of Infrastructural Facilities: World ocean trade is moving towards
containerization. But, in India container fleet is almost negligible. Indian
shipping suffers from inadequate infrastructure support like ship repair facilities,
dry-docking, and cargo handling.
4. Under capacity utilization: Burdened with over utilization and under capacity,
Indian ports, the gateways of globalization may fail to achieve the goal of
attaining required export target in future. There exists a huge gap between the
present cargo handling capacity of the ports and the volume of traffic to be
handled in the future.
5. Low Productivity: The productivity achieved at Indian Ports generally falls short
of the international trade practice. The port cost of handling cargoes is also
much higher than that of neighboring ports like Colombo and Singapore.
6. Lack of Storage Facilities: The layouts of many berths are outdated along with
low draft and the storage area at the port is also insufficient. Though the ports
own vast land, there is usually a lack of back up area to poor layout and
utilization of port area for non-port activities.
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Inadequate dredging and container facilities:
Broadly, there are three agency involved in cargo handling at a port besides the
port authority. They are stevedoring-companies, custom authorities and transport
operators. Poor coordination between these organizations and different departments
of the port itself, results in duplication of works, poor dissemination of information ,
loss of time, poor equipment, space and vehicle allocation and utilization.
4.2.5: Water Transport Policy
Indian Shipping Policy:
Indian Shipping Policy aims at increasing self-reliance in the carriage of
country’s over-sea’s trade and reserving 100 % coastal trade to national shipping.
Following Liberalisation process, for promoting the development of Indian Shipping,
a new shipping policy was initiated in 1990-91. The salient features of this policy
were as under:
1. No approval is required for sale and acquisition of ships from an Indian
Shipyard.
2. Shipping companies are allowed to retain sale proceeds of their ships abroad
and utilize them for fresh acquisition. They are given freedom to time charters
out Indian Ships.
3. They are permitted to get their ships repaired in any shipyard without seeking
prior approval from the government.
4. Quartely Block Allocaation scheme for repair of ships has been dispensed with
entirely, and the Reserve Bank of India now releases foreign exchange for ship
repair/ dry docking and spares for imported capital goods without any value
limit.
5. Certain sections of Merchant Shipping Act have been amended to facilitate
Indian Shipping Companies to raise external commercial borrowings for foreign
ship acquisition.
6. As per the amendment to section 42 of Merchant Shipping Act 1958, from
October 1993 no prior permission from Director General of Shipping is required
for sale of vessels either for further trading or scrapping by the Indian Shipping
Companies.
7. The Multi Modal Transportation of Goods Act 1993 was introduced to facilitate
the exporters and give them a sense of security in transporting their goods.
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Door to door delivery is ensured by this Act, which reduces the logistic cost to
the exporter, making his products more competitive in International market.
Maritime Agenda for the decade 2010-2020:
Ministry of Shipping has prepared a Maritime agenda for the decade 2010-20 to
give a vision and road map for comprehensive development of shipping. The
agenda envisages to create, build and sustain the maritime infrastructural needs of
the country of the next decade. The overall vision of the Ministry as per the Maritime
agenda aims towards navigating and steering the Indian Maritime sector realistically
into the premier maritime nations of the world. This ten year period agenda of the
Ministry of Shipping covers the last two years of the 11th five year plan, the entire
period of 12th plan and the first three years of the 13th plan. This document basically
presents an agenda in the Shipping sector for consideration within overall objective
to increase efficiency of the delivery system and overall pace of growth in the sector.
Indeed, this is a pathbreaking document which will serve as road map for all ports
and shipping sector during the decade 2010-2020, which includes maritime sector
development by maritime states.
4.3 Summary:
Transport and Communication plays an important role in the economy. The
water transport is an ancient mean of transportation. In ancient period water
transport were using for the passenger and traffic transport. In era of globalization
each and every country in the world tries to develop the trade relations to another
country. The international trade is basically depends on the water transport. So, to
develop the water transport is the main objective of the every country. The capacity
of handling of freight and passenger is very high of the water transport. The cost of
operation and transportation of water transport is very less than other means of
transport.
The efforts for development of water transport in India have taken from the pre
–independence period. But, special efforts with the proper planning have been taken
from the Five Year Planning process. From the first five year plan to till 12th plan
Government has trying to development the water transport. The policies for the
water transport development also be changed with the changing nature and
challenges of the globalization. Government has spent the crores of rupees for the
development of port, inland, coastal and ocean transport. From last sixty years
Indian water transport has been strengthened with the modern technology, signaling
140
system, security, diversification in transportation, creation of steamers, ship building
factories etc.
There are three types of water transport: Inland water transport, Coastal water
transport and Ocean or Overseas water transport. There is continuous increase in
the inland and ocean water transport, but Indian water transport sector has various
weaknesses. Such as, low handling capacity, high cost of transportation, lack of
proper infrastructure, lack of modernization, more time required for the handling of
ship, lack of rail, road and port coordination, competition from the private ships, lack
of proper policy etc. So, it necessary to tackle the obstacles from the water transport
with the help of proper policy and implementation of the policy.
4.4 Self – Learning Questions:
A) Choose the correct answers from the following and rewrite the answer.
1. ----------------------- is the characteristics of water transport.
a) Speedy transport b) Costly transport c) Cheap transport d) useful for shorter
distance
2 2. The Steam Boat is firstly operated in India in ------------------
a) 1901 b) 1910 c) 1823 d) 1850
3 3. “Central Waterways, Irrigation and Water Transport Commission” has been
established in ----------------- year in India.
a) 1945 b) 1950 c) 1955 d) 1956
4. 4. The length of Inland Water Transport in India is -------------------
a) 15540 km b) 14440 km c) 14544 km d) 14900 km
5. 5. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has opened for transportation in --------------------
a) 1910 b) 1990 c) 1991 d) 1989
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
141
B) Answer in One Sentence
1. What are the types of Water Transport?
2. State the two limitations of Water Transport
3. What is the deep Port in India?
4. In which state Tuticorin Port has located?
5. Which port is known as a Western Gateway of India?
4.5: Answers of self learning questions:
A) 1) b 2) c 3) a 4) c 5)d
B)
1. Inland water transport and Ocean water transport.
2 . Old Ships, Lack of security, Wastage of time, Traditional technology etc.
3. Paradeep
4. Tamilnadu
5. Mumbai
4.6: Key words:
1. Steamers: The ships which run by the steam.
2. Port: The place of rest for the vessels.
4.7: Questions for Self Study:
A) Broad Questions:
1. Take a review of major ports in India.
2. State the scope and importance of water transport.
3. Take the review of progress of water transport in India.
B) Short Notes:
1. Water Transport Policy in India
2. Problems of Water Transport
3. Inland Water Transport in India
4. Ocean Water Transport in India
142
4.8 References for further study:
1. Bimalend Mishra and Choudhary, Transport Sector in India, Kalyani Publishers,
New Delhi, 1st edition, 1998.
2. Datta & Sundaram, Indian Economy, S. Chand and Company, New Delhi, 62nd
edition, 2010
3. Misra & Puri, Indian Economy, Himalaya Publishing House, New Delhi, 29th
edition, 2011
4. Economic Survey of India, Government of India, 2010-11
5. Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics Ministry of
Commerce
� � �
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Unit- 5
Air Transport
Index:
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Subject Description
5.2.1 Need, Characteristics, Significance and Scope of Air transport
5.2.2 Growth and Problems of Air Transport
5.2.3 Pricing of Passenger and Air Cargo Transportation
5.2.4 Airports Authority of India
5.3 Summary
5.4 Key words
5.5 Self-Learning Questions
5.6 Answer to Self-Learning Questions
5.7 Questions for Self Study
5.8 Field Work
5.7 References for further Study
5.0 Objectives:
After studying this unit we will able-
i. To understand need of air transport in India.
ii. To learn significance of air transport in India.
iii. To learn characteristics of air transport.
iv. To understand scope of air transport in India.
v. To understand growth and problems of air transport in India.
vi To learn about pricing of passenger and air cargo transportation.
144
vii. To learn about Airports Authority of India.
5.1 Introduction:
In previous unit, we have studied scope and significance of water transport,
growth of water transport in India. The inland and ocean transport is also covered in
previous unit. Besides this, we have studied problems of water transport in India as
well as Government policy regarding water transport. In this unit, we will study the
need, characteristics, significance and scope of air transport in India, growth and
problems of air transport in India. Besides, this unit also covers the pricing of
passengers, cargo transportation and Airports Authority of India.
5.2 Subject Description:
Air transport being the most modern and the quickest mode of transport has
been gaining popularity. However, the exorbitant rates have made it the mode of
travel of the rich or of the business community for whom time is more expensive
than air travel. But the entry of private airlines and their various schemes have
reduced airfare drastically. The recent tax relaxation on air fuel and such sops will
further make air travel within the reach of a greater section of the Indian Populace.
5.2.1 Need, Characteristics, Significance and Scope of Air transport:
Need of Air Transport: Transport in the India is an important part of the
national economy. Since the economic liberalization of the 1990s, development of
infrastructure within the country has progressed at a rapid pace, and today there is a
wide variety of modes of transport by land, water and air. However, India's relatively
low GDP has meant that access to these modes of transport has not been uniform.
The 9th largest aviation market in the world is India. Taking the help of the
statistics from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, approximately 29.8 million passengers
traveled to or from India in 2008, showing a surge of 30% from 2007. The prediction
stated that international passengers will touch 50 million by 2015. More
opportunities in the aviation industry in India are likely to make way for about 69
foreign airlines from 49 countries. At present, private airlines account for around
75% portion of the domestic aviation market. India has perhaps a greater need for
air transport. It has a less extensive system of waterways and, while it has a large
rail system, it is in need of considerable modernization. And though it has a huge
network of roads, unknown percentages remain unpaved and there are but 200km
of expressway type roads in the nation. Unlike Brazil, that is struggling to get its
145
primary airports modernized in time for the upcoming Olympics and World Cup,
India has upgraded and added airports in an attempt to keep pace with air traffic
growth and fleet expansion. A booming aviation sector has come only recently to
India and the airlines, both domestic and foreign, continue to operate in a complex
and convoluted regulatory system.
Characteristics of Air Transport
1. Outdated Infrastructure: Despite ongoing improvements in the sector,
several aspects of the transport sector are still riddled with problems due to outdated
infrastructure, lack of investment, corruption and a burgeoning population. The
demand for transport infrastructure and services has been rising by around 10% a
year with the current infrastructure being unable to meet these growing demands.
According to recent estimates by Goldman Sachs, India will need to spend US$1.7
trillion on infrastructure projects over the next decade to boost economic growth, of
which US$500 billion is budgeted to be spent during the 11th FYP.
2. More Affordable Air Travel: Rapid economic growth in India has made air
travel more affordable. Air India, India's flag carrier, presently operates a fleet of 159
aircraft and plays a major role in connecting India with the rest of the world. Several
other foreign airlines connect Indian cities with other major cities across the globe.
3. Popular Domestic Air Travel: Kingfisher Airlines, Air India and Jet
Airways are the most popular brands in domestic air travel in order of their market
share. These airlines connect more than 80 cities across India and also operate
overseas routes after the liberalization of Indian aviation.
4. Untapped Large Part: However, a large section of country's air transport
system remains untapped, even though the Mumbai-Delhi air corridor was ranked
6th by the Official Airline Guide in 2007 among the world's busiest routes.
5. Low Cost Carriers: India's vast unutilized air transport network has
attracted several investments in the Indian air industry in the past few years. More
than half a dozen low- cost carriers entered the Indian market in 2004-05. Major new
entrants include Air Deccan, Kingfisher Airlines, Spice jet, GoAir, Paramount
airways and Indigo Airlines. To meet India's rapidly increasing demand for air travel,
Air India recently placed orders for more than 68 jets from Boeing for US$7.5 billion
while Indian placed orders for 43 jets from Airbus for US$2.5 billion.
146
6. Huge Investment: The Jet Airways, India's largest private carrier, has
invested millions of dollars to increase its fleet, but this has been put on hold due to
the recent economic slowdown. This trend is not restricted to traditional air carriers
in India. Indigo Airlines entered the limelight when it announced orders for 100
Airbus A320s worth US$6 billion during the Pairs Air Show; The highest by any
Asian domestic carrier. Kingfisher Airlines became the first Indian air carrier on June
15, 2005 to order Airbus A380 aircraft. The total deal with Airbus was worth US$3
billion.
7. Busiest Passenger Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in
Mumbai is currently India’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. There are
more than 335 (2008 est.) civilian airports in India - 250 with paved runways and 96
with unpaved runways and more than 20 international airports in the Republic of
India.
8. International Airports: The Indira Gandhi International Airport and the
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport handle more than half of the air traffic in
South Asia. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is India's busiest in
terms of the number of daily flights.
9. Heliports: As of 2007, there are 30 heliports in India. India also has the
world's highest helipad at the Siachen Glacier a height of 6400 metre (21,000 ft)
above mean sea level. Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited is a public sector company
that provides helicopter services to ONGC to its off-shore locations, and also to
various State Governments in India, particularly in north-east India.
10. Quickest Mode of Transport: Speed is the greatest merit of air transport
over land and sea transport. Air transport has brought the World closer and fact the
people can reach the other parts of the World within the shortest possible time. Air
transport is used as a very efficient means for speedy transport men, mail and
goods. Air transport being the most modern and the quickest mode of transport has
been gaining popularity. However, the exorbitant rates have made it the mode of
travel of the rich or of the business community for whom time is more expensive
than air travel. But the entry of private Airlines and their various schemes have
reduced airfare drastically. The recent tax relaxation on air fuel and such sops will
further make air travel within the reach of a greater section of the Indian Populace.
11. Linking Remote and Inaccessible Areas: This mode of transport does
not encounter the geographical barriers of earth’s surface like mountains, hills,
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rivers, deserts, sea etc. and this allows the air transport to provide gradually faster
services. It has also the advantages of linking remote and inaccessible areas across
the world.
12. Weather Conditions: Weather conditions play a vital role in air
transportation. The meteorological elements have significant impact on aviation. The
sub tropical belts of high pressure are the most favorable and in most places, almost
ideal areas for aviation. Development of air transport requires better landing
equipment in the airports for safe landing of aircraft. Technological improvements
and aids like radar, de icing device, beacons for night flying and many other help in
developing the air transport.
Significance of Air Transport: (Advantages)
The Significances of air transport are as follows:
1. High Speed: Air transport is the fastest mode of transport and therefore
suitable carriage of goods over a long distance requiring less time. They maintain a
system of high speed transportation requirement of the government and of military in
war as well as in peace.
2. Urgent Transport: There is no substitute for air transport when the
transport of goods is required urgently. Air transport savings the time of
transportation, which is very significant in process of economic development. Trade,
commerce and other activities can be fulfils within shortest time.
3. Quick Service: Air transport provides comfortable, efficient and quick
transport service. It is regarded as best mode of transport for transporting perishable
goods. Better international understanding is essential for the welfare of the human
race. This requires frequent visit of top dignitaries of the nation to the other country
for international discussions and summit.
4. No Infrastructure Investment: Air transport does not give emphasis on
construction of tracks like railways, as no capital investment in surface track is
needed; it is a less costly mode of transport.
5. Easy Access: Air transport is regarded as the only means of transport in
those areas which are not easily accessible to other modes of transport. It is
therefore accessible to all areas regardless the obstruction of land. The air transport
aids the land transport in the economic development of areas where other means of
transport are practically absent. In regions where road cannot be constructed or land
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transport links cannot be established, this mode of transport is to be pressed into
service because of necessity. Settlement in various mining areas or in the snow-fed
areas is only possible because of air transportation links.
6. No Physical Barrier: Air transport is free from physical barriers because it
follows the shortest and direct routes where seas, mountains and forests do not
obstruct. The air transport aids the land transport in the economic development of
areas where other means of transport are practically absent. The difficulty, slowness
and high cost of land transport have encouraged the flying of some type of valuable
cargo and passengers by air.
7. Natural Route: Aircrafts travels to any place without any natural obstacles
or barriers. Because the custom formalities are compiled very quickly. It avoids
delay in obtaining clearance. In regions where roads are not constructed, the air
transport is to be pressed into service because of necessity.
8. National Defence: It plays a significant role in the national defence of the
country because modern wars are conducted with the help of aero planes. Airways
has an upper hand a destroying the enemy in a short period. The military
importance of air transport generally prompts the government to attach more
importance for the development of this sector. Air transport serves the boarder
areas to strengthen national security.
9. Employment Generation: An Air transport industry also creates
employment opportunities. Development of civil aviation offers jobs in its different
segments of operation. Skilled and semiskilled persons can be employed in a larger
scale with better coordination of road and air transport.
10. Increase Foreign Currency: A national airline can help in saving foreign
exchange. Receipts from foreign travellers, export freight and airport expenditure by
abroad airlines provide revenues of great value in terms of foreign currency for
various airlines. Its related economic benefits are enjoyed by smaller and less
developed countries. Economic gains are achieved by the use of air transport.
11. Market Extension: Air transport has prompted a number of firms to
expand their market at international level and introduce just-in-time innovative
distribution technique. The globalization of production market has contributed
significantly the growth of air transport.
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12. International Tourism: Air transport helps to developing world tourism by
offering attractive travel package to the people. The growth of export of floriculture is
possible because of speedy transport. Faster delivery of export products is required
because of its perishable nature and air transport fulfils this condition.
13. Relief Operations: Air transport immediate provides relief operations
during drought, flood, cyclone, tsunami and other natural calamities. When all the
land a route of a particular place is cut off due to natural and other calamities, air
transport is the only means of connect that area. At the time of drought, artificial rain
can also be affected by air crafts.
5.2.2 Growth and Problems of Air Transport:
Origin of Air Transport in India : In January 1911, the first airplane flight in
India took place and in February of that year the first ever carriage of mail was
affected in the World’s aviation history by a French pilot, who flew across the river
Yamuna from Allahabad to Naini, a distance 9.66 KM and delivered official mails.
The first proposal to use aviation for commercial purposes was made by Mr. G.R.
Clark, director general of Posts and Telegraph in August 1919. He suggested
starting a service for the carriage of mails. In the same year Indian Aircraft rules
were framed which came into effect from 1921. The growth of civil aviation industry
in India, by and large, influenced by the journey division of the then British
government. The British’s developed aviation in India not for the sake of this country
but for ruling this empire efficiently and profitably. Then the government of India
initiated the first air services in India in January 1920. It continued only for six
weeks. By an agreement with the air Ministry in 1925, imperial airways entered into
a contract to operate air services between England and India connecting the
London- Karachi service.
Growth of Air Transport after Independence
Air transport played a vital role in situation created by the refugee migration
which arouse in east and West Bengal in 1949 and the carriage of an
unprecedented volume of traffic between West Bengal owing to the cutting off the
surface route between these areas. During the year of 1948- 49, the GOI tried to
offer night mail and passenger services to their customers. As a result, the ground
facilities, the communication organizations and the navigation aids on the Delhi-
Nagpur- Madras and Bombay- Nagpur -Calcutta routes were improved. Air India
International was formed on 8th March 1948, exclusively for international services. It
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marked a progressive phase of Indian air transport. The GOI jointly with Air India
sponsored the new company with 49% of the paid up share capital contributed by
the government, 25% by the Air India and their associated and the remaining 26%
was acquired by the public. A weekly Bombay- London service via Cairo and
Geneva was inaugurated on the 8th June 1948 and in May 1950; a weekly service to
Nairobi via Aden was opened.
Growth of Air Transport after 1991
The stars of development and promise in the first decade of the 21st Century,
Brazil, Russia, India and China (collectively known as the 'BRICs') are being closely
watched by economists, seen as key indicators of the new world economy. They all
have large populations, abundant resources, generally stable politics and a rising
standard of living, each creating a new block of consumers. As has been proven
over and again, air transport networks are key to development, both internally and
with relation to the rest of the globe. Therefore the growth and health of this industry
can be one indicator of overall progress. Looking at the BRICs, we find vastly
different levels of infrastructure available to the aviation sector.
Table 5.1
Growth in Air Transport in India
Year Aircraft Movements in 000 Passenger in Million Cargo in 000 Tonnes
International Domestic International Domestic International Domestic
2005-06 190.89 647.4 22.36 50.98 920.15 483.8
2006-07 216.14 737.94 25.85 60.91 1028.66 531.64
2007-08 243.91 843.1 29.85 72.87 1151.05 584.61
2008-09 275.58 965.54 34.53 87.31 1289.26 643.31
2009-10 311.74 1108.39 40.01 104.75 1445.5 708.39
2010-11 353.09 1275.38 46.45 125.84 1622.33 780.6
2011-12 400.45 1470.99 54.04 151.36 1822.69 860.78
Source: Eleven Five Year Plan, GOI
Table 5.1 explains that the aircraft movements, passengers and cargo at
national and international level during 2005-06 to 2011-12. There were 190.89
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thousands and 647.4 thousands of aircraft movements at international and national
level in 2005-06. It was increased against 400.45 thousand and 1470.99 thousand in
2011-12. The numbers of passengers are also increased from 22.36millions and
50.98 million to 54.04 million and151.36 millions at international and national level
respectively during 2005-06 to 2011-12. Besides this transportation of cargo is
increased from 920.15 thousand to 1822.61 thousand tonnes at international level
during 2005-06 to 2011-12 and 483.8 thousand to 860.78 thousand tonnes at
national level during same period.
Though in some places aviation may play a greater role, like Alaska where
aircraft perform functions normally accomplished by surface vehicles, most high
functioning economies depend on more than just air transport for logistics. A
majority of goods and people travel by surface transport making aviation but one
part of the equation. So these other pieces of infrastructure are also closely allied
with aviation in development.
Table 5.2
Other Transportation Modes Global Rankings
Country Rail Rank Road Rank % Paved Waterways
China 3 2 80 1
India 4 3 n/a 9
Russia 2 7 79 2
Brazil 10 4 6 3
Source: CIA Fact book
Despite all the talk about their growing economic influence, there is only
minimal air connectivity between them. Brazil, because of distance, is linked to none
of its peers, with all passengers being routed over Europe, or increasingly, the Gulf.
For the other three, with much closer proximity, the weekly seat offers are
minimal. The 50,000+ seats between Russia and China are fewer than are operated
domestically in China between Guangzhou and Hangzhou—a route that ranks 80th
globally in terms of seats. This indicates that while the four nations are externally
viewed as some sort of “group”, their individual economies and populations are far
less interlinked.
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Table 5.3
New Aircraft Demand 2010-2030
Sr.No. Country Passenger
Aircrafts Demand
Value in US
Billion$
1 USA 5389 495.5
2 PRC 4041 545.1
3 Germany 1038 132.7
4 India 1019 141.4
5 UK 938 119.6
6 UAE 813 177.0
7 Brazil 701 82.3
8 Russia 689 72.8
9 Australia 609 80.2
10 Ireland 588 NA
Source: Airbus 2011
Current Travel Patterns and Global Rank
For the week in question (31-Oct to 06-Nov-2011), the top 100 international
routes for each of the four nations—400 city pairs—were analysed, a cumulative
total of 1,546,866 seats. In terms of each nation’s contribution, the leader is China,
while India has the second largest share.
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
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Percentage, by country of total BRIC seats (31 Oct-6 Nov, 2011)
Source: CAPA - Centre for Aviation & Innovates
The top 100 leading international routes for the week in question generated
3,837,485 seats. In the next chart we use that number as a point of comparison for
each of the top 100 of the countries in the chart. Remember, these percentages are
not of global traffic but rather how their top 100 compares to the global 100. Looking
at the UK, its top 100 generated a seat total that is roughly 22% of the
corresponding global total, making it a truly global aviation centre.
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Percentage of global international seats (31 Oct-6 Nov, 2011)
Source: CAPA
In looking at the graphs, bear in mind the bars represent the number of
destinations, not seats, though there is usually a close correlation. In the
supplement charts, the numeric positions are associated with ranking of the seat
offer between regional city pairs.
The Indian carriers offering international service continue to struggle for viability
and the regulatory framework as established only makes the goal of profitability
more remote. There is little to indicate that the current predominance of the Gulf
carriers will be diminished any time soon.
Asian aviation is growing strongly, with airlines expanding their seating capacity
by 7.4% this month May-2011, well ahead of the global 6% increase, according to
Innovated. The Indian Subcontinent is leading the Asian charge, while China is
surprisingly down in 18th place in terms of Asian growth rates, with just a 5.2%
increase in seats (domestic and international) in May 2011. Global air freight posted
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a 2.7 per cent contraction for the last month as compared to September 2010, but
air travel demand was strong in India and China which showed good domestic
growth.
Traffic results for the month of September show diverging trends for cargo and
passenger traffic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced.
Passenger traffic was 5.6 per cent higher than the same month last year and
stronger than the 4.6 per cent year-on-year growth recorded in August. Air freight on
the other hand posted a 2.7 per cent contraction for September compared to
September 2010. This is a further deterioration from the 2.4 per cent decline
recorded in August, IATA said in a statement released here.
Underlining the growth potential for air transport in India, the next ten years,
domestic air traffic is slated to touch 160 to 180 million passengers per annum, while
international passenger traffic will be 80 million. India is already the ninth largest and
fastest growing aviation market in the world that the country expected to be amongst
first five in the next ten years. But in global comparison of air travel penetrations
shows that India, at 0.04 air trips, per capita per annum stands far behind developed
countries with more than two air trips, per capita per annum. The importance of an
economic regulator to create a level playing field, to promote competition, protect
consumer interests and ensure better service levels. One of the key achievements
of India in the last decade has been to set-up an independent regulator for economic
regulation of airports by an Act of Parliament, with appropriate provision of an
appellate body. Deregulation of the domestic sector and liberalization of bilateral
traffic rights in the past decade has brought choices of carriers, choices of timings
and fares.
Outlining the importance accorded by the Indian government to the civil aviation
sector between 2005 -2010 US$ 10 billion have been invested in airport
development in the country. India has 128 airports, including 15 international
airports. Indian airports handled 142 million passengers in 2010-11 and 1.6 million
tonnes of cargo in year 2009-10. The CAGR for the domestic passenger and freight
growth over the last decade has been 14.2% and 7.8% respectively. The dramatic
increase in air traffic for both passengers and cargo in recent years has placed a
heavy strain on the country's major airports. Passenger traffic is projected to grow
more than 15% annually over 2011-13 and it is estimated that the aviation industry,
currently 9th largest in the World, will require 30 billion USD investments in the next
15 years to keep pace with the growing demand.
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Airport Infrastructure is Strained
Air traffic has been growing rapidly leading to severe strain on infrastructure at
major airports, especially in the Delhi and Mumbai airports which account for more
than 40 percent of nation’s air traffic. Air India (AI) posted a minor growth in
passenger loads and revenue in June this year. Compared to last year, when the
passenger load recorded was 69.3%, the airline registered a growth of around 3%
with 72.4% load. AI also carried 1,121 million passengers in June this year,
compared to 1,080 million during the same period last year. Its revenue also grew
from Rs.876 crore to Rs. 917 crore. AI has been earning revenue of Rs. 30 to 31
crore per day from passenger load. This figure dwindled in May to Rs. 25 crore per
day due to the pilots' strike. The growth is minimal compared to the losses the airline
has been suffering. Its losses have grown from Rs. 5,552.44 crore in 2009-10 to Rs.
6,994 crore in 2010-11. Air India's performance has improved in terms of passenger
load factor and revenue yield per KM in June as compared to the corresponding
month last year. The national carrier, however, is facing an estimated loss of Rs.
6,994 crore. The airline has witnessed a jump of 3.1% in passenger load factor
(PLF) in June 2011 as compared to last year. The national carrier has registered an
increase in yield per route per milometer (RPKM) from 3.33 in June 2010 to 3.53
June2011. Also, its revenue has increased to Rs. 917 crore from Rs. 876 crore
June, 2010.
Problems of Air Transport
Air transport faced under noted problems-
1. Risky: Air transport is the most risky form of transport because a minor
accident may put a substantial loss to the goods, passengers and the crew. The
chances of accidents are greater in comparison to other modes of transport. In air
transport, risks are increasing day by day due to crime and terrorism, violence,
hijacking, etc. all over the world. The chances of breakdown due to various factors
are high and the changes of survival in case of any accident during the journey are
very remote.
2. High Costs: Air transport is regarded as the costliest mode of transport.
Air transport in India is becoming very costly day by day with rising operational
costs. The operating cost of aero-planes is higher and it involves a great deal of
expenditure on the construction of aerodromes and aircraft. Because of this reason
the fare of air transport are so high that it becomes beyond the reach the common
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people. Air transport can only be availed by rich and affluent class of the society
because of its high freight cost. This means only the privileged class of the society
can avail this opportunity. Air transport, presently is a luxury in the developing
countries. Only a small fraction of the total population uses this service.
3. Not Economical over Short Distance: Air transportation is unable to be
advantageous or economical over short distances. It is because of this unavoidable
limitation that all domestic airlines run for short distances have either been
abandoned or are heavily subsidized by governments.
4. Small Carrying Capacity: The aircrafts have small carrying capacity and
therefore these are not suitable for carrying bulky and cheaper goods. The load
capacity cannot be increased as it is found in case of rails. Its cargo and passenger
carrying capacity is low as compared to road, rail and water transport.
5. Unreliable: Most of the air transports are uncertain and the unreliable
because these are controlled by weather condition. It is seriously affected by
adverse weather conditions. Fog, snow and heavy rain weather may cause
cancellation of some flights.
6. Huge Investment: Air transport requires huge investment for construction
and maintenance of aerodromes. It also requires trained, experienced and skilled
personnel which involves a substantial investment. Creation of aviation facilities
requires huge investments. The Government is least capable of increasing the
number of planes and airports in the country. The private sector has its own
limitations.
7. Non Co-operation of Staff: Indian airlines are facing problems due to
non-cooperation of the staff, such as, strikes by pilots, etc.
8. Outdated Planes: Aviation technology is changing very fast. But our
planes are outdated and not very safe. Consequently Indian airlines find it difficult to
compete with the world airlines.
9. Inadequate Training Facilities: There are no adequate facilities to train a
large number of pilots in the country. On privatization of airlines we are again facing
the problem of sufficient trained staff.
10. Adverse Weather Conditions: Air transport services are affected by
adverse weather conditions. Weather condition of the region plays an important role
in setting up an airport. Before the air flight technology this natural factor played an
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important role. However, with the development of air fight technology, the airplane
can fly at a higher level, thus avoid the weather hazard. However other weather
hazards such as cloud, of, smoke, dust storms, which either interfere with visibility or
affect performance of the air transport.
11. Legal Restrictions: Many countries imposed several legal restrictions on
the foreign airlines in the interest of their own national unity and peace.
5.2.3 Pricing of Passenger and Air Cargo Transportation:
Pricing of Passengers
Transport Rates: Transport systems face requirements to increase their
capacity and to reduce the costs of movements. All users (e.g. individuals,
enterprises, institutions, governments, etc.) have to negotiate or bid for the transfer
of goods, people, information and capital because supplies, distribution systems,
tariffs, salaries, locations, marketing techniques as well as fuel costs are changing
constantly. There are also costs involved in gathering information, negotiating, and
enforcing contracts and transactions, which are often referred as the cost of doing
business. Trade involves transactions costs that all agents attempt to reduce since
transaction costs account for a growing share of the resources consumed by the
economy. Rates are the price of transportation services paid by their users. They
are the negotiated monetary cost of moving a passenger or a unit of freight between
a specific origin and destination. Rates are often visible to the consumers since
transport providers must provide this information to secure transactions. They may
not necessarily express the real transport costs.
Components of Passenger Pricing
Transportation offers a spectrum of costs and level of services. Among the most
significant conditions affecting transport costs and passenger pricing.
1. Geography: Its impacts mainly involve distance and accessibility. Distance
is commonly the most basic condition affecting transport costs. The more it is
difficult to trade space for a cost, the more the friction of distance is important. It can
be expressed in terms of length, time, economic costs or the amount of energy
used. It varies greatly according to the type of transportation mode involved and the
efficiency of specific transport routes. Landlocked countries tend to have higher
transport costs, often twice as much, as they do not have direct access to maritime
transportation.
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2. Type of product: Many products require packaging, special handling, are
bulky or perishable. Coal is obviously a commodity that is easier to transport than
fruits or fresh flowers as it requires rudimentary storage facilities and can be
transshipped using rudimentary equipment. Insurance costs are also to be
considered and are commonly a function of the value to weight ratio and the risk
associated with the movement. As such, different economic sectors incur different
transport costs as they each have their own transport intensity. With containerization
the type of product plays little in the transport cost since rates are set per container,
but products still need to be loaded or unloaded from the container. For passengers,
comfort and amenities must be provided, especially if long distance travel is
involved.
3. Economies of scale: Another condition affecting transport costs and
passenger pricing is related to economies of scale or the possibilities to apply them
as the larger the quantities transported, the lower the unit cost. Bulk commodities
such as energy (coal, oil), minerals and grains are highly suitable to obtain lower
unit transport costs if they are transported in large quantities. For instance, moving a
barrel of oil over 4,000 km would cost $1 on a 150,000 deadweight tons tanker ship
and $3 on a 50,000 deadweight tons tanker ship. A similar trend also applies to
container shipping with larger containerships involving lower unit costs.
4. Energy: Transport activities are large consumers of energy, especially oil.
About 60% of all the global oil consumption is attributed to transport activities.
Transport typically account for about 25% of all the energy consumption of an
economy. The costs of several energy intensive transport modes, such as air
transport, are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in energy prices.
5. Trade Imbalance: Imbalances between imports and exports have impacts
on transport costs. This is especially the case for container transportation since
trade imbalances imply the repositioning of empty containers that have to be taken
into account in the total transport costs. Consequently, if a trade balance is strongly
negative (more imports than exports), transport costs for imports tend to be higher
than for exports. The same condition applies at the national and local levels where
freight flows are often unidirectional, implying empty movements.
6. Infrastructure: The efficiency and capacity of transport modes and
terminals has a direct impact on transport costs. Poor infrastructures imply higher
transport costs, delays and negative economic consequences. More developed
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transport systems tend to have lower transport costs since they are more reliable
and can handle more movements.
7. Mode: since each has its own capacity limitations and operational
conditions. When two or more modes are directly competing for the same market,
the outcome often results in lower transport costs.
8. Competition and Regulation. Concerns the complex competitive and
regulatory environment in which transportation takes place. Transport services
taking place over highly competitive segments tend to be of lower cost than on
segments with limited competition e.g. oligopoly or monopoly. International
competition has favored concentration in many segments of the transport industry,
namely maritime and air modes. Regulations, such as tariffs, cabotage laws, labor,
security and safety impose additional transport costs, particularly in developing
countries.
9. Surcharge. Refer to an array of fees, often set in an arbitrary fashion, to
reflect temporary conditions that may impact on costs assumed by the transporter.
The most common are fuel surcharges, security fees, geopolitical risk premiums and
additional baggage fees.
Air transport passengers carried in India
The Air transport; passengers carried in India was reported at 49877935.00 in
2008, according to the World Bank. Air passengers carried include both domestic
and international aircraft passengers of air carriers registered in the country. Indian
Airlines, the country's major domestic airline, files extensively across the nation and
to neighboring countries as well. Alliance Air, India's second domestic airline, covers
small towns not touched by Indian Airlines. Foreigners must pay in foreign currency,
traveller's cheques or currency exchange forms. The dollar tariff is applicable on
domestic section for foreigners and NRIs. Misplaced tickets are not the responsibility
of these airlines.
Indian Airlines has a 21 day 'Discover India' fare which costs US $ 400. Also
available are India wonder fares prices at US$ 200 valid for 7 days. Other excursion
fare circuit trips providing 20% or 30% discount on the regular fares are also
available. Foreign Nationals below 30 years are entitled to youth fare discount of
25% on US dollar tariff in domestic or Indo-Nepal flights.
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Air Cargo Transportation: AAI handles export cargo on behalf of operating
airlines. Export cargo is required to be brought in ready for carriage condition with
proper packing, labeling, marks and numbers etc. prominently marked on all sides of
packages, duly accompanied by a carting order from concerned airline or through
Electronic Data Interface (EDI), Air Waybill, Shipping Bill, Baggage declaration, for
admission of cargo. Terminal storage and processing charges are to be paid to the
AAI at the Bank or AAI counter in export wing or through EDI.
Import Cargo: A free storage for 72 hours (3 working days) from the date of
landing is allowed for import cargo or unaccompanied baggage. During the free
period only Terminal Storage Processing (TSP) charges are levied. Thereafter,
demurrage charges are livable as per the applicable schedule of rates. 24 hours
services for acceptance or processing or handling of export, import, and
transshipment cargo as well as release and delivery of urgent nature of import
cargo.
Import cargo is received by AAI from Airlines on said to contain and said to
weigh basis as per Import General Manifestation (IGM). Delivery of the consignment
is affected against the delivery order from the airline and after customs out of charge
on payment of applicable AAI charges. Import cargo which remains unclaimed
beyond 30 days of landing is liable to be disposed off in terms of section 48 of the
Customs Act, 1962. AAI is not associated in examination of contents of packages at
any stage. Examination is carried out by customs in the presence of consignee or
their authorized representative.
Export Cargo: The free period of one working day (24 hrs) for examination and
processing by shippers is allowed. Round-the-clock deployment of Duty Officers for
managing import and export operation.
Air India's modern fleet of Boeing and airbus aircraft carries just about
everything. From emeralds to elephants, pins to pigments, shrimps to super
computers. An option which lack of corporate and international enterprises has
made. We have the infrastructure and the network to ensure smooth transportation
and delivery of cargo, worldwide. Air India’s cargo operations give a capacity
advantage, combined with a 13-city network in India alone. So arrange for hassle-
free and direct customs clearance both for export and import cargo. In India, fly to
Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata,
Ahmadabad, Goa, Kochi, Kozhikode and Lucknow.
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Care of Export Cargo: Cargo remains under the care and responsibility of
passenger, shipper and agent in the examination area till it is handed-over to AAI
after customs let export order. If cargo is cleared by customs after issue of export
order, passenger, shipper and agent shall hand over the same to AAI for transfer to
bonded area. AAI, after receiving on said to contain basis, is responsible for the
cargo handed-over to it at the bonded gate by the agent and shipper till the cargo is
released to the airline for upliftment. The cargo is received, processed and handled
by AAI on said to contain basis and AAI is not associated in the examination of
contents of packages at any stage. The examination is carried out by customs in the
presence of the shipper or his authorized agent. Loaders services for physical
handling of packages are available at no extra charges.
Internationally, Air India has tied up with various foreign airlines and trucking
companies. To support our cargo operations, we have a highly skilled and
experienced team of professionals backed by our Training Division of international
repute to constantly upgrade skills of our personnel. At our warehouse in Mumbai,
we have developed an indigenous system of inventory management for cargo
handling of import or export functions. This takes care of the entire management of
cargo, supports EDI messages with Indian customs and replaces to a great extent
existing paper correspondence between customs, airlines, and the custodians. This
also replaces manual handling and binning of cargo at the warehouse in Mumbai by
Air India in our role as custodian and helps to identify large number of pieces for one
air waybill with different weights and commodities binned in separate locations, track
and identify arrival of part shipments under the same Air waybills on different flights
and maintain information on house goods for a consol air waybill at the house bill
level.
Types of Cargo
Air India’s cargo operation flies everything; to just about anywhere. Not very
surprising, when consider how far and wide Indians have settled. Vast populations
have settled in the Gulf, the US, UK, Africa and the Far East. It is to enable them to
maintain links with their friends and families back home. And to let the entrepreneurs
conveniently go about their business, that Air India has fine tuned its cargo services
to their needs. An active member of IATA, Air India carries all types of cargo
including dangerous goods and live animals, provided such shipments are tendered
according to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and IATA Live Animals
Regulations respectively. Following are the main types of Cargo.
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1. Postal Mail: Air India is undoubtedly the major carrier of postal mail out of
India. We have also successfully bagged postal contracts from various foreign
postal administrations for uplift of Postal mail from their countries. For any enquiries,
you may contact to local offices in the countries concerned or mail to offices.
2. Odd-Sized Cargo: Do have any odd sized cargo or heavy pieces to carry.
Don't worry. Like airlines handle valuables and livestock, it also possesses expertise
in logistics to carry heavy and odd-sized.
3. Dangerous Goods: India being an industrial and nuclear power, air
transport regularly carry Dangerous Goods such as flammable, corrosive, poisonous
and radioactive substances. Our cargo staff is qualified under dangerous Goods
regulations, to handle such consignments.
4. Valuables: In order to ensure security of valuables, it is provided a
container with a security locker, on flight. In fact, the entire operation of loading and
unloading is carried out under the vigilant eyes of security personnel. India's largest
foreign exchange earner is gems and jewellery, for which Air India gets its due
share. White and yellow metals are our frequent flyers and a woman's best friend,
diamonds, are our regular companions. The carriage of valuables is not only
restricted to gems and jewellery but also transportation of exquisite museum
artifacts and paintings. Among other valuables, once had the privilege of carrying
exquisite paintings, the Padshahnama from Queen Elizabeth's Windsor Castle
collections, dating back to the 17th Century Mughal period.
5. Livestock: Over the years, we have acquired considerable expertise in
carriage of livestock such as elephants, tigers, leopards, horses, cattle and pets.
Recently Air India transported two plane loads of high breed horses from Europe to
India.
6. Tips for Unaccompanied Baggage: For facilitating in customs clearance
for your unaccompanied baggage at Indian airports, you or your representative
should approach Indian Customs at the airport through our office with the following:
A) Copy of Airway bill B) Passenger's passport C) Baggage Declaration Form
(BDF), duly completed.
7. Mishandled Baggage: Any loss or damage to baggage must be reported
immediately on arrival. All mishandled baggage is traced through the worldwide
computerized tracer system. Passengers can check the status of their missing bag
on this site.
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8. Couriers: Courier traffic is a rapidly growing market. Air India has been in
the courier business transporting small packages and documents between
destinations for years. As airlines now allow drop-off facility en-route, the on-board
courier can carry courier loads to more than one destination, considerably saving on
cost.
5.2.4 Government Policy, Airports Authority of India- Functioning:
Government Policy
The recent growth in the air transport sector and strength of Indian economy,
has reassured entrepreneurs about healthy growth prospects for civil aviation in
India. Therefore, it is not surprising that a number of new airlines are proposing to
enter the market while existing airlines are going for significant fleet expansion or
renewal. Five new airlines viz. Air Deccan, Kingfisher, Spice Jet, Paramount Airways
and Go Airlines have started operations in past 1 ½ year or so.
1. Open Sky Policy during Peak Season: In order to ensure sufficient
availability of seats, a limited open sky policy was adopted by Government from
November 2004 to March 2005, under which designated airlines operated additional
services to or from India subject to the existing terms of commercial agreement with
Air India/Indian Airlines.
2. Air Services Agreement with USA: A revised Air Services Agreement
between India and USA was signed on 14th April, 2005 replacing the earlier
Agreement signed in 1956. The earlier agreement between India and USA already
permitted either side to designate any number of airlines to operate air services
between the two countries. The India-USA sector is one of the biggest markets for
Indian carriers.
3. Liberalization of Air Services with UK: GOI was taken a major step-
forward in respect of air services between India and UK as a result of the successful
negotiations with UK held in August, 2005. Consequently, entitlements for operation
of air services between India and UK, which is the biggest market for Air India, has
eased existing capacity constraints.
4. Private Carriers: In pursuance of the policy framework to permit the
designated airlines of all countries having Air Services Agreements with India to
operate 7 flights/week each to any two international airports in India, the designated
airlines of Austria, Finland, Republic of Korea, Maldives, Armenia, Yemen etc. have
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
165
been offered additional capacity, as requested by the respective Governments,
subject to reciprocal rights to the Indian carriers.
5. Policy Regarding Commercial Agreements: : All new operations by
foreign carriers, both on new destinations as well as on existing routes would be free
from the obligations of mandated commercial agreements. All existing Government
mandated commercial agreements would be reviewed and phased out over the next
5 years. However, the airlines will be free to enter into such co-operative marketing
arrangements as are mutually agreed upon between them.
6. Foreign Direct Investment: Central Government has increased the
Foreign Direct Investment limits in Air Transport Services (Domestic Airlines) and
revised limits 49% through automatic route; and 100% by Non-Resident Indians
through automatic route. No direct or indirect equity participation by foreign airlines
is allowed.
7. Restructuring of Airports: Government is upgrading and modernizing
airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Delhi and Mumbai through
restructuring process by adopting the Joint – Venture route. The process is likely to
be completed by the end of year 2005. The Joint Venture Companies will be
mandated to undertake capital expenditure of Rs.28 billion at Delhi and Rs. 26
billion at Mumbai in the first 5 years. The expenditure on development of Mumbai
airport is expected to be Rs.59 billion for the period 2005 – 2019 whereas for Delhi
airport, it is likely to be of the order of Rs.79 billion over the period 2005-2024.
8. Modernization of Non Metro Airports: AAI has proposed to modernize
35 tentatively selected non metro airports to world-class standards in phases with
focus on airside and city side development and enhancement of non-aeronautical
revenue. Indian financial consultants and global technical advisors were appointed
to conduct techno-economic feasibility study of 10 identified airports to evolve an
appropriate model based on viability of the project.
9. Cargo Hub at Nagpur: There is a proposal from Government of
Maharashtra (GOM) to construct International Multi Model Passenger and Cargo
Hub (MIHAN) at Nagpur. Ministry of Civil Aviation / Airports Authority of India is
willing to transfer the Nagpur airport to Government of Maharashtra subject to
finalization of modalities. On the advice of the MCA, GOM conducted a due
diligence study of Airport infrastructure at Nagpur and submitted a report on October
26, 2004. The report is under examination. Cabinet has approved international
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status to Nagpur Airport and has also approved re-naming it as Dr. Ambedkar
International Airport.
10. New Civil Aviation Policy: The Ministry constituted a Committee under
the Chairmanship of Shri Naresh Chandra, former Cabinet Secretary to prepare a
roadmap for civil aviation sector that will provide the basis for a New National Civil
Aviation Policy. The Committee had submitted the first part of the report on 08-12-
2003 and second part on 02-11-2004. The recommendations made in these reports
have been examined. A comprehensive “National Civil Aviation Policy” has been
drafted in consultation with the stakeholders in the aviation sector. The draft Civil
Aviation Policy was circulated for inter ministerial consultation in March, 2005.
Comments of other Ministries have since been received. Subsequently, the
Department of Space also requested to be consulted in the matter. The draft Civil
Aviation Policy is now being revised to take on board the views of other Ministries.
The matter will be submitted for the consideration of the Cabinet shortly.
Airports Authority of India
Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages a total of 125 Airports, which include
11 international airports, 08 Customs Airports, 81 domestic airports and 25 civil
enclaves at defense airfields. AAI also provides air traffic management services over
entire Indian air space and adjoining oceanic areas with ground installations at all
airports and 25 other locations to ensure safety of aircraft operations.
The airports at Ahmadabad, Amritsar, Calicut, Guwahati, Jaipur, Trivandrum,
Kolkata and Chennai, which today are established as international airports, are open
to operations even by foreign international airlines. Besides, the international flights,
national flag carriers operate from Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Varanasi, and Gaya
Airports. Not only this but also the tourist charters now touch Agra, Coimbatore,
Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna airports etc.
All major air-routes over Indian landmass are Radar covered (29 Radar
installations at 11 locations) along with VOR/DVOR coverage (89 installations) co-
located with distance measuring equipment (90 installations). 52 runways are
provided with ILS installations with night landing facilities at most of these airports
and automatic message switching system at 15 airports.
AAI's successful implementation of Automatic Dependence Surveillance
System (ADSS), using indigenous technology, at Calcutta and Chennai air traffic
control centres, gave India the distinction of being the first country to use this
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advanced technology in the South East Asian region thus enabling effective air
traffic control over oceanic areas using satellite mode of communication. Use of
remote controlled VHF coverage, along with satellite communication links, has given
added strength to our ATMS. Linking of 80 locations by V-Sat installations shall
vastly enhance air traffic management and in turn safety of aircraft operations
besides enabling administrative and operational control over our extensive airport
network. Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures have already been
implemented at Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmadabad airports and are likely to be
implemented at other airports in phased manner.
AAI has undertaken GAGAN project in technological collaboration with Indian
Space and Research Organization (ISRO), where the satellite based system will be
used for navigation. The navigation signals thus received from the GPS will be
augmented to achieve the navigational requirement of aircrafts. First phase of
technology demonstration system has already been successfully completed in
February 2008. Development team has been geared up to upgrade the system in
operational phase. AAI has also planned to provide Ground Based Augmentation
System (GBAS) at Delhi and Mumbai airports. This GBAS equipment will be
capable of providing category-II landing signals to the aircrafts thus replacing the
existing instrument landing system in the long run, which is required at each end of
the runway.
AAI's endeavor, in enhanced focus on 'customer's expectations', has evinced
enthusiastic response to independent agency, which has organized customer
satisfaction surveys at 30 busy airports. These surveys have enabled us to
undertake improvements on aspects recommended by the airport users. The
receptacles for our 'Business Reply Letters' at airports have gained popularity; these
responses enable us to understand the changing aspirations of airport users. During
the first year of the millennium, AAI endeavors to make its operations more
transparent and also make available the instantaneous information to customers by
deploying state-of-art information technology.
The specific training, focus on improving the employee response and the
professional skill up-gradation, has been manifested. AAI's four training
establishments’ viz. Civil Aviation Training College (CATC) - Allahabad, National
Institute of Aviation Management and Research (NIAMAR) - Delhi and Fire Training
Centres (FTCs) at Delhi and Kolkata are expected to be busier than ever before.
AAI has also undertaken initiatives to upgrade training facilities at CATC Allahabad
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and Hyderabad Airport. Aerodrome Visual Simulator (AVS) has been provided at
CATC recently and non-radar procedural ATC simulator equipment is being supplied
to CATC Allahabad and Hyderabad Airport. It’s having a dedicated Flight Inspection
Unit (FIU) and it has fleet of three aircrafts fitted with latest state-of-art fully
automatic flight inspection system capable of inspecting. In addition to in house flight
calibration of nav aids, AAI also undertakes flight calibration of navy aids for Air
force, Navy, Coast guard and other private airfields in India.
Organization of AAI
Airports Authority of India (AAI) was constituted by an Act of Parliament and
came into being on 1st April 1995 by merging erstwhile National Airports Authority
and International Airports Authority of India. The merger brought into existence a
single Organization entrusted with the responsibility of creating, upgrading,
maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on the ground and air
space in the country.
AAI manages 125 airports, which include 11 international airport, 08 customs
airports, 81 domestic airports and 27 civil enclaves at defense airfields. AAI provides
air navigation services over 2.8 million square nautical miles of air space. During the
year 2008- 09, AAI handled aircraft movement international 270345 and domestic
1036187, passengers handled international 1047614 and domestic 33785990 and
the cargo handled international 318242 and domestic 181176.
Functions of AAI
1. Passenger Facilities: The main functions of AAI inter-alia include
construction, modification and management of passenger terminals, development
and management of cargo terminals, development and maintenance of
infrastructure including runways, parallel taxiways, apron etc., Provision of
communication, navigation and surveillance which includes provision of DVOR /
DME, ILS, ATC radars, visual aids etc., provision of air traffic services, provision of
passenger facilities and related amenities at its terminals thereby ensuring safe and
secure operations of aircraft, passenger and cargo in the country.
2. Air Navigation Services: In tune with global approach to modernization of
air navigation infrastructure for seamless navigation across state and regional
boundaries, AAI has been going ahead with its plans for transition to satellite based
communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management.
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3. Memoranda of C-operation: A number of co-operation agreements and
memoranda of co-operation have been signed with US federal aviation
administration, US trade and development agency, European Union, air services
Australia and the French government co-operative projects and studies initiated to
gain from their experience. Through these activities more and more executives of
AAI are being exposed to the latest technology, modern practices and procedures
being adopted to improve the overall performance of airports and air navigation
services.
4. Safety of Airports: Induction of latest state-of-the-art equipment, both as
replacement and old equipments and also as new facilities to improve standards of
safety of airports in the air is a continuous process. Adoptions of new and improved
procedure go hand in hand with induction of new equipment.
5. Security: The continuing security environment has brought into focus the
need for strengthening security of vital installations. There was thus an urgent need
to revamp the security at airports not only to thwart any misadventure but also to
restore confidence of traveling public in the security of air travel as a whole, which
was shaken after 9/11 tragedy. With this in view, a number of steps were taken
including deployment of CISF for airport security, CCTV surveillance system at
sensitive airports, latest and state-of-the-art X-ray baggage inspection systems,
premier security and surveillance systems. Smart cards for access control to vital
installations at airports are also being considered to supplement the efforts of
security personnel at sensitive airports.
6. Aerodrome Facilities: In Airports Authority of India, the basic approach to
planning of airport facilities has been adopted to create capacity ahead of demand in
our efforts. Towards implementation of this strategy, a number of projects for
extension and strengthening of runway, taxi track and aprons at different airports
has been taken up. Extension of runway to 7500 ft. has been taken up to support
operation for Airbus-320 and Boeing 737-800 categories of aircrafts at all airports.
7. HRD Training: A large pool of trained and highly skilled manpower is one
of the major assets of AAI. Development and technological enhancements and
consequent refinement of operating standards and procedures, new standards of
safety and security and improvements in management techniques call for continuing
training to update the knowledge and skill of officers and staff. For this purpose AAI
has a number of training establishments, viz. NIAMAR in Delhi, CATC in Allahabad
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and so on. Foreign students have also been participating in the training programme
being conducted by these institutions.
8. IT Implementation: Information technology holds the key to operational
and managerial efficiency, transparency and employee productivity. AAI initiated a
programme to indoctrinate IT culture among its employees and this is most powerful
tool to enhance efficiency in the organization. AAI website with domain name
www.airportsindia.org.in or www.aai.aero is a popular website giving a host of
information about the organization besides domestic and international flight
schedules and such other information of interest to the public in general and
passengers in particular.
9. Design, Development, Operation and Maintenance of international and
domestic airports and civil enclaves.
10. Control and Management of the Indian airspace extending beyond the
territorial limits of the country, as accepted by ICAO.
Board Members of AAI
Chairman
� Member ((Human Resource)
� Member (Planning)
� Member (ANS) & Addl.Charge-Member (Finance)
� Member (Operations)
� Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor Ministry of Civil Aviation
(Official) and Director General of Civil Aviation
� Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (Official)
� Non-Official
� Non-Official
� Non-Official
Indian Aviation Academy
1. Sponsored by AAI, Indian Aviation Academy has been created as an
autonomous body under the aegis of NIAMAR SOCIETY to cater to
requirement of training employees of AAI, Director General of Civil Aviation and
171
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security under one roof. Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) has been become centre for e in areas of education,
training and research in aviation in Asia pacific region. Its aim is to become a
Deemed University in due course.
2. Spread over an area of 5 acres having beautiful ambience and healthy
environment. It has provided world class training modern infrastructure, training,
hostel facilities and best in-house and visiting aviation experts comparable with
the renowned Civil Aviation Training Institutes around the world.
3. Erstwhile National Institute of Aviation Management and Research (NIAMAR)
was one of the prestigious premiere institutes of AAI established in the year
1986, basically to cater to the in-house training needs of Airports Authority of
India in all disciplines of Airport Management and for the overall development of
their human resources. Started as Institute of Aviation Management (IAM) at
Paterson Farms, Nangal Diary-New Delhi.
4. Human resources development (HRD) is an integral field of any organization
whose vision is very broad and meaningful for the overall success of that
organization in the field it has been dealing with. AAI is not an exception to that
and also given emphasis by the top management to develop the best human
resources with required skills, knowledge and attitude, not only to cater to its
own training needs but to that of entire civil aviation fraternity.
5. This institute is one of the strongest pillars to shoulder the responsibility
towards human resources development in various fields of airport management
such as airport operations, airport engineering - construction, maintenance and
project management, cargo management, airport finance, human resource
management, airport commercial and land management and aviation law.
Role of Airport Infrastructure in National Economy
1. Airports being nuclei of economic activity assume a significant role in the
national economy. The quality of airport infrastructure, which is a vital
component of the overall transportation network, contributes directly to a
country's international competitiveness and the flow of foreign investment.
2. While cargo carried by air in India weighs less than 1% of the total cargo
exported, it accounts for 35% of the total value of exports. Better cargo handling
facilities lead to enhanced levels of importation, especially of capital goods and
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high-value items. Likewise, 97% of the country's foreign tourists arrive by air
and tourism is the nation's second largest foreign exchange earner.
3. Airports also represent a country's window on the world. Passengers form their
first impressions about a nation from the state of its airports. They can be
effectively used as symbols of national pride, if we pay sufficient attention to
their quality and maintenance.
4. In many remote, hilly and inaccessible areas of the country, air transport is the
quickest and sometimes the only mode of travel available. This is especially
true of sensitive regions on the borders with our neighbors in the west, north
and north-east.
5. Airports need to be integrated with other modes of transport like Railways and
Highways, enabling seamless transportation to all parts of the country.
1.3 Summary:
A. Transport in the India is an important part of the national economy. Since the
economic liberalization of the 1990s, development of infrastructure within the
country has progressed at a rapid pace, and today there is a wide variety of
modes of transport by land, water and air. The 9th largest aviation market in the
world is India. At present, private airlines account for around 75% portion of the
domestic aviation market. Air transport is the fastest mode of transport and
therefore suitable carriage of goods over a long distance requiring less time.
They maintain a system of high speed transportation requirement of the
government and of military in war as well as in peace. But Air transport is the
most risky form of transport because a minor accident may put a substantial loss
to the goods, passengers and the crew.
B. The Indian Civil Aviation market grew at a CAGR of 18%, being valued round
US$ 5.6 billion in 2008. Further statistics revealed that the air traffic in August
2009 was a double digit figure. The domestic airliners flew 3.67 million
passengers in August 2009, as against 2.92 million in the corresponding period
of 2007, up by 26%. The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) has estimated
that the domestic traffic will go up by 25% to 30% till 2010 along with a surge in
the international traffic by 15%. There would be more than 100 million
passengers by 2010. Then again by 2020, Indian airports will in all probability
handle over 100 million passengers every year. The investment plans to the
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tune of US$ 9 billion has been made by the Aviation Ministry for modernizing the
existing airports by 2010.
C. Indian Airlines has a 21 day ‘Discover India' fare which costs US $ 400. Also
available are India wonder fares prices at US$ 200 valid for 7 days. Other
excursion fare circuit trips providing 20% or 30% discount on the regular fares
are also available. Foreign Nationals below 30 years are entitled to youth fare
discount of 25% on US dollar tariff in domestic or Indo-Nepal flights. Air India’s
cargo operation flies everything; to just about anywhere. Not very surprising,
when consider how far and wide Indians have settled. Vast populations have
settled in the Gulf, the US, UK, Africa and the Far East. It is to enable them to
maintain links with their friends and families back home.
D. GOI was taken a major step-forward in respect of air services between India and
UK as a result of the successful negotiations with UK held in August, 2005.
Consequently, entitlements for operation of air services between India and UK,
which is the biggest market for Air India, has eased existing capacity constraints.
GOI has increased the FDI limits in air transport services e.g. domestic airlines
and revised limits 49% through automatic route; and 100% by NRIs through
automatic route. No direct or indirect equity participation by foreign airlines is
allowed. In order to ensure sufficient availability of seats, a limited open sky
policy was adopted by GOI from November 2004 to March 2005, under which
designated airlines operated additional services to or from India subject to the
existing terms of commercial agreement with air India and Indian airlines.
5.4 Key words:
���� Liberalization: In general, liberalization refers to a relaxation of previous
government restrictions, usually in areas of social or economic policy.
���� Economic liberalization: Economic liberalization is a very broad term that
usually refers to fewer government regulations and restrictions in the economy in
exchange for greater participation of private entities; the doctrine is associated with
classical liberalism.
���� International trade: International trade is the exchange of capital, goods
and services across the international boarders or territories.
���� Infrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for
the operation of a society or enterprise or the services and facilities necessary for an
economy to function. It can be generally defined as the set of interconnected
174
structural elements that provide framework supporting an entire structure of
development.
���� Economy: An economy consists of the economic system of a country or
other area; the labour capital and land resources and the manufacturing, trade,
distribution and consumption of goods and services of that area.
5.5 Questions for self-learning:
A) Choose the correct alternatives from the following.
1. Air transport being the most -------------------- mode of transport has been gaining
popularity.
1) Modern 2) Traditional 3) Both 4) None of above
2 ---------------- largest aviation market in the world is India
1) 5th 2) 9th 3) 10th 4) 2nd
3 ----------------- air corridor was ranked 6th by the Official Airline Guide in 2007
among the world's busiest routes
1) Delhi- Calcutta 2) Mumbai-Delhi 3) Delhi- Pune 4) None of above
4. Indian Airlines has a 21 day 'Discover India' fare which costs ------------
1) US$ 200 2) US$ 500 3) US$ 100 4) US $ 400
5. A revised Air Services Agreement between India and USA was signed on -----------
------
1) 2000 2) 2005 3) 2010 4) 2012
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B) Write an answer into single sentence.
1. How much portion of private airlines in domestic aviation market.
2. State any two characteristics of air transport in India.
3. State any two problems of air transport in India.
4. How many international airports are managed by AAI?
5. When Airports Authority of India was come into exist.
5.6 Answers of self-learning questions:
A) 1) Modern 2) 9th 3) Mumbai- Delhi 4) US$ 400 5)2005
B) 1) Private airlines account for 75% portion of the domestic aviation market.
2) Popular Domestic Air Travel & International Airports
3) Risky & Adverse Weather Conditions
4) 11 international airports are managed by AAI.
5) Airports Authority of India was come into exist in 1995.
5.7 Questions for Self Study:
A) Broad answer Type Questions
1. What are the characteristics of air transport in India?
2. What is the significance of air transport in India?
3. What are the problems faced to air transport in India?
4. Discuss the growth of air transport in India.
5. Explain the Government policy regarding air transport in India.
B) Short Notes
1. Need of air transport
2. Airports Authority of India
3. Air cargo transportation
4. Functioning of AAI
5. Scope of air transport
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5.8 Field Work:
In order to know and understand the air transport the student should collect the
information about air transportation in India and write report.
5.7 References for further study:
1. Aboncher Allan (1976), Transportation Economics and Public Policy with Urban
Extension, Wiley Inter Science Publishing, New York.
2. Bimalendu Mishra and Prasannkumar Chaudhary (1998), Transport Sector in
India, Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiyana.
3. Economic Survey of India, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India 2009-10.
4. Economic Survey of Maharashtra- 2010-11.
5. Eleven Five Year Plan, GOI.
6. Nawab, K. W. (1967), Economic Development of Indian Air Transport, National
Publishing House.
� � �
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
177
Unit- 6
Transport and Environmental Pollution
Index:
6.0 Objectives
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Presentation of the Subject
6.2.1Transport and Environmental Pollution
6.2.2 Road Transport and the Environment
6.2.3 Railway Transport and the Environment
6.2.4 Water Transport and the Environment
6.2.5 Air Transport and the Environment
6.3 Terms to Remember
6.4 Summary
6.5 Answers to Check Your Progress
6.6 Exercise : Answer the following questions
6.7 References
6.0 Objectives:
The study of this unit will enable us in materializing following objectives.
1. To know about transport system and environmental pollution relationship;
2. To understand the contribution of surface transport means like road and
railway;
3. To explain the environmental pollution arising due to the air and water transport
system.
6.1 Introduction:
Infrastructural facilities play a very significant role in economic development of
the economy. In brief, in absence of infrastructural facilities it is impossible to begin
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even a single productive activity in an economy. In this backdrop, all the previous
units endeavour to study transport and communication system, their means,
progress, problems and policy of the government as well. Transport and
environment is a missing aspect in all the previous units discussed. Hence, it is
desirable and appropriate to discuss the various issues and aspects concerning
transport system and the environment. It is therefore, the present unit attempts to
discuss all the issues relating to transport and environment in detail to the extent
possible.
6.2 Presentation of the Subject:
It is a fact that the transport system plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic
development of the economy. Likewise, with regard to that, the environment is also
of greater importance. Because the environment along its important contribution in
the development of the economy, it also facilitates the existence of all the living
things and can have evil effects on the human beings prominently. It is against this
overall backdrop, it is inevitable to study the relationship between the transport
system and the environment.
6.2.1Transport and Environmental Pollution:
The nature of the relationship between transport system and the environment is
a contradictory type. It is because, transport system makes dynamic passengers
and goods on the one hand, but increasing number of vehicles results in traffic jam
and conjunction and contributes very significantly to the number of environmental
problems. Transport system is responsible for the environmental problems like air,
water, noise and land pollution with the number of impacts. These impacts are
classified into three categories :
1. Direct impact or effect in which the effects of transport system on the
environment and their causes are realised.
2. Indirect impact of transport undertakings on the environment are of higher level,
but effective relationship between them is not known.
3. In joint effects of transport system on ecosystem, are direct and indirect. But it
is very difficult to predict them.
These are the number of aspects of the relationship between transport system
and the environment. Transport system contributes to the environmental pollution
that can be of air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, land pollution types,
which very badly affects their quality and biosphere. The relationship between
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transport system and the environment can be explained as follows. They are the
various aspects or dimensions of the transport system and the environment
relationship.
Air Quality/Pollution:
Vehicles on the highways, submarine engines, railway coaches, aircrafts
discharge smoke and particles and contribute to air pollution and adversely effect on
the health of human beings as well as other living things. Toxic air pollutants cause
to cancer, respiratory diseases and diseases relating to brain as well. Carbon
monoxide breathing adversely affects blood and reduces the level of oxygen, which
is very much dangerous to public health. Likewise, nitrogen dioxide (No2) being
emitted by the transport system badly affects the working of the lungs. Sulphur
dioxide (So2) and nitrogen oxide (Nox) gases create acidic compounds and their
mixing with raindrops results in acid rain, which very badly affects agricultural
production and living things also. Suspended particles by the transport vehicles very
significantly deteriorate air quality in the atmosphere.
Climate Change:
Transport industries discharge the number of gases in million tonnes per year in
the atmosphere. They consist of carbon monoxide (Co), Carbon dioxide (Co2),
Methane (Ch4), Nitrogen oxide (Nox), Cluro Fluro Carbons (CFCs), heavy metals
(copper, cadmium) and particles (ash, dust), etc. Some gases from them are
responsible for green house effect, global warming and climate change as well.
Besides this, Nitrous oxide helps in depletion of ozone layer, which enables to reach
ultra violet rays on the planet earth, which have the number of evil effects especially
living things.
Noise Pollution:
When the sound level increases beyond bearable limit that creates the problem
of noise pollution, which can have the number of evil consequences to be suffered
especially by the human beings. Noise heard by the people vanishes satisfaction
and happiness in human life. In general, when the level of sound remains upto 75
dB, that very badly affects hearing capacity of humans and physical as well as
mental well being also. The actual working of the transport vehicles and noise
generated in harbours, railways and airports can very badly affect human health.
Besides this, it can also result in heart related diseases as well as, it can reduce
productive uses of the land whereby their prices can fall in the urban areas.
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Water Quality/Pollution:
Transport undertakings affect the state of water quality. Aeroplanes, cars,
trucks, railways transport and at their stations oil, chemicals, toxic particles are
discharged which mix up into rivers, lakes, seas and pollute their water. There is
increasing demand for the shipping transport and submarines are contributing to the
water pollution. Submarine transport discharges solid waste, waste water, spirit
mixed water and oil layers are very significantly contributing to the problem of water
pollution. Water transport in the harbours is contributing to micro organisms,
bacteria and virus to the higher level possible, which has resulted in endangering
group eco systems. The solid waste generated by this transport system comprises
of heavy metals, plastics that does not degrade which consequently contributes to
the pollution of the sea water. The seepage of oil ships to the greater extent possible
is resulting in pollution of the sea water, which has endangered the aquatic
biodiversity.
Soil Quality/Pollution:
Transport system adversely affects land through soil erosion and contributes to
the land pollution. Shipping transport creates huge waves in the water and thereby
helps in the land pollution on the banks of seas and rivers. The use of land for the
construction of the highways, harbours and airports is resulting in falling fertility and
quality of the soil and thereby land. The use of toxic thing and materials in the
transport industries is causing to the soil pollution. The transport vehicles on the
roads are helping in the land pollution on both the sides through their oil and oil
layer. The lands in the surroundings of the railways, roads, harbours and airports
are polluting through poisonous metals, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals.
Loss of Biodiversity:
Transport systems are very badly affecting the natural flora. In huge quantity
forest cutting is undertaken for the production of necessary tools, equipments,
vehicles and roads which is very significantly helping in the rapid deforestation. The
growth of some trees and plants is restricted by the road and railway systems.
Likewise, bad and undesirable changes are taking place in some trees and plants
due to the transport systems and their working. Further, this is helping in the
extermination of species of some plants. The cutting of trees and deforestation is
resulting in the destroy of habitats of the many animals and birds, and consequently
contributing to the scarcity of their some species.
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Changes in Shapes of Land:
Transport systems and facilities are affecting shapes and sizes of lands.
Harbours and airports are a salient feature of urban areas. But they are very
significantly contributing to the rapid changes in the sizes of the lands. Railways and
highways go through cities or nearby cities as the result of which the borders of the
cities are changing very significantly. The use of land in urban areas is depending
on the transport system and their facilities. The main transport system and transport
services are helping in deteoritaing the quality of air, water and land as well.
Likewise, noise level is increasing in urban areas and very significantly contributing
to the degradation of the urban environment.
6.2.2 Road Transport and the Environment:
Transport facilities are considered as a basic facilities. They play a very
important role in making dynamic the process of economic development in the
economy. Road transport facilities are one of the important transport facilities in the
economy. There is an inverse relationship between transport system and the
environment. Likewise, the inverse relationship between road transport and the
environment is found. Increasing road transport facilities are increasing
environmental pollution and increasing its intensity. It is therefore very much
essential to study the relationship between road transport system and the
environment.
Road transport facilities are provided by the buses, trucks, tempos, cars, autos,
etc. These are the road transport means or vehicles. Road transport facilities
contribute to the environmental pollution. The environmental pollution being created
by the road transport system comprises of air pollution, noise pollution.
1. Air Pollution:
It is real and confirm that air pollution arises because of road transport vehicles.
This air pollution is determined by the factors like travel distance, travel load, nature
and extent of energy use, state of transport, vehicle age, and so on. Besides these,
temperature, passenger and goods load, vehicle speed, etc. also affect air pollution
by road transport system.
Road transport means or vehicles emit the poisonous gases like carbon
monoxide (Co), carbon dioxide (Co2), Hydro carbons (Hc), Nitrogen oxides (Nox),
Sulphur dioxide (So2), particulates into the atmosphere and contribute to the air
pollution. All road transport means, especially goods transport vehicles discharge
per kilometer 0.90 gram carbon monoxide, 211 gram carbon dioxide, 0.68 gram
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hydro carbons, 2.97 gram nitrogen oxide, 0.20 gram sulphur dioxide and 0.19 gram
particulates into the atmosphere and contribute to air pollution. The speed of
vehicles and travel of vehicles determine the magnitude of the air pollutants emitted
into the atmosphere, and thereby the air pollution.
2. Noise Pollution:
Road transport means generate higher level sound and contribute to the
problem of air pollution. They comprise mainly of trucks, tempos which are
prominently goods transport vehicles. Besides these, the passenger transport
vehicles like buses, cars, also help in arising the noise pollution, and increasing its
intensity as well. This type of noise pollution is determined by the factors like vehicle
travel, speed, load, use of petrol or diesel. According to a study by Kurer (1993),
generally petrol vehicle with 100 km speed generates sound of 77-78 dB. And a
diesel vehicle generates the noise of 79 dB. Likewise, 70 to 105 kw sized truck
creates the noise of 82 to 83 dB level. The size of vehicle does not affect much
significantly on the level of noise. The noise created by the road transport vehicles
pose social cost on the society in the form of human health, value of property and
assets, noise control expenditure. It is indicated by their willingness to pay (WTP) to
control the problem of noise pollution.
Besides these, while creating road transport facilities the use of the land is
made, which results in land degradation. The movements of the vehicles on the
roads pollute the lands on both the sides of the road. Road transport vehicles have
increased the number of accidents, which destruct the human resources. It is a fact
that now a days the number of vehicle accidents has increased rapidly and
significantly.
It is clear that road transport means and facilities are contributing to the
environmental pollution. It is very much essential to control such environmental
pollution. For this, following could be the measures for its control. They are
formulate proper transport policy and its implementation, measure the state of
vehicles, traffic rules and their strict enforcement necessary, training and knowledge
of traffic rules to the drivers, transport knowledge and eco friendly facilities, control
over adulteration of petrol, diesel and other energy sources.
6.2.3 Railway Transport and the Environment:
Railway transport system is one of the important modes of transport and
transport facilities. It is supposed that railways meagerly contributes to
environmental pollution. But it can adversely affect eco systems. Besides this, it is
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inevitable to know and study environmental pollution being contributed by the
railways.
1. Air Pollution:
It is observed that railways very meagerly contribute to the air pollution
compared with the road transport means and facilities. The type of energy being
used in railways determines the nature and extent of air pollution. In general,
railways discharge the air pollutants like carbon monoxide (Co), Carbon dioxide
(Co2), Hydrocarbons (Hc), Nitrogen oxides (Nox), Sulphur dioxide (So2) and
particulates into the atmosphere, but in very meager quantity. According to Kurer,
railway discharges per tonne per kilometer 0.15 gram carbon monoxide, .48 gram
carbon dioxide, 0.4 gram nitrogen oxides, 0.18 gram sulphur dioxide and 0.07 gram
particulates. These emissions depend upon type of engine and type of energy used.
2. Noise Pollution:
The noise being created by the railways is lower than the road transport means
like trucks. It is because; the noise of the railways is of intermittent in nature. But if
sound of one railway is measured, it is greater than the truck. According to Kurer,
railways create noise worth of 100 dB on an average. But per tonne sound of the
railways can be 63 dB, which can be 64 dB for trucks.
From the foregoing analysis it is clear that the contribution of railways to the
environmental pollution is lower and hence meager. But it is not correct that railways
do not contribute to the environmental pollution in the form of air and noise pollution.
The use of modern technology in railways can enable us in controlling
environmental pollution in the economy.
6.2.4 Water Transport and the Environment:
Water transport is a constituent of the transport system in an economy. The
water transport facilities are created and provided, where other modes and facilities
of the transport can not be created and supplied. But when we try to study the
relationship between the water transport and the environment. It is true and clear
that water transport facilities and the environmental pollution in the economy. Both
the inland and sea transport facilities help in the environmental pollution. Oil, oil
mixed waste water, nondegradable solid waste, seepage of oil and toxic chemicals,
air pollutants, harbour and channel construction and management contribute to the
environmental pollution, and it can also be harmful to the eco systems as well.
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1. Oil Pollution:
Ships are used for the transport of oil, other materials and passengers also.
While transporting of oil, other materials, and passengers by the ships oil seepage in
the sea water prominently takes place. If oil, other materials and passengers are not
there in the ship, water is filled in for the balance of the ship in the sea. That water is
discharged into the sea and then oil, other materials and passengers are
accommodated in the ship. The released water, oil, chemical mixed water and other
wastes from the ships mix up into the sea water and help in the water pollution.
2. Disposal of Solid Waste:
Ships discharge a lot of solid waste into the sea, and contribute to the pollution
of the sea water. That solid waste is of the plastics prominently. Fishing boats use
plastic nets in the sea water and contribute to the water pollution. Goods
transporting ships use plastics and wood for dunnage and packaging, but all that is
thrown in the sea water only and helped in the pollution of the sea water. Of these,
plastics very badly affect aquatic biodiversity as well as, sea shore biodiversity also.
The dunnage, packaging materials and plastics very badly affect fishes, birds and
other living things as well. But it is very difficult to measure the nature and extent of
solid waste in the sea water.
3. Accidental Spills:
The seepages of oil carrying ships create oil spills on the sea water and very
significantly contribute to the pollution of the sea water. The sea water pollution
arises at the times of filling in and down loading of the oil from the ships in the seas.
The bad climatic conditions result in breaking of ships in the sea, which also
contributes to the sea water pollution, due to seepage of oil from ships. The
seepage of oil in the sea takes place especially at the time of arrival or departure of
the ships from the harbours. In 1994, in all 9440 oil seepage accidents took place in
the USA only, that oil seepage was worth of 34,149 m3. But it is very much
expensive to purify the polluted sea water. According to UNCTAD, the cost of
purifying sea water by destroying oil spills is $7000 for some cubic meter oil.
4. Air Pollution:
Goods transport ships is not a major source of air pollution. The energy which is
provided to these ships does not discharge the air pollutants. But the materials used
for providing the light, heat and ventilation contributes to the problem of air pollution.
Ships discharge the air pollutants like Carbon monoxide (Co), Carbon dioxide (Co2),
Hydrocarbons (Hc), Nitrogen oxides (Nox), Sulphur dioxide (So2), particulates in very
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lesser quantity. According to the study by Befahy, per tonne – per kilometer the
discharge of Carbon monoxide is 0.20 gram, 0.08 gram hydro carbons, 0.58 gram
nitrogen oxide, 0.04 gram particulates respectively. In inland water transport the
discharge of these air pollutants is lesser than what is mentioned above.
5. Construction and Maintenance of Harbours and Channels and
Environmental Pollution:
The construction, repairs and maintenance of harbours and channels in the sea
adversely affects the sea water and more importantly aquatic biodiversity. It requires
deep digging for the construction of the harbours as well as channels. This results in
accumulating sludge in huge quantity, which badly affects fishes and other living
things. As a result, the turbidity of the sea water increases which creates hindrances
to reach the sunrays and heat in the water, this restricts the photosynthesis process
and inadequate supply of food and heat to the living things in the sea water. This
also adversely affects on the sea water flows, sea and salty water, dissolved oxygen
(DO) and other pollutants also. Besides these, oil in sea water, oil spill, heavy
metals, chemical compounds in the sea water results in the pollution of the sea
water.
6.2.5 Air Transport and the Environment:
Air transport system is an important transport system and facility. Its salient
feature is, it is the fastest mode of the transport. It provides both the goods as well
as passenger transport facility. It is therefore, very much necessary to study the
relationship between air transport and the environment. Air transport is dangerous to
the environment in three ways. Aeroplane contributes to the air pollution and thereby
helps to the global warming during its take off and landing. It creates the problems
like air pollution, noise pollution, land use also.
1. Low Attitude Air Pollution:
The aircraft at low attitude discharges the air pollutants like nitrogen oxides,
carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons and helps in the air pollution. These gases
convert into ozone and other compounds that creates mists, fogs in the atmosphere.
But it is lesser air pollution than that of air pollution by the road transport system.
2. Global Air Pollution:
The high altitude aeroplanes discharge green house gases and contribute to
the air pollution and global warming also. The contribution of the carbon dioxide to
the air pollution remains comparatively lower. But emissions of the nitrogen oxide
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and other gases create ozone and thereby green house gases. The evaporation of
the water helps like that of green house gases and air pollution. According to
Vedantram, Sign altitude aeroplanes discharge per tonne – per kilometer 1.61 gram
carbon dioxide, 5.56 gram nitrogen oxide.
3. Airport Externalities:
Air transport system is very much troublesome to the people working and
staying near to the airports. The problem of noise pollution arises during the take off
and landing of the aircrafts. Road transport system is attached to the airport, which
creates the problem of air pollution. The airports are surrounded rushing by the road
transport vehicles that creates the problem of traffic jam to the greater extent
possible and air pollution as well. The expansion of the airport creates the problem
of the land utilization. But it is a fact that, it is very much difficult to measure the
effects of the air transport system on the environment.
It is very much essential to think of the measures/remedies to control evil
effects of the air transport on the environment. They could be, use of a mechanism
control the level of noise during the take off and landing of the aircraft. It is
necessary to think seriously of the norms of the sound level. It is essential to replace
the old and outdated aeroplanes from the air transport system. The total life span of
the aircraft should be maximum of 25 years only. It is necessary to attempt for
controlling the level of noise in and surrounding of the airport. It is urgent need of the
hour to stop the use of the old and excessive sounding aeroplanes.
Check Your Progress:
A) State whether the following statements are correct or incorrect.
1. Transport facilities are eco friendly.
2. Transport system helps in increasing environmental quality.
3. Road transport system does not create the environmental pollution.
4. Railway transport contributes to the environmental pollution lesser than the
road transport system.
5. Water transport system largely contributes to the water pollution.
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B) Answer in one sentence.
1. What do you mean by the environmental pollution?
2. What is meant by the water pollution?
3. What do you mean by the air pollution?
4. What is meant by the noise pollution?
5. What do you mean by the environment?
6.3 Terms to Remember:
1. Transport : A system that facilitates the movement of the goods and people
from one place to another.
2. Road Transport : A transport system which enables the movement of the
goods and passengers on the roads only.
3. Rail Transport : The movement of the people and goods through the railways.
4. Air Transport : The movement of goods and passengers through the
atmosphere or air.
5. Water Transport : A transport system in which the medium of movement of the
goods and people is water.
6.4 Summary:
Transport facilities are important infrastructural facilities. It is difficult to begin
even a single economic development activity. It is therefore, very much necessary to
provide for adequate and qualitative transport facilities. The transport facilities are of
type such as road transport, railway transport, air transport, water transport etc.
There is an inverse relationship between the transport system and the environment.
This means, the transport system contributes to the environmental pollution and
thereby environmental problems. It is against this overall background, the present
unit discusses the important issues relating transport and the environment, such as
the relationship between the transport system and the environment, road transport
and the environment, railways and the environment, air transport and the
environment, water transport and the environment.
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6.5 Answers to Check Your Progress:
A) State whether the following statements are correct or incorrect.
1) Incorrect 2) Incorrect 3) Incorrect 4) Correct 5) Incorrect
B) Answer in one sentence.
1. The decrease of the quality of the environment.
2. The decrease in the quality of the water.
3. The excessive concentration of the air pollutants in the atmosphere.
4. The excessive level of noise in the ambient.
5. Air, water, land, life.
6.6 Exercise : Answer the following questions:
1. Discuss the relationship between the transport system and the environment.
2. What can be the effect of the road transport on the environment?
3. Explain how railways contribute to the environmental pollution.
4. Discuss on the environmental pollution by the air transport.
5. Explain the relationship between the water transport and the environment.
6.7 References:
1. Savage, C. I. (1970), An Economic History of Transport, Hutchinson.
2. Sharp, C. H. (1973), Transport Economics, Macmillan.
3. Tripathy, P. C. (1972), Rural Transport and Economic Development, S. Chand
& Sons.
4. Nanjundappa, D. H. (1973), Transport Planning and Finance, Karnataka
University.
5. Shrivastav, S. K., Economics of Transport.
6. Cucchi, C. and M. Bidault (1991), Current and Future Emission Standards for
Exhaust Gases and Noise, and Test Procedures for Goods Vehicles, in Kroon
et. al. eds.
7. Eno Transportation Foundation (1994), First Session of the Transport Public
Policy Forum : Intermodalism, Summary of a forum held July 28, 1994, at the
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
189
Eno Headquarters in Lansdowne, VA, Prepared in cooperation with Apogee
Research, Inc., Bethesda, MD.
8. European Conference of Ministers of Transport (1993), Transport Growth in
Question. 12th International Symposium on Theory and Practice in Transport
Economics, Paris, 1993.
9. European Conference of Ministers of Transport (1995), Estimates of
Externalities, Paris, March 1996.
10. European Conference of Ministers of Transport, Efficient Transport for Europe :
Policies for Internalization of External Costs, Paris (forthcoming).
11. Filippi, Federico (1991), Prospects for the Reduction of Noise from Heavy Duty
Diesel Vehicles, in Kroon et. al., eds.
12. Kroon, Martin, Ruthger Smit, and Joop van Ham, eds. (1991), Freight Transport
and the Environment, Studies in Environmental Science 45 (Amsterdam :
Elsevier, 1991).
13. Kurer, R. (1993), Environment, Global and Local Effects, in ECMT (1993).
� � �
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Unit- 7
Communication and Economic Development
Index:
7.0 Objectives
7.1 Introduction
7.2: Subject Description
7.2.1 Definitions of Communication
7.2.2 Communication and Development
7.2.3 Role and Importance of Communication in the Development
7.2.4 Role of Communication: Some Views of Wilbur Schramm
7.2.5 Means of Communication
7.2.6 Public and Private Communication Service Providers
7.2.7 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
7.2.8 Telecom Policy in India
7.2.9 Problems of Communication Means in India
7.3 Summary
7.4 Keywords
7.5 Self-Learning Questions
7.6 Answer to Self-Learning Questions
7.7 Questions for Self Study
7.8 References for further study
7.0 Objectives:
After studying this lesson, you will be able to
� define communication;
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� explain the importance of communication in the development;
� describe different means of communication;
� describe the communication service providers in India
� explain the communication policy in India; and
� describe the problem of communication
7.1 Introduction:
In the last unit we have discussed contents of road transport, rail transport, air
transport, water transport and related environment. Now we will discuss the topic of
communication, traditional and modern means of communication, major services
providers providing communication services in India, problems of communication
services in India and policy regarding communication services in India.
7.2 Subject Description:
Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages through
verbal or nonverbal means--speech, writing, signs, signals, or behavior. It is the act
of communicating; transmission; the exchange of thoughts, messages, or
information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior; It is the art and technique of
using words effectively to impart information or ideas and it is a system, such as
mail, telephone, or television, for sending and receiving messages. Communication
is giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, information, signals or messages through
appropriate media, enabling individuals or groups to persuade, to seek information,
to give information or to express emotions.
7.2.1 Definitions of Communication:
The exact meaning of the word communicate is ‘to share’ or ‘to participate’.
However, there is various definition of communication as follows;
���� G.G. Brown – “Communication is transfer of information from one person to
another, whether or not it elicits confidence. But the information transferred must be
understandable to the receiver”
���� Fred G. Meyer - “Communication is the intercourse by words, letters or
messages”
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a) Human communication: Human communication occurs on the
intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public levels. Intrapersonal communication is
communicating with yourself. It encompasses such activities as thought processing,
personal decision making, listening, and determining self-concept.
b) Interpersonal communication: Interpersonal communication refers to
communication that takes place between two or more persons who establish a
communicative relationship. Forms of interpersonal communication include face-to-
face or mediated conversations, interviews, and small-group discussions.
c) Public communication: Public communication is characterized by a
speaker's sending a message to an audience. It may be direct, such as a face-to-
face message delivered by a speaker to an audience, or indirect, such as a
message relayed over radio or television."
7.2.2 Communication and Development:
Communication is used for more than just passing on information from one
person to another. It is often used as a tool to facilitate the participation of people in
developmental activities. Such form of communication is known as development
communication. According to Everett Rogers “Development communication refers to
the uses to which communication are put in order to further development.” The
practice of development communication can be traced back to efforts undertaken in
various parts of the world during the 1940s, but the widespread application of the
concept came about because of the problems that arose in the aftermath of World
War II. The rise of the communication sciences in the 1950s saw recognition of the
field as an academic discipline, with Daniel Lerner, Wilbur Schramm and Everett
Rogers being the earliest influential advocates. The term "development
communication" was first coined in 1972 by Nora C. Quebral, who defines the field
as “the art and science of human communication linked to a society's planned
transformation from a state of poverty to one dynamic socio-economic growth that
makes for greater equality and the larger unfolding of individual potentials”
� Everett M. Rogers - defined development communication as - It refers to the
uses to which communication is put in order to further development.
� Rosario Braid - defined that development communication is “an element of the
management process in the overall planning and implementation of the
developmental programs”
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7.2.3 Role and Importance of Communication in the Development:
Economic development depends on accessible information and communication
to everyone in the nation; even it is required to all levels. Therefore, the
governments should try to ensure that traditional as well as new information
technologies are available to everyone in the nation. Communication also lies at the
heart of marketing system, distribution and sharing information as well as good
governance, where governments are responsive, accountable and capable of
fulfilling their functions with the active engagement of civil society.
1. Social Interaction: Communication activities can help people to
communicate each other’s even from different social groups within a community, to
share information and exchange ideas in a positive and productive fashion. Rural
radio too can be a popular forum where local people do most of the talking about
technical and cultural topics. These activities can lead to a serious diagnosis of
problems and a search for solutions.
2. Communication and Sustainable Development: Communication and
Sustainable Development that has been identified as one of the key issues to be
discussed at the World Congress on Communication for Development (WCCD) in
October 2006. It is conceived as the planned and participatory use of
communication methods and tools that facilitate the sharing of knowledge and
information, participation and change of attitude and practices aiming at achieving
development goals agreed among all stakeholders.
3. Economic Planning: According to Human Development Report 1993,
Communication is central to this task in many ways. For example, it enables
planners, when identifying and formulating development programmes, to consult
with people in order to take into account their needs, attitudes and traditional
knowledge. Only with communication will the project beneficiaries become the
principal actors to make development programmes successful.
4. Agricultural Development : Development communication can play a
significant role in educating, influencing, persuading the farmers, in winning over the
groups who are resistant to change and to speed up the pace of agricultural,
development in order to bring social and economic change. There are two
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perspectives viz., communicator's needs and audience's needs for which we need
communication for development.
5. Circulation of Knowledge: Media plays an important role in development
communication through circulation of knowledge, providing forum for discussion of
issues, teach ideas, skills for a better life and create a base of consensus for
stability of the state
6. Education: Today television in our country is also used as a medium for
social education, weapon against ignorance and awareness among the people,
through its different programs like Educational Television (ETV), Countrywide
Classroom (CWC), Teleconferencing etc.
7. Awareness to Development: Many social institutions and the government
agencies as well as social activists trying to sharing different types of messages to
change the socio-economic condition of people. These messages are designed to
transform the behaviour of people or for improving their quality of life. Therefore,
development communication can be defined as the use of community to promote
development.
8. Public Health Advocacy: Communication plays significant role to aware
people regarding health. It is engaging and empowering, and provides individuals
and populations with evidence-based options for positive action are critical to
enhancing health literacy in society. The Human Rights Commission; Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare [MHFW], Ministry of Women and Child Development
[MWCD]; National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD);
National Rural Health Mission trying to public health through various means of
communication in India.
9. Communication, Entertainment and Human Resources: Today life is
full of stress and anxiety and especially in metropolitan cities situation is the worst
which adversely affecting on efficiency of human resources. Hence, there in need of
entertainment; Entertainment plays a huge importance in human life, because
entertainment does not only provide us with an awesome free time, but it also
influences us. It can give us ideas and it will make us ponder on certain things.
Stimulation of the mind by a subject that interests a person is entertainment.
However, entertainment and communication goes hand in hand therefore the
communication means plays significant role in the entertainment activities.
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10. Communication for Poverty Reduction: Recent advances in information
communication technology (ICT) infrastructure can help alleviate poverty in rural
communities. It will primarily focus on the issue of how to build local capacity, which
has been widely identified as one of the most pressing issues in poverty reduction
globally. Through the means of communication we can provide required information
to them.
7.2.4 Role of Communication: Some Views of Wilbur Schramm:
Wilbur Lang Schramm (August 5, 1907 – December 27, 1987) is sometimes
called the "father of communication studies," and had a great influence on the
development of communication research in the United States, and the establishing
of departments of communication studies in US universities. According to Wilbur
Schramm, the role of media in development can be divided into three parts i.e. (i) to
inform (ii) to instruct and (iii) to participate.
� To inform: for the development of the society, correct social, political and
economic influence is the main criteria. This information should be both national
and international. People should be aware of the areas or facts which hamper
the development process. The communication system makes aware the
peoples about it.
� To instruct: Mass literacy is an essential criteria to development. This is
possible by imbibing basic skills among the people. Mass media plays an
important role in this because it can instruct people and educate them.
� To participate: Voluntary and steady participation of the citizen of the country
is necessary for its overall development. Such participation is possible in a
liberal society. Such awareness is possible through debate, conflict and
discussion.
7.2.5 Means of Communication:
Communication is the sending and receiving of spoken or written messages
between people and places. Traditionally letters are the most common means of
communication. The means of communication assist us to send our messages and
ideas from one place to another and one person to another person. In the modern
world the means of communication have become very important because of busy
schedule of human every one want to faster means of communication which may
save time and money along with efficiency and quality of massage. In old days it
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was very difficult to send our messages and receive messages from remote places
due to the lack of connectivity and non-availability of efficient means of
communication. In modern times we can communicate with far off places easily and
quickly due to the support of technology and innovative ideas in the communication
sector. In this unit we study the traditional and modern means of communication.
7.2.5.1 Traditional Means of Communication:
Traditional means of communication are those which used since long back by
the human to communicate each other. These are also called as local means which
based on use of local materials and methods of communication and based on the
daily lives of ordinary people. The term traditional means of communication refers to
methods used in a specific culture for communication of ideas and dissemination of
information. Sometimes traditional media are closely linked with folk media,
alternative media or folklore. We shall examine some of the important characteristics
of traditional means of communication. According to Lan Mc Donad and David
Hearle (1984) Defined traditional channels of communication as “Those
communication methods which have been used for centuries in rural areas. Such as
songs, plays, stories, puppet shows etc. They are often neglected, though in many
societies they may be most powerful ways of communicating. There are following
traditional means of communication;
1. Human Communication: Human communication is an intentional act
performed by a human agent for the purpose of causing some effect in an attentive
human recipient. Our ability to use language to build words, combine these into
meaningful sequences. It is referred to as verbal, as it encompasses all spoken
words, conversation, folk-tables, proverbs, riddles and jokes, songs, town criers etc
explaining how message is disseminated verbally. Human communication is the act
of conveying a message to another. Talking is the most common form of
communication. However there are also non-verbal communication methods such
as facial expressions and body language.
2. Symbolic Communication: Symbolic communication is exchange of
messages that change a priori expectation of events. Symbolic communication
refers to communication that involves a shared message between the sender and
the receiver. Examples of symbolic communication include speech, sign language,
writing (print or braille), picture communication systems, and tactile communication
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systems. A number of times communication goes on without anybody necessarily
opening his/her mouth to say a word
3. Letters & Telegrams: Letters are a written form of communication which
is used in domestic communication as well as commercial. These can be sent or
received by individuals or organisations. Written messages in the form of letters can
be delivered to the receivers through special messenger, post offices or private
couriers. Telegrams are also a form of written communication by which messages
can be sent rapidly to remote places. It is generally used when there is an urgency
of communicating any important message. However, due to availability of cellular
services in remote areas now telegram communication is almost closed.
4. Folkmedia: Folk media is an effective means of communication in today’s
world since it not only helps connect people with their cultures but also revives the
lost culture of the society. Folk music is yet another popular form of folk media.
Music is governed by the language, colloquial accent, and instruments used by the
local people. Thus, each territorial area has a distinct folk music of its own. Folk-
Media to be used as a most effective way of rural community development
communication. A folk-media can be defined as the ways of transferring the
knowledge and the wisdom to new generation from the past generation. Flokmedia
consists Folk songs, Folk dances, folk dramas, skits and role plays etc.
5. Pigeon Post: Pigeon (Kabutar) post is the use of homing pigeons to carry
messages. Pigeons were effective as messengers due to their natural homing
abilities. The pigeons were transported to a destination in cages, where they would
be attached with messages, then naturally the pigeon would fly back to its home
where the owner could read his mail. The first known use of pigeons as postal
messengers was in ancient Egypt. In 2900 B.C.E. in Egypt, incoming ships released
pigeons as an announcement of important visitors. Even, During World War I, The
American army kept several thousand homing pigeons. The pigeon post which was
in operation while Paris was besieged during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–
1871 is probably the most famous. There are number of evidences in the Indian
history shows that Mughals and Maratha Kings was used Pigeon post services in
their states.
6. Horses Messengers:Relays of horses were used for long distance postal
services, to keep the Caliphate and the invaders posted about the happenings
throughout their vast territory; There is mention of frequent use of the horse-collar,
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the breast strap, the cross-bow, the stirrup, and even the wheelbarrow for rendering
the horse service swift.
7. Printing: History of print media and written communication follows the
progress of civilization which, in turn, moves in response to changing cultural
technologies. The transfer of complex information, ideas and concepts from one
individual to another, or to a group is easy with printed material. The invention of
printing was preceded by the manufacturing of paper. Printing was first invented in
China in 846 B.C. The Chinese used wooden plates for printing. A method of
printing for decoration and ornaments existed in India already in 200 BC. Printing is
one of the best methods for transferring massage. Even, this method is very useful
in the business as well as domestic sector. Now there are various type of printing
methods available i.e. Offset printing, Offset printing, Digital printing, Flex printing
etc.
8. Postal Communication: Postal communication is one of the important
communication service provided by the public and private sector in India. This is
very rational method of communication in ancient as well as modern India. Even this
means are common in the rural as well as urban areas of the Indian peoples. Today
almost all communications are performaed based on postal services in India. One of
the earliest evidence of a systematic postal service using foot messengers is found
during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 B.C.). A courier service between
the capital and the outlying provinces of the vast kingdom served the needs of
intelligence gathering and collection of revenue data, whence regular messengers,
doots (emissaries) and pigeons were used for conveying the royal communication.
The origin of the postal system during the Muslim rule can be traced to the conquest
of Sind by the Arab ruler of Iraq, Mohammad bin Qasim, in 712 A.D. The Arab chiefs
established many territories which necessitated maintenance of a regular line of
communication with the Caliph of Bagdad, for military intelligence and administrative
instructions. The special horse couriers carried letters from Caliph to Qasim on
every third day and from Iraq to Sind in seven days.
The British East India Company opened a post office in Bombay in 1688 under
the name “Company Mail”, followed by similar offices in Calcutta and Madras.
Although courier services connected larger towns with their regional seats of
government, there was no integrated postal service operating before 1837; existing
services were not generally intended for personal mail Lord Clive established a
postal plan (known as Jamidara Pratha) on 24 March 1766 in West Bengal. The
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system was reorganised and made available for public use on 31 March 1774, in
1778 in Madras and 1792 in Bombay. Now, the Government of India has a
department of Posts and Telegraphs. It has thousands of post offices all over the
country. The postal department carries our mail, money orders and parcels to all
parts of India and the world and delivers it to our friends and relatives for whom they
are meant. As of 31 March 2011, the Indian Postal Service have 1,54,866 post
offices, of which 1,39,040 (89.78 percent) were in rural areas and 15,826 (10.22
percent) in urban areas. Mail is collected from 573749 letter boxes in the country.
This is processed by a network of 387 Mail Offices, and conveyed by road, rail and
airlines all over the country.
Major Highlights of Postal Services in India
� India has the largest Postal Network in the world with 1,54,866 Post Offices
� On an average, a Post Office serves an area of 21.23 Sq. Km. and a population
of 7,814 people.
� Mail is collected from 573749 letter boxes in the country.
� Speed Post service was introduced in 1986 to provide fast and time bound
delivery service between seven major cities in the country.
� Instant Money Order (IMO) is an online domestic money transmission service
intended for a market clientele requiring instant money remittance.
� The Department of Posts launched Electronic Money Order-eMO on
10.10.2008. Electronic Money Order is a system that facilitates remittance of
MOs electronically
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� Money Order Videsh facilitates remittances to foreign countries and receipt of
remittances from foreign countries through the medium of Post Office
� India Post launched a pilot project for e-Commerce business with the brand
name ‘e-Post Office’.
� There is a separate wing called the Army Postal Services (APS) to take care of
postal needs of the Armed forces.
� Department of Posts has introduced a number of business products and
services such as Speed Post, Express Parcel Post, Business Post, Bill Mail,
ePost, Direct Post, Logistic Post, Retail Post, eBill Post etc
9. Newspapers and Magazines: Newspapers are the oldest kind of
communication but it is most important mean of communication in the every country.
The earliest newspaper was issued in 17th century Europe when printed periodicals
began rapidly to replace the practice of hand-writing newssheets. In the world of
magazine The Gentleman's Magazine, first published in 1731, in London, is
considered to have been the first general-interest magazine. Edward Cave, who
edited The Gentleman's Magazine under the pen name "Sylvanus Urban", was the
first to use the term "magazine", on the analogy of a military storehouse of varied
materiel, originally derived from the Arabic makhazin "storehouses". However, The
history of newspaper in India began in 1780, with the publication of the Bengal
Gazette from Kolkata. The first Marathi fortnightly newspaper 'Darpan' was started
by Balshastri Jambhekar on 6th January 1832. On 27th April 1832 'Darpan' became
weekly, which was having 8 pages But it was closed on 26 June 1840. First Marathi
daily 'Dyanprakash' was started on 12 Feb. 1849. On 2nd Jan 1881, 'Mahratta' in
English and on 4th Jan 1881 'Kesari' were founded by Lokmanya Tilak. Kesari &
Mahratta were founded as a mean to educate people against the slavery of British
Rule. Now there are number of newspapers and magazines published in various
languages in India i.e. Sakal, Loksatta, Times of India, Indian Express, Navbharat
Times etc. and Magazines like Business India, Economic and Political Weekly
(EPW), India Today, Readers Digest, Lokprabha, Baliraja etc. India has four news
agencies namely, the Press Trust of India (PTI), United News of India (UNI),
Samachar Bharti and Hindustan Smachar. Newspapers and magazines in India are
independent and usually privately owned. About 5,000 newspapers, 150 of them
major publications, are published daily in nearly 100 languages. Over 40,000
periodicals are also published in India. These newspapers and magazines
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
201
contribute a great deal to the development of our knowledge and information
regarding various issues as well as current affairs. Through valuable and subtle
critical and commentary articles on culture, social civilization, new life style we learn
a lot of interesting things. Newspapers and magazines supply us with a variety of
news every day. They keep us informed of the political situation of the world.
7.2.5.2 Modern Means of Communication:
In the modern world the means of communication have become very important.
In old days it was very difficult to send our messages and receive messages from far
off places. This sending and receiving of messages and ideas is known as
communication. In modern times we can communicate with far off places easily and
quickly.
1. Radio Broadcasting: Radio is a scientific device that functions as an
effective auditory instrument for communication. It also plays an important role in
education. It is not only informs, but also inspires human being for learning more
and more. The concept of the radio first came about in 1879 however it was not
really perfected until 1922 when the first radiobroadcast occurred in 1922 in
Pittsburgh. Broadcasting by radio takes several forms. These include AM- and FM
stations. AM broadcasting is the process of radio broadcasting using Amplitude
Modulation-AM. AM was the first method of impressing sound on a radio signal and
is still widely used today. FM broadcasting is a broadcasting technology pioneered
by Edwin Howard Armstrong which uses Frequency Modulation (FM) to provide
high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio.
2. Cinema :Cinema is the most effective mass media instrument which is
transmitting massage efficiently in the society. Besides proving cheap entertainment
for masses, it can easily become a means of mass instruction and mass education
in all over the world. The social and moral values are conveyed through the medium
of cinema. This is proved as instrument of change of society and passing massage
and instruction to the masses.
3. Television: Television has been given considerable importance in many
countries especially in India as a source and a tool of teaching and communicating
to masses. The television is used for formal, non-formal and informal education in
India. To support formal education, television usually function as supportive and
reinforcement tool. Television act for communicate information, idea, skills and
attitudes etc.
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4. Telegraph & Fax: Telegraph is the long-distance transmission of
messages without the physical exchange of an object bearing the message. The
first commercial electrical telegraph was constructed by Sir Charles Wheatstone and
Sir William Fothergill Cooke, and its use began on April 9, 1839. Morse successfully
demonstrated this system on September 2, 1837. Fox sends exact copy of a printed
message or picture to another machine located anywhere in any part of the world
which is connected with telephone line or other networking system. Scottish inventor
Alexander Bain worked on chemical mechanical fax type devices and in 1846 was
able to reproduce graphic signs in laboratory experiments. He received the first fax
patent in 1843. Fax machine is basically connected to telephone line and it having
scanner which scan the paper inserted in the fax machine and send its digital image
to intend fax machine located in another side. Machine located at another side
receive digital image and print it on another page. Using a fax machine is much
faster than sending an item through the Postal or courier service.
5. Telephone: A telephone is a device for communications that transmits and
receives sound. Telephones are a point-to-point communication system based on
digital technology whose most basic function is to allow two people to talk to each
other from different locations. This technology was developed by Alexander Graham
Bell in the mid-1870s. In an analog telephone network, the caller is connected to
the person he wants to talk to by switches at various telephone exchanges. The
switches form an electrical connection between the two users and the setting of
these switches is determined electronically when the caller dials the number.
6. Satellite telephone: A satellite telephone, satellite phone, or satphone is a
type of mobile phone that connects to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell
sites. They provide similar functionality to terrestrial mobile telephones; voice, short
messaging service and low-bandwidth internet access are supported through most
systems. Satellite phones send and receive signals from satellites orbiting the earth.
The biggest advantage of a satellite phone is that subscriber can make calls in
remote locations there is no need of coverage of towers of cellular service providers
because it works through satellite directly. The satellite phones are capable of
making and receiving calls anywhere in the world excluding those areas restricted
by the governments. But is not used by everyone because it is costly than common
cellular service.
7. Mobile Phone/Cell Phone: A mobile phone also known as a cellular
phone, cell phone and a hand phone; is a device that can make and receive
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telephone calls over a radio link while moving around a wide geographic area. It
does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile phone operator,
allowing access to the public telephone network. By contrast, a cordless telephone
is used only within the short range of a single, private base station. In addition to
telephony, modern mobile phones also support a wide variety of other services such
as text messaging, MMS, email, Internet access, short-range wireless
communications (infrared, Bluetooth), business applications, gaming and
photography. Mobile phones that offer these and more general computing
capabilities are referred to as smartphones. The first hand-held mobile phone was
demonstrated by John F. Mitchelland Dr Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973, using a
handset weighing around 2.2 pounds (1 kg). In 1983, the DynaTAC 8000x was the
first to be commercially available. From 1990 to 2011, worldwide mobile phone
subscriptions grew from 12.4 million to over 6 billion, penetrating about 87% of the
global population and reaching the bottom of the economic pyramid.
� This devices are uniquely identified by an International Mobile Equipment
Identity (IMEI) number
� It works based on SIM- Subscriber Identity Module card it is a small microchip
� A hybrid mobile phone can hold up to four SIM cards.
� GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, originally Groupe Spécial
Mobile), is a standard set developed by the European Telecommunications
Standards Institute (ETSI) to describe protocols for second generation (2G)
digital cellular networks used by mobile phones.
� Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is a channel access method used by
various radio communication technologies.
� In many countries, mobile phones are used to provide mobile banking services,
which may include the ability to transfer cash payments by secure SMS text
message.
� General packet radio service (GPRS) is a packet oriented mobile data service
on the 2G and 3G cellular communication system's global system for mobile
communications (GSM).
� Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) (also known as Enhanced
GPRS (EGPRS). It is a digital mobile phone technology that allows improved
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data transmission rates as a backward-compatible extension of GSM. EDGE is
considered a pre-3G radio technology
8. 3G & 4G Mobile Telecommunications: 3G, short for third Generation, is
a term used to represent the 3rd generation of mobile telecommunications
technology. Also called Tri-Band 3G. This is a set of standards used for mobile
devices and mobile telecommunication services and networks that comply with the
International Mobile. In telecommunications, 4G is the fourth generation of mobile
phone mobile communications standards. It is a successor of the third generation
(3G) standards. A 4G system provides mobile ultra-broadband Internet access, for
example to laptops with USB wireless modems, to smartphones, and to other mobile
devices. Conceivable applications include amended mobile web access, IP
telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing and 3D
television. In India, Bharti Airtel launched India's first 4G service, using TD-LTE
technology, in Kolkata on 10 April 2012.
9. Videotelephony: The development of Videotelephony involved the
historical development of several technologies which enabled the use of live video in
addition to voice telecommunications. The concept of Videotelephony was first
popularized in the late 1870s in both the United States and Europe. Video telephony
is full-duplex, real-time audio-visual communication between or among end users. It
is two-way communication comprising both audio and video elements. Participants
in a video telephone call can both see and hear each other in real time. Now, fast
telecommunication services like 3G or 4G are enabled these services in most of
cities in India.
10. Websites: Websites are one of the advanced methods of communication.
Using websites we can place the information or data to intend users or precipitants.
There are two types of websites one is informative website which only provides
information and another is interactive website which interactive web page is such a
web page that allows it's visitors to communicate with it. Visitors are allowed to
make actions related to web page's content.
11. Electronic Mail-email: Electronic mail, commonly referred to as email or
e-mail, is a method of exchanging digital messages from one account to another
account. Email account is digital account which is unique account for specific person
or sender of mail which offer mailing service through the internet. With the use of
email we can send text massage and any digital attachment like word, excel, PPT
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file, video, image, music file and other specified digital items other than software.
Email ID and password are important things for sending email, we cannot open
email account and send or read email without proper email ID and password. There
are number of email service providers in the world i.e. Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo mail,
AOL Mail, Pobox, Inbox, Fast mail etc.
13. Teleconferencing: Teleconferencing in the innovative idea of
communication; it is fully based on modern communication technology. Through this
method meeting conducted by using internet, telephones or cell phones without
requiring attendees to be physically present in the same physical area. In the
teleconferencing audio or audio-visual meeting conducted between geographically
separated persons or parties connected by advanced telecommunication networks
such as telephones or internet. Teleconferencing allows discussions and meetings
between two or more than two (multiple) parties in different locations.
14. Audio Teleconferencing: Audio Teleconferencing is meeting or
communication based on telephone or cellular technology of communication. It is
based on vice transferring system only there is no video or visual appearance of the
parties involved in the meeting. Audio Teleconferencing earliest version of
conferencing where telephone, cellphones and other electronic devices are used
conferencing.
15. Video Teleconferencing : Video conferencing is one of the advanced
versions of teleconferencing where either parties or multiple parties can listen and
watch each other’s through video cameras or web cameras connected through
internet and communication technology. Video Teleconferencing avails parties to
make face to face contact with video or visual effects. Sometime it called Internet
based Teleconferencing also. The web/internet conferencing service allows users
from multiple locations across the world to join a single conference and collaborate
at the same time. Now there are various communication service providers are
providing these type of services to their clients i.e. Skype, iChat, Video chat by
Gmail, VSee etc.
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Other Internet Based Means of Communication:
The Internet is a worldwide network of computers and computer networks that
can communicate with each other using the Internet Protocol. Now, there are
various means of communication are available to communicate persons or group of
persons some examples are given below;
���� Facebook : Facebook is one of the social networking services based on
internet. Now it has become the medium to connect with people all across the
world. Through the facebook we can connect with our friends, family members,
business partners, relatives or who are registered their account at facebook. We
can send massage, share video, images, and comments and also chat with
them including face to face appearance with the help of webcams. It is not only
used for social networking but also for marketing and business purpose.
Facebook is a social networking service launched in February 2004. It was
founded by Mark Zuckerberg with his college roommates and fellow Harvard
University students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz and
Chris Hughes. As on September 2012, Facebook has over one billion active
users.
Audio Conferencing Video Conferencing
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���� BlogSpot - Blogger is a blog-publishing service that allows private or multi-user
blogs with time-stamped entries. It was created by Pyra Labs, which was
bought by Google in 2003. Generally, the blogs are hosted by Google at a
subdomain of blogspot.com. Blogs are just like personal webpage through this
person can pursue massage to intended users. Blogger can easily be used to
create the personal or corporate pages to communicate peoples, customers and
fans etc.
���� Google Talk: Google Talk is an instant messaging service that provides both
text and voice communication. Using Google talk service registered member can
chat with other registered members. User can see real-time availability and
status of friends online, send instant text messages, and easily go from text to
voice chat and chat right from your desktop or from Gmail. Now it is possible to
place and receive phone calls from within gmail by using Google Talk.
���� Skype: Skype is one of the important services for video conferencing. The
service allows users to communicate with peers (who are using Skype) by voice
using a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instant messaging over the
Internet. Phone calls facility also available with Skype user can call to recipients
on the traditional telephone networks.
7.2.6 Public and Private Communication Service Providers:
A communication services are one of the important services in the nation and it
is provided by public and private service providers in India. However, before the
announcement of new economic policy of liberalization, privatization and
globalization public sector service providers plays important role in Indian economy
but now most of private service providers also entered in the filed of communication
sector. Even, they are competing with public sector companies existing in the
communication services. Overall performance of public and private subscribers is
shown in the Table 1;
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Table 1 : Telecommunication services in India
Source: Telecomm Regulatory Authority, India
7.2.6.1 Telephone subscribers in India:
The number of telephone subscribers in India increased to 960.90 Million at the
end of May, 2012 from 952.91 Million at the end of April 2012, thereby registering a
growth rate of 0.84%. The share of Urban subscribers has declined to 64.65% from
64.95% whereas share of Rural Subscribers has increased to 35.35% in the month
of May 2012. With this, the overall Tele-density in India reaches to 79.28 at the end
of May, 2012 from 78.71 of the previous month.
A) Wireless Subscriber Base: Total wireless subscriber base increased from
921.02 Million in April 2012 to 929.37 Million at the end of May 2012, registering a
growth of 0.91%. The share of Urban wireless subscribers has decreased from
64.54 % to 64.24% where as share of Rural wireless subscribers has increased
from 35.46% to 35.76%. The overall wireless Tele density in India reaches 76.68.
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Private operators hold 88.89% of the wireless market share where as BSNL and
MTNL, two PSU operators hold only 11.11% market share. Mobile Number
Portability requests increased from 45.89 million subscribers at the end of April 2012
to 50.16 million at the end of May 2012. In the month of May 2012 alone, 4.27
million requests have been made for MNP. Active wireless subscribers on the date
of Peak VLR in May 2012 are 689.33 Million, 74.17% of the total subscribers.
Broadband subscription reached 14.31 Million in May 2012 from 13.95 Million in
April 2012.
B) Wireline Subscribers in India:Wireline subscriber base declined from
31.89 Million at the end of April 2012 to 31.53 Million at the end of May 2012. Net
reduction in wireline subscriber base was 3,59,708. The share of Urban Subscribers
has increased from 76.72% to 76.82% where as share of Rural Subscribers has
declined from 23.28% to 23.18%. The overall wireline Teledensity has marginally
decreased from 2.63 in April 2012 to 2.60 in May 2012, with Urban and Rural
Teledensity being 6.60 and 0.87 respectively. BSNL and MTNL, two PSU operators
hold 80.15% of the Wireline market share. Detailed statistics is at Annexure-III. The
graphical presentation of market share of all service providers as on 31st May 2012
is given below:
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Market Share as on May 2012 – Wireless (Mobile service) Subscribers in India
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Market Share as on May 2012 – Wireline Subscribers in India
7.2.6.2 Public Communication Service Providers:
There are two important public service Providers in wireline and wireless phone
services providers in India i.e. MTNL & BSNL
A) Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL): MTNL is the Public
Sector Undertaking-PSU and it is working under the department of
Telecommunication-Government of India. MTNL, set up in 1986, is a Navratna PSU
and provides telecommunication facilities in India's key metros - Delhi and Mumbai.
MTNL achieved a customer base of 9 million at the end of December'2011. MTNL is
providing GSM and 3G services to their customers and it has allowed his all GSM
mobile subscriber access to 3G services in order to make the 3G services popular
212
among its subscribers. The company had 10 lakh broadband customers at the end
of December'2011. MTNL is providing Triple play services i.e voice, high speed
internet and IPTV on its broadband network. The Government of India currently
holds 56.25% stake in the company. The Company has been facing serious
competition amidst mounting staff costs and has been incurring losses. The losses
which were Rs. 2611 crore in the year 2009-10 increased to Rs.2802 crore in the
year 2010-11. The total employees of MTNL as on 31.12.11 were 42075 belonging
to different categories. Employees belonging to Scheduled Caste are 7571, which
constitute 18% of the total employees. The total number of employees belonging to
Scheduled Tribes is 1466, which is 3.48% of total employees
MTNL presently have a installed broadband capacity of almost 16.28 lakhs ports
and its customer base has reached to 10.16 lakhs as on 31.12.2011.
Subsidiaries of MTNL
���� United Telecom Limited (UTL)
UTL is a joint venture company of MTNL, Tata Communications Limited and
TCIL along with partner Nepal Ventures (P) Limited (NVPL). The company provides
basic, Mobile, NLD, ILD and data services in Nepal. The Company is operational
since 10th October, 2001 with initial offerings of WLL based basic services in Nepal.
UTL network has its presence in 44 districts (out of 75 districts in Nepal) and plan to
cover additional 16 districts in 2011-12. UTL has achieved the customer base of
611668. During the year ending 31st March 2011, the company reported a net profit
of Rs. 7.35 crore
���� Millennium Telecom Ltd. (MTL)
Millennium Telecom Ltd. (MTL) a wholly owned subsidiary of MTNL with
registered office located in Mumbai was incorporated in February 2000. MTL
providing Broad Band services in Wi-fi environment, leasing out spare optical fibre
capacity, sharing spare CDMA Switch capacity to other operators is under process.
B) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
is Public Sector Telecommunications Company. Headquartered of BSNL is located
at New Delhi and works in all India except Delhi & Mumbai. Bharat Sanchar
Nigam Ltd. was incorporated on 15th September 2000 . It took over the business of
providing of telecom services and network management from the erstwhile Central
Government Departments of Telecom Services (DTS) and Telecom Operations
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
213
(DTO), with effect from 1st October, 2000 on going concern basis. It is one of the
largest & leading public sector units providing comprehensive range of telecom
services in India. Today, it has about 2,52,24,905 wireline subscribers, 43.74
million line basic telephone capacity, 8.83 million WLL capacity, 72.60 million GSM
capacity, 37,885 fixed exchanges, 12,071 CDMA Towers, 197 Satellite Stations of
network connecting 623 districts, 7330 cities/towns & 5.8 lakhs villages in India.
BSNL has started 3G services in 290 cities and acquired more than 6 lakh
customers. It has planned to roll out 3G services in 760 cities across the country in
2010-Broadband services: For providing faster internet services to the customers
BSNL has started broadband internet services in India. The Broadband customer
base of 3.56 Million customer in March'2009 is planned to be increased to 16.00
million by March 2014. Fibre to the Home (FTTH) is a unique technology being
deployed by BSNL for the first time in India. The fibre connectivity having unlimited
bandwidth and state of the art technology provides fix access platform to deliver the
high speed broadband from 256 Kbps to 100 Mbps
C) Prasar Bharati: Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous body established
under the Prasar Bharati Act and came into existence on 23.11.1997. It is the Public
Service Broadcaster of the country. The objectives of public service broadcasting
are achieved in terms of Prasar Bharati Act through All India Radio and
Doordarshan, which earlier were working as media units under the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting and since the above said date became constituents of
Prasar Bharati.
1. Objectives of Prasar Bharati :To provide information, education and
entertainment, for promoting the welfare and happiness of the masses (Bahujana
Hitaya Bahujana Sukhaya), All India Radio strives to :-
1. Uphold the unity of the country and the democratic values enshrined in the
constitution.
2. Present a fair and balanced flow of information of national, regional, local and
international interest, including contrasting views, without advocating any
opinion or ideology of its own.
3. Promote the interest and concerns of the entire nation, being mindful of the
need for harmony and understanding within the country and ensuring that the
programmes reflect the varied elements which make the composite culture of
India.
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4. Produce and transmit varied programmes designed to awaken, inform,
enlighten, educate, entertain and enrich all sections of the people.
5. Produce and transmit programmes relating to developmental activities in all
their facets including extension work in agriculture, education, health and family
welfare and science & technology.
6. Serve the rural, illiterate and under-privileged population, keeping in the mind
the special needs and interest of the young, social and cultural minorities, the
tribal population and those residing in border regions, backward or remote
areas.
7. Promote social justice and combat exploitation, inequality and such evils
as untouchability and narrow parochial loyalties.
8. Serve the rural population, minority communities, women, children, illiterate as
well as other weaker and vulnerable sections of the society.
9. Promote national integration.
2. Board of Prasar Bharati: Prasar Bharati Act stipulates general
superintendence, direction and management of affairs of the Corporation vests in
Prasar Bharati Board which may exercise all such powers and do all such acts and
things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation. Prasar Bharati Board
consists of:
���� Chairman
���� One Executive Member
���� One Member (Finance)
���� One Member (Personnel)
���� Six Part-time Members
���� Director-General (Akashvani), ex-officio
���� Director-General (Doordarshan), ex-officio
���� One representative of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(India), to be nominated by that Ministry and
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���� Two representatives of the employees of the Corporation, of whom one
shall be elected by the engineering staff from amongst themselves and one
shall be elected by the other employee from amongst themselves.
The President of India appoints Chairman and the other Members, except the
ex-officio members, nominated member and the elected members. The Board shall
meet not be less than six meetings every year but three months shall not intervene
between one meeting and the next meeting.
D) Doordarshan:Doordarshan has a three tier programme service – National,
Regional and Local. The emphasis in the National programmes is on events and
issues of interest to the entire nation. These programmes include news and current
affairs, magazine programmes and documentaries on science, art and culture,
environment, social issues, serials, music, dance, drama and feature films. The
regional programmes are beamed on DD National at specific times and also on the
Regional Language Satellite Channels, catering to the interests of a particular state,
in the language and idiom of that region. The local programmes are area specific
and cover local issues featuring local people. There are 8 channels operated by
Durdarshan i.e. DD National, DD Sports, DD News, DD India, DD Bharati, DD
Urdu, Regional Language Sattelite Channel / Network and DD Commercial
Services.
E) All India Radio-AIR: All India Radio (AIR) has been serving to inform,
educate and entertain the masses since it's inception, truly living up to its motto –
‘Bahujan Hitaya : Bahujan Sukhaya’. One of the largest broadcasting organisations
in the world in terms of the number of languages of broadcast, the spectrum of
socio-economic and cultural diversity it serves. All India Radio has started sound
broadcasting in India in 1927 with the proliferation of private radio clubs. The
operations of All India Radio began formally in 1936, as a government organisation,
with clear objectives to inform, educate and entertain the masses. When India
attained Independence in 1947, AIR had a network of six stations and a complement
of 18 transmitters. The coverage was 2.5% of the area and just 11% of the
population. Rapid expansion of the network took place post Independence. AIR
today has a network of 229 broadcasting centres with 148 medium frequency (MW),
54 high frequency (SW) and 168 FM transmitters. The coverage is 91.79% of the
area, serving 99.14% of the people in the largest democracy of the world. AIR
covers 24 Languages and 146 dialects in home services. In Externel services, it
covers 27 languages; 17 national and 10 foreign languages.
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7.2.6.3 Private Telephone and Cellular Service Providers:
There are more than 20 companies providing Cellular services in India. Some
major cellular service provider in India i.e. BSNL, MTNL, AirTel, Idea Cellular, Tata
Comm., Reliance Mobile, Vodafone/ Hutch, BPL Mobile, Aircel, Virgin mobile, Bharti
Mobinet, Usha Martin, Birla Tata AT&T, etc.
1. Bharti Airtel Ltd.: Bharti Airtel Limited, is an Indian telecommunications
services company it’s head office located at New Delhi, India established In 1986 by
Sunil Mittal. This company works in 20 countries across South Asia, Africa and the
Channel Islands. Airtel is providing GSM network in all countries in which it operates
and it also providing 2G, 3G and 4G services. Airtel is the world's fourth largest
mobile telecommunications company with over 261 million subscribers across 20
countries as of August 2012. It is the largest cellular service provider in India, with
183.61 million subscribers as of November 2012. In India Airtel is providing
telecommunication services about 32,95,919 Wireline subscribers in Andhra
Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Mumbai, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu (included Chennai), UP(East),
UP(West) as on March 2011.
2. Idea Cellular Ltd.: Idea Cellular Ltd. incorporated as Birla Communications
Limited in 1995 in India. In 1995 it has Obtained licenses for providing GSM-based
services in the Gujarat and Maharashtra Circles. Birla Communications Limited has
Changed name to Idea Cellular Limited and launched "Idea" brand name in 2002.
Idea has nearly 4,000 Service Centres servicing Idea subscribers across the
country. Idea providing services to more than 107 million subscribers in the wireless
network, the total subscriber base has reached 919.2 million as on March 31, 2012.
As on March 31, 2012, the Company has a network of 83,190 2G sites of which
9,522 2G cell sites have been added during the year. Further the company has
expanded its 3G network to 12,825 cell sites. Idea Mobile Commerce Services
Limited (IMCSL), provides Mobile Banking services through an alliance with Axis
Bank with a facility titled ‘Idea MyCash’ which provides basic banking services
including money transfer using the mobile platform.
3. Aircel group : Aircel group is an Indian mobile network operator
headquartered in Chennai, that provides wireless voice, messaging and data
services in India. Aircel started as a regional player in Tamil Nadu in 1999. Aircel
commenced operations in 1999 and today the leading mobile operator in Tamil
217
Nadu, Assam, North- East and Chennai. Aircel is India’s fifth largest and fastest
growing GSM mobile service provider with a subscriber base of 65.1 million. Aircel is
a pan India operator with a presence across 23 circles. The company offers voice &
data services ranging from postpaid and prepaid plans, 2G and 3G services,
Broadband Wireless Access (BWA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) to Value-Added-
Services (VAS).
4. Tata Communication: Formerly it was known as VSNL- Videsh Sanchaar
Nigam Limited founded by the government of India in 1986 as a PSU but On 13
February 2008 VSNL, formerly owned by the Government, was taken over by the
Tata Group and renamed Tata Communications Ltd. Now this company having
three subsidiaries i.e. Tata Communications Transformation Services (TCTS), Tata
Communications Internet Services (TCIS) and Tata Communications Banking
Infrasolutions Limited (TCBIL)
5. Reliance Communications Ltd.: Reliance Communications Ltd. is an
Indian broadband and telecommunications company headquartered in Navi
Mumbai. It is the world's 15th largest cellular phone operator with over 150 million
subscribers and India's 2nd largest telecom operator in India after Bharti Airtel.
Reliance Communications is the flagship company of the Reliance Group. Reliance
Communications is the flagship company of the Reliance Group. Reliance Mobile
(formerly Reliance India Mobile), launched on 28 December 2002, coinciding with
the joyous occasion of the late Dhirubhai Ambani’s 70th birthday, was among the
initial initiatives of Reliance Communications. It marked the auspicious beginning of
Dhirubhai’s dream of ushering in a digital revolution in India.
6. Vodafone India: Vodafone India, formerly Vodafone Essar and Hutchison
Essar, is the largest mobile network operator in India. It is based in Mumbai, and
which operates nationally. It has approximately 152.84 million customers as of May
2012. In 1992, Hutchison Whampoa and its Indian business partner – Max Group,
established a company that in 1994 was awarded a licence to provide mobile
telecommunications services in Mumbai and launched commercial services as
Hutchison Max in November 1995. In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh (East), Rajasthan and
Haryana, Essar Group was the major partner.
7. Loop Mobile: Loop Mobile which was formerly known as BPL Mobile, now it
is known as LOOP is a mobile phone service provider in India. It offers both prepaid
and postpaid GSM cellular phone coverage in Assam, Kolkata, North East, Mumbai,
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Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Orissa, Punjab and Rajasthan. BPL Mobile
Communications was the country’s oldest mobile telecom service provider[4]
established in 1994. It began its operations in 1995. However, BPL Mobile was
renamed to Loop Mobile in March 2009. It has 32,60,585 customers as of May
2012. Loop Mobile has several firsts to its credit in the value-added services (VAS)
space which are technologically state-of-art and yet customer friendly. It has been
the first operator in the country to launch GPRS, Caller Tunes, Intelligent Network
for Prepaid, Roaming on Prepaid, Missed Call alert etc.
8. Uninor: The company is a joint venture between Telenor Group, a
telecommunications company headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and Unitech Group,
an Indian real estate company. Telenor owns a controlling majority stake in the
company (67.25%), which has been branded Uninor in the Indian market. Uninor
offers voice & data services based on GSM Technology across the Telecom Circles
of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu
and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, MP & Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra & Goa,
Mumbai, North East, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, UP East, UP West and
West Bengal. Uninor is providing services to 42.1 million customers in India.
9. TATA DOCOMO & Tata Teleservices Limited: Tata DOCOMO is Tata
Teleservices Limited's telecom service on the GSM platform. TATA DOCOMO is an
Indian service provider on the GSM,CDMA and platform-arising out of the strategic
joint venture between Tata Teleservices which is subsidiary of Indian conglomerate
Tata Group and Japanese telecom giant NTT Docomo is the subsidiary of Nippon
Telegraph and Telephone in November 2008. DOCOMO has launched GSM
services on 24 June 2009. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices
(Maharashtra) Limited, serves over 85 million customers in more than 450,000
towns and villages across the country, with a bouquet of telephony services
encompassing the GSM, CDMA and 3G platforms, offering Mobile Services,
Wireless Desktop Phones, Public Booth Telephony and Wireline Data Services
across one unified and integrated brand-Tata DOCOMO. Tata Teleservices Limited
(TTSL) is an Indian broadband and telecommunications service provider based in
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is a subsidiary of the Tata Group, an Indian
conglomerate.
10. MTS India & Sistema: Mobile TeleSystems or simply MTS India is an
Indian subdivision of Russian Mobile TeleSystems telecommunication company
headquartered in New Delhi, India. It provides wireless voice, broadband Internet,
219
messaging and data services in India. MTS India is a subsidiary of Russian
conglomerate Sistema and operates across India with over 16 million customers as
on 2012.
11. Videocon Telecommunications Limited: Videocon Telecommunications
Limited, a Videocon group company offers GSM mobile services GSM service under
the brand name Videocon. The services are already up and running in Tamil Nadu (
including Chennai ), Punjab*, Haryana, Mumbai, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh,
UP East, UP West, Himachal Pradesh and soon will be present across the country.
Videocon Industries Limited launched its new line of mobile phones In November
2009. Videocon Mobile Phones launched the revolutionary concept of ZERO paise
per second with pre-bundled SIM cards of Videocon mobile services along with 7 of
its handset models.
Table 2- Service Provider-wise Rural Wireline Subscribers and Market Share
Sl.
No.
Wireline
Group
Total Wireline
Subscribers (in
million)
Rural Wireline
Subscribers (in
million)
Market Share of
Wireline Rural
Subscribers (in %) March’ March’ March’ March’ March’ March’
1 BSNL 27.83 25.22 9.76 8.64 99.61 99.44 2 MTNL 3.50 3.46 0.00 - 0 - 3 Bharti 3.07 3.30 0.00 - 0 - 4 HFCL 0.17 0.19 0.00 - 0 - 5 Sistema 0.05 0.04 0.007 0.005 0.07 0.06 6 TATA 1.16 1.28 0.03 0.04 0.31 0.48 7 Reliance 1.18 1.23 0.001 0.002 0.01 0.02 Total 36.96 34.73 9.80 8.69 100.00 100.00
7.2.7 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):
The entry of private service providers brought with it the inevitable need for
independent regulation. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was,
thus, established with effect from 20th February 1997 by an Act of Parliament, called
the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services,
including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in
the Central Government. TRAI's mission is to create and nurture conditions for
growth of telecommunications in the country in a manner and at a pace which will
enable India to play a leading role in emerging global information society. One of the
220
main objectives of TRAI is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment
which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
In pursuance of above objective TRAI has issued from time to time a large
number of regulations, orders and directives to deal with issues coming before it and
provided the required direction to the evolution of Indian telecom market from a
Government owned monopoly to a multi operator multi service open competitive
market. The directions, orders and regulations issued cover a wide range of subjects
including tariff, interconnection and quality of service as well as governance of the
Authority.
The TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance, effective from 24 January 2000,
establishing a Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal
(TDSAT) to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI. TDSAT
was set up to adjudicate any dispute between a licensor and a licensee, between
two or more service providers, between a service provider and a group of
consumers, and to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction, decision or
order of TRAI.
1. The Divisions: The TRAI appoint officers and employees in order to carry
out its function under this Act. Currently the officers and employees of TRAI are
divided into nine divisions. The divisions are:
� Mobile network division;
� Fixed network division;
� Converged network division; (iv) quality of service division;
� Broadcast and cable services division;
� Economic division (vii) financial analysis and internal finance and accounts
division;
� Legal division and (ix) administration and personnel division.
2. Powers and Functions of TRAI: The functions of the TRAI are enumerated
under section 11 of the TRAI Act. The function mentioned under the provision has
an overriding effect on any provision of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. The 2000
Amendment classified the TRAI’s functions into four broad categories:
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1. Making recommendations on various issues;
2. General administrative and regulatory functions;
3. Fixing tariffs and rates for telecom services; and
4. Any other functions entrusted by the Central Government.
3. The functions of the TRAI: The recommendations made by the TRAI are
not binding on the Central Government. However, the Central Government has to
mandatorily ask for recommendations from TRAI with respect to need and timing of
new service provider and terms and conditions of the licence to be granted to the
service provider. TRAI has the obligation to forward the recommendation to the
Central Government within 60 days from the date of the request for
recommendation. TRAI may also request for relevant information or documents from
the Central Government to make such recommendations and the Central
Government has to furnish such information within seven days from the date of the
request. The Central Government can issue licence to the service provider, if TRAI
fails to give any recommendation within the stipulated period. Where the Central
Government is of the opinion that the recommendations made by TRAI cannot be
accepted or need modification, then it can send them back to TRAI for
reconsideration. TRAI may reply within a period of 15 days from the date of
reference. TRAI also has the power to notify in the official gazette the rates at which
telecommunication services are being provided in and outside India. TRAI shall
ensure transparency while exercising its powers and discharging its functions. TRAI
under section 12 has the power to call for information and conduct investigation. It
also has got powers to issue directions under section 13.
7.2.8 Telecom Policy in India:
7.2.8.1 National Telecom Policy 1994:
The new economic policy adopted by the Government aims at improving India's
competitiveness in the global market and rapid growth of exports. Another element
of the new economic policy is attracting foreign direct investment and stimulating
domestic investment. Telecommunication services of world class quality are
necessary for the success of this policy. It is, therefore, necessary to give the
highest priority to the development of telecom services in the country.
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A) The objectives of the New Telecom Policy 1994:
1. The focus of the Telecom Policy shall be telecommunication for all and
telecommunication within the reach of all. This means ensuring the availability
of telephone on demand as early as possible.
2. Another objective will be to achieve universal service covering all villages as
early as possible. What is meant by the expression universal service is the
provision of access to all people for certain basic telecom services at affordable
and reasonable prices.
3. The quality of telecom services should be of world standard. Removal of
consumer complaints, dispute resolution and public interface will receive
special attention. The objective will also be to provide widest permissible range
of services to meet the customer's demand at reasonable prices.
4. Taking into account India's size and development, it is necessary to ensure that
India emerges as a major manufacturing base and major exporter of telecom
equipment.
The defense and security interests of the country will be protected.
7.2.8.2 The New Telecom Policy 1999:
In addition to some of the objectives of NTP 1994 not being fulfilled, there have
also been far reaching developments in the recent past in the telecom, IT, consumer
electronics and media industries world-wide. Convergence of both markets and
technologies is a reality that is forcing realignment of the industry. At one level,
telephone and broadcasting industries are entering each other’s markets, while at
another level, technology is blurring the difference between different conduit
systems such as wireline and wireless. As in the case of most countries, separate
licenses have been issued in our country for basic, cellular, ISP, satellite and cable
TV operators each with separate industry structure, terms of entry and varying
requirement to create infrastructure. However this convergence now allows
operators to use their facilities to deliver some services reserved for other operators,
necessitating a relook into the existing policy framework. The new telecom policy
framework is also required to facilitate India’s vision of becoming an IT superpower
and develop a world class telecom infrastructure in the country.
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A) The objectives of the NTP 1999:
1. Access to telecommunications is of utmost importance for achievement of the
country's social and economic goals. Availability of affordable and effective
communications for the citizens is at the core of the vision and goal of the
telecom policy.
2. Strive to provide a balance between the provision of universal service to all
uncovered areas, including the rural areas, and the provision of high-level
services capable of meeting the needs of the country’s economy;
3. To Encourage development of telecommunication facilities in remote, hilly and
tribal areas of the country;
4. Create a modern and efficient telecommunications infrastructure taking into
account the convergence of IT, media, telecom and consumer electronics and
thereby propel India into becoming an IT superpower;
5. Convert PCO’s, wherever justified, into Public Teleinfo centres having
multimedia capability like ISDN services, remote database access, government
and community information systems etc.
6. Transform in a time bound manner, the telecommunications sector to a greater
competitive environment in both urban and rural areas providing equal
opportunities and level playing field for all players;
7. Strengthen research and development efforts in the country and provide an
impetus to build world-class manufacturing capabilities
8. Achieve efficiency and transparency in spectrum management
9. Protect the defence & security interests of the country
10. Enable Indian Telecom Companies to become truly global players.
B) The specific targets that the NTP 1999:
1. Make available telephone on demand by the year 2002 and sustain it thereafter
so as to achieve a teledensity of 7 by the year 2005 and 15 by the year 2010
2. Encourage development of telecom in rural areas making it more affordable by
suitable tariff structure and making rural communication mandatory for all fixed
service providers
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3. Increase rural teledensity from the current level of 0.4 to 4 by the year 2010
and provide reliable transmission media in all rural areas
4. Achieve telecom coverage of all villages in the country and provide reliable
media to all exchanges by the year 2002
5. Provide Internet access to all district head quarters by the year 2000
6. Provide high speed data and multimedia capability using technologies including
ISDN to all towns with a population greater than 2 lakh by the year 2002
7.2.8.3 National Telecom Policy (NTP) – 2012:
Telecommunication has emerged as a key driver of economic and social
development in an increasingly knowledge intensive global scenario, in which India
needs to play a leadership role. National Telecom Policy-2012 is designed to ensure
that India plays this role effectively and transforms the socio-economic scenario
through accelerated equitable and inclusive economic growth by laying special
emphasis on providing affordable and quality telecommunication services in rural
and remote areas. The primary objective of NTP-2012 is maximizing public good by
making available affordable, reliable and secure telecommunication and broadband
services across the entire country. The main thrust of the Policy is on the multiplier
effect and transformational impact of such services on the overall economy. It
recognizes the role of such services in furthering the national development agenda
while enhancing equity and inclusiveness. Availability of affordable and effective
communications for the citizens is at the core of the vision and goal of the National
Telecom Policy – 2012. NTP-2012 also recognizes the predominant role of the
private sector in this field and the consequent policy imperative of ensuring
continued viability of service providers in a competitive environment. Pursuant to
NTP-2012, these principles would guide decisions needed to strike a balance
between the interests of users/ consumers, service providers and government
revenue.
Vision of NTP 2012: To provide secure, reliable, affordable and high quality
converged telecommunication services anytime, anywhere for an accelerated
inclusive socio-economic development.
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
225
A) Objectives of NTP 2012:
1. Provide secure, affordable and high quality telecommunication services to all
citizens.
2. Increase rural teledensity from the current level of around 39 to 70 by the year
2017 and 100 by the year 2020.
3. Provide affordable and reliable broadband-on-demand by the year 2015 and to
achieve 175 million broadband connections by the year 2017 and 600 million by
the year 2020 at minimum 2 Mbps download speed and making available
higher speeds of at least 100 Mbps on demand.
4. Enable citizens to participate in and contribute to e-governance in key sectors
like health, education, skill development, employment, governance, banking
etc. to ensure equitable and inclusive growth.
5. Provide high speed and high quality broadband access to all village panchayats
through a combination of technologies by the year 2014 and progressively to all
villages and habitations by 2020.
6. Promote innovation, indigenous Research & Development -R&D and
manufacturing to serve domestic and global markets, by increasing skills and
competencies.
7. Create a corpus to promote indigenous R&D, IPR creation, entrepreneurship,
manufacturing, commercialisation and deployment of state-of-the-art telecom
products and services during the 12th five year plan period.
8. Promote the ecosystem for design, Research and Development, IPR creation,
testing, standardization and manufacturing i.e. complete value chain for
domestic production of telecommunication equipment to meet Indian telecom
sector demand to the extent of 60% and 80% with a minimum value addition of
45% and 65% by the year 2017 and 2020 respectively.
9. Provide preference to domestically manufactured telecommunication products,
in procurement of those telecommunication products which have security
implications for the country and in Government procurement for its own use,
consistent with our World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments.
10. Develop and establish standards to meet national requirements, generate IPRs,
and participate in international standardization bodies to contribute in
226
formulation of global standards, thereby making India a leading nation in the
area of international telecom standardization. This will be supported by
establishing appropriate linkages with industry, R&D institutions, academia,
telecom service providers and users.
12. Simplify the licensing framework to further extend converged high quality
services across the nation including rural and remote areas. This will not cover
content regulation.
13. Strive to create One Nation - One License across services and service areas.
14. Achieve One Nation - Full Mobile Number Portability and work towards One
Nation - Free Roaming.
15. Reposition the mobile phone from a mere communication device to an
instrument of empowerment that combines communication with proof of
identity, fully secure financial and other transaction capability, multi-lingual
services and a whole range of other capabilities that ride on them and
transcend the literacy barrier.
16. Encourage development of mobile phones based on open platform standards.
17. Deliver high quality seamless voice, data, multimedia and broadcasting
services on converged networks for enhanced service delivery to provide
superior experience to users.
18. Put in place a simplified Merger & Acquisition regime in telecom service sector
while ensuring adequate competition.
19. Optimize delivery of services to consumers irrespective of their devices or
locations by Fixed-Mobile Convergence thus making available valuable
spectrum for other wireless services.
20. Promote an ecosystem for participants in VAS industry value chain to make
India a global hub for Value Added Services (VAS).
21. Ensure adequate availability of spectrum and its allocation in a transparent
manner through market related processes. Make available additional 300
MHz spectrum for IMT services by the year 2017 and another 200 MHz by
2020.
22. Promote efficient use of spectrum with provision of regular audit of spectrum
usage.
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23. De-licensing additional frequency bands for public use.
24. Recognize telecom as Infrastructure Sector to realize true potential of ICT
for development.
25. Mandate an ecosystem to ensure setting up of a common platform for
interconnection of various networks for providing non-exclusive and non-
discriminatory access
26. Strengthen the framework to address the environmental and health related
concerns pertaining to the telecom sector.
27. Enhanced and continued adoption of green policy in telecom and incentivise
use of renewable energy sources for sustainability.
28. Protect consumer interest by promoting informed consent, transparency and
accountability in quality of service, tariff, usage etc.
29. Strengthen the grievance redressal mechanisms to provide timely and effective
resolution.
30. Strengthen the institutional framework to enhance the pace of human capital
formation and capacity building by assessing and addressing educational and
training needs of the sector.
31. Encourage recognition and creation of synergistic alliance of public sector and
other organisations of Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This should
be achieved through appropriate policy interventions and support for optimum
utilisation of their resources and strengths in building a robust and secure
telecom and information infrastructure.
32. Evolve a policy framework for financing the sector consistent with long term
sustainability.
33. Put in place appropriate fiscal and financial incentives required for indigenous
manufacturers of telecom products and R&D institutions.
34. Achieve substantial transition to new Internet Protocol (IPv 6) in the country in a
phased and time bound manner by 2020 and encourage an ecosystem for
provision of a significantly large bouquet of services on IP platform.
35. Strengthen the institutional, legal, and regulatory framework and re-engineer
processes to bring in more efficiency, timely decision making and transparency.
228
36. Put in place a web based, real time e-governance solution to support online
submission of applications including processing, issuance of licenses and
clearances from DoT.
7.2.9 Problems of Communication Means in India
Access to telecom services is the key to development and growth. Information
and communication technologies (ICTs) provide new and exciting opportunities to
those who have access to them. However, existing economic imbalances and
problems regarding telecommunication services adversely affects on development
process.
1. Unequal access to communications, leading to a huge digital divide between
the rich and the poor, the urban and the rural populace only, increases the
existing divide
2. Cellular and wireline network is increased significantly in India, but teledensity
in the rural area is very lower as compared to urban teledensity.
3. At present, most of the rural phones being public call offices and community
telephones, this problem are genuine. Telephone services, like other network
services do not grow till they obtain a critical mass
4. In India, problem of illegal phone tapping is increasing day by day. Illegal phone
tapping creating problem of privacy in communication and interaction.
5. Recent scenario shows that there is increasing trend in use of email or online
communication in India but similarly problem hacking email ID and password
also increasing day by day
6. There are many TV channels are available in India but very few informative TV
channels and which providing social, moral, cultural and ethical education to the
masses. They just focusing profit orientated business even there is problem of
assured information also.
7. Teleconferencing facilities are now available in India but there is no efficient
telecommunication service according to requirements for teleconferencing.
8. Today 3G communication services are available in only urban areas only.
Hence, rural peoples are away from getting benefits of this service.
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9. Radio communication facilities are common in India however; these facilities
are not available in the remote areas. Now D2H based radio services are
provided but everyone have not ability to use this services.
10. Most of communication means are depends on supply of electricity. However,
there is no regular supply of electricity in rural areas in India.
11. Indian postal services plays significant role in the development of Indian
economy however, this department failed to provide quality of postal services.
12. Broadband Internet service is now essential facility in rural area also but till date
this service in rural India is not up to mark. A speed of service is very poor and
there is irregularity in broadband service.
13. Communication technology has provided many alternatives of communication
in India but there is problem of purchasing power of common man they unable
to use this means due to lack of sufficient purchasing power.
14. Many communication companies are entered in the market but they only
concentrated on their profit not for social welfare
7.3 Summary:
Communication is transfer of information from one person to another, whether
or not it elicits confidence. But the information transferred must be understandable
to the receiver. There are three types of communication i.e. Human communication,
Interpersonal communication and Public communication. Communication plays
significant role in the economic development. It contributes in Social Interaction,
Communication for Sustainable Development, Economic Planning, Agricultural
Development, Circulation of Knowledge, Education, and Awareness to
Development, Public Health Advocacy, Entertainment and Human Resources and
Communication for Poverty Reduction
There are number of means of communication i.e. Human Communication,
Symbolic Communication, Letters & Telegrams, Folkmedia, Pigeon Post, Horses
Messengers, Printing, Postal Communication and Newspapers and Magazines are
traditional means of communication. And Radio Broadcasting, Cinema, Television,
Telegraph & Fax, Telephone, Satellite telephone, Mobile Phone/Cell Phone, 3G &
4G Mobile Telecommunications, Videotelephony, Websites, Electronic Mail-email,
Teleconferencing, Audio Teleconferencing, Video Teleconferencing and Other
Internet Based Means of Communication are modern means of communication
230
In India many Public and Private Communication Service Providers are
providing telecommunication services i.e. BSNL, MTNL, Prasar Bharati, AIR,
Durdharshan, AirTel, Idea Cellular, Tata Comm., Reliance Mobile, Vodafone/ Hutch,
BPL Mobile, Aircel, Virgin mobile, Bharti Mobinet, Usha Martin, Birla Tata AT&T, etc.
The entry of private service providers brought with it the inevitable need for
independent regulation. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was,
thus, established with effect from 20th February 1997 by an Act of Parliament, called
the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services,
including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in
the Central Government.
National Telecom Policy-2012 is designed to ensure that India plays this role
effectively and transforms the socio-economic scenario through accelerated
equitable and inclusive economic growth by laying special emphasis on providing
affordable and quality telecommunication services in rural and remote areas. The
primary objective of NTP-2012 is maximizing public good by making available
affordable, reliable and secure telecommunication and broadband services across
the entire country. The main thrust of the Policy is on the multiplier effect and
transformational impact of such services on the overall economy.
There are various problems regarding communication means in India like
Unequal access to communication services, poor teledensity in rural area, problem
of phone tapping, problem hacking email ID and password, very few informative TV
channels, no efficient telecommunication service, irregular supply of electricity and
poor quality of postal services
7.4 Keywords:
���� WLL- Wireless local loop Technology also used for this services but use of
WLL is very short and now it is decreasing in India because of their service
limitations
���� CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access is a radically new concept in wireless
communications. It has gained widespread international acceptance by cellular
radio system operators as an upgrade that will dramatically increase both their
system capacity and the service quality.
���� GSM- Global System for Mobile communications is the most popular standard
for mobile phones in the world
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���� Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television is becoming a buzzword in the
satellite broadcast industry due to the fact that DTH offers immense
opportunities to both broadcasters and viewers.
���� Broadband - Broadband Services is an always on internet connection that is
able to support various interactive services and has a capability of minimum
download speeds of 256 Kbps.
���� Teledensity - The number of landline telephones in use for every 100
individuals living within an area
7.5 Self Learning- Questions:
A) Fill in the blanks with appropriate option given below
1. Communication is transfer of information from one person to another by ………
A) Post B) email C) Phone D) All of these
2 MTNL, set up in ……………
A) 2010 B) 1947 C) 1986 D) 1999
3 Communication activities can help to ……………………..development
A) Social B) Economic C) Cultural D) All of these
4. Term IMO in postal services refers to ………………….
A) I-Money Order
B) Initial Money
Order
C) Internet
Money Order
D) Instant Money
Order
5. Department of Posts launched Electronic Money Order-eMO on ……………….
A) 2008 B) 2009 C) 1991 D) 2007
6. The first Marathi fortnightly newspaper ………was started by Balshastri Jambhekar
on 6th January 1832
232
A) 'Darpan' B) Padarpan
C) Marathi
News D) Pudhari
7. Term FM in radio broadcasting refers to ……………………………….
A) Fine Module
B) Frequency
Modulation C) Free Media D) Power Media
8. Telephone technology was developed by …………..in the mid-1870s
A) Alexander Bell B) Edward Line C) Mr. Radio D) Sandy Phillips
9. Term SIM in telecommunication refers to ………………….
A) Single Identity
Mode
B) Subscriber
Identity Module
C) Subjective
Identity Module
D) Simcard Identity
Machine
10. CDMA technology used for communication through ……………..
A) Cellphone B) Post C) TV D) None of these
11. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited providing services in …………….
A) Mumbai B) Dehli C) Pune D) None of these
12. Bahujana Hitaya Bahujana Sukhaya is slowgun of ………………
A) Prasarbharti B) BSNL C) MTNL D) VSNL
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B) Write answers in one sentence
1. What is communication?
2. What is development communication?
3. Which are traditional means of communication?
4. Which are the modern means of communication?
5. Which is apex body of cellular service providers in India?
7.6 Answer for Self Learning- Questions
A) 1.-D) All of these 2. - C) 1986 3.-D) All of these 4- D) Instant Money
Order
5. -A) 2008 6.-A) 'Darpan' 7.-B) Frequency
Modulation
8.-A) Alexander
Bell
9.- B) Subscriber
Identity Module 10.-A) Cellphone 11.-C) Pune 12. -A) Prasarbharti
B)
1. Communication is the intercourse by words, letters or messages.
2. Development communication is “an element of the management process in the
overall planning and implementation of the developmental programs.
3. Human communication, postal communication, symbolic communication,
flokmedia, pigeon post, Horses Messengers are traditional means of
communication.
4. Cinema, television, telegraph, fax, satellite phone, mobile, email, 3G & 4G are
the modern means of communication.
5. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is apex body of cellular service providers in India .
234
7.7 Questions for Self Study:
A) Write answers of questions given below;
1. Explain the role of communication in development
2. Discuss the traditional means of communication
3. Discuss the modern means of communication
4. Explain the National Telecomm Policy -2012
5. Discuss the problems of communication means in India
B) Write Short Notes
1. Communication
2. Postal Communication
3. BSNL & MTNL
4. Prasarbharati
5. TRAI
6. Private Cellular Service Providers
7.8 References for further Study:
1. Arvind Singhal and Everett M. Rogers (2001) India's communication revolution:
from bullock carts to cyber marts, Sage Publication ISBN -0761994718
2. C.S. Rayudu, (2008)Media and Communication Management; Mumbai;
Himalaya Publishing House
3. K.R. Balan (2003), Applied Public Relations and Communication; New Delhi;
Sultan Chand & Sons
4. Keval J. Kumar (1994), Mass Communication in India, Jaico Publishing House,
ISBN - 8172243731
5. Keval J. Kumar (2001), Mass Communication In India; Mumbai; Jaico
Publishing House.
6. Melkote,Srinivas R., & Steeves, H Lestie.(2001).Communication for
development in the third world; Theory and Practice.New delhi:Sage.
235
7. National Telecomm Policy – 2012 , Department of Telecommunication, GoI,
8. Tojo Joseph Thatchenkery and Roger R. Stough (2005), Information
Communication Technology And Economic Development, Edward Elgar
Publishing, USA
9. http://www.dot.gov.in/ntp/NTP-06.06.2012-final.pdf accessed on 28/12/2012
10. http://postalhistoryofindia.blogspot.in/ accessed on 26/12/2012
11. http://www.aircel.com/
12. http://www.trai.gov.in
13. http://www.airtel.in/
14. http://www.videocon.com/
15. http://www.loopmobile.in
16. http://www.tatadocomo.com
17. http://www.uninor.in
18. http://www.ideacellular.com
19. http://prasarbharati.gov.in
� � �
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Unit- 8
Business Communication
Index:
8.0 Objectives
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Presentation of the Subject
8.2.1 Business Communication
8.2.2 Sources of Business Information
8.2.3 Role of Advertisements in Communication
8.2.4 Market Survey
8.2.5 Financial Consultancy
8.3 Summary
8.4 Self-Learning Questions
8.5 Answer to Self-Learning Questions
8.6 Questions for Self Study
8.6 References for further study
8.0 Objectives:
After going through this topic;
You are able to explain concept of business communication, types and
importance of business communication
� You are able to discuss important sources of business information
� You are able to explain meaning, concept and method of market research
� You are able to discuss role of advertisements in communication
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
237
� You are able to discuss concept of financial consultancy and its importance
8.1 Introduction:
Communication is one of the most important part of human life as well as mean
of business expansion. In the business sector various communication methods are
used to promote a product or services, or organization; it is also used to deliver
information and receive information from others. It is also a means of relaying
between a supply chain, for example the consumer and manufacturer. According to
the encyclopaedia business communication is known simply as "communications". It
encompasses a variety of topics, including marketing, branding, customer relations,
consumer behaviour, advertising, public relations, corporate communication,
community engagement, research & measurement, reputation management,
interpersonal communication, employee engagement, online communication, and
event management etc.
8.2 Presentation of the Subject:
8.2.1 Business Communication:
Communication is neither transmission of message nor message itself. It is the
mutual exchange of understanding, originating with the receiver. Communication
needs to be effective in business. There are various definitions of communication
out of that some definitions are as follows;
���� American Management Association defines, ‘Communication is any
behaviour that results in an exchange of meaning’.
���� Peter Little defines communication as, ‘Communication is the process by
which information is transmitted between individuals and/or organizations so
that an understanding response result’.
���� Newman and Summer Jr. state that, ‘Communication is an exchange of facts,
ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons’.
���� Keith Davis, state that, ‘The process of passing the information and
understanding from one person to another. It is essentially a bridge of meaning
between the people. By using the bridge a person can safely across the river of
misunderstanding’.
238
Business Communication is goal oriented. The rules, regulations and policies of
a company have to be communicated to people within and outside the organization.
Business Communication is regulated by certain rules and norms. In early times,
business communication was limited to paper-work, telephone calls etc. But now
with advent of technology, we have cell phones, video conferencing, emails, and
satellite communication to support business communication. Effective business
communication helps in building goodwill of an organization.
8.2.1 Types of Business Communication:
Business communication is somewhat different and unique from other types of
communication since the purpose of business is to make money. Thus, to develop
profitability, the communicator should develop good communication skills. Knowing
the importance of communication, many organisations train their employees in
communication techniques.
1. Internal Communication : Communication within an organization is called
“Internal Communication”. It includes all communication within a specific
organization. It may be informal or a formal function of the firm. Upward
Communication, Downward Communication and Horizontal Communication is
major types of Internal Business Communication.
a) Upward Communication: Upward communication is the flow of
information from subordinates to superiors, or from employees to management.
b) Downward Communication: Information flowing from the top of the
organizational management hierarchy and telling people in the organization what
are important mission and what is valued policies. Downward communication
generally provides enabling information which allows a subordinate to do something.
c) Horizontal/Literal communication: Horizontal communication normally
involves coordinating information, and allows people with the same or similar rank in
an organization to cooperate or collaborate. Communication among employees at
the same level is crucial for the accomplishment of work.
2. External Communication : Communication with people outside the
company is called “external communication”. Supervisors communicate with sources
outside the organization, such as vendors and customers.
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Methods of Business Communication:
There are several methods of business communication, including:
���� Web-based communication - for better and improved communication, anytime
anywhere
���� Video conferencing- which allow people in different locations to hold
interactive meetings;
���� E-mails- which provide an instantaneous medium of written communication
worldwide;
���� Reports - important in documenting the activities of any department;
���� Presentations - very popular method of communication in all types of
organizations, usually involving audiovisual material, like copies of reports, or
material prepared in Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe Flash;
���� Telephoned meetings, which allow for long distance speech;
���� Forum boards- which allow people to instantly post information at a centralized
location; and
���� Face-to-face meetings, which are personal and should be succeeded by a
written follow-up.
Importance of Business Communication:
Business communication is one of the important part of business. Even success
of business also depends on communication between employees and owner, Owner
and manager, manager and employees, salesman and customers etc. However, we
can define the importance of business communication as follows;
A) Instructions Motive: To giving instructions to the particular person or
receive instruction from someone business communication is required. In this,
instructions basically flow from top to the lower level.
B) Integration Motive: There are number of integrated activities in business
which required to better performance of the particular business. The integration
function of communication mainly involves to bring about Inter-relationship among
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the various functions of the business organization. It helps in the unification of
different management functions.
c) Information Motive: Providing information to the employees or persons
involved in the management of the business is also important motive in the business
communication. Business communication helps to share, gather and distribute the
information
d) Evaluation Motive: Examination of activities to form an idea or judgement
of the worth of task is achieved through communication. Communication is a tool to
appraise the individual or team, their contribution to the organization. Evaluating
one’s own inputs or other’s outputs or some ideological scheme demands an
adequate and effective communication process.
e) For direction: Communication is necessary to issue directions by the top
management or manager to the lower level. Employee can perform better when he
is directed by his senior. Directing others may be communicated either orally or in
writing. An order may be common order, request order or implied order.
f) For teaching: The importance of personal safety on the job has been
greatly recognized. A complete communication process is required to teach and
educate workers about personal safety on the jobs. This communication helps the
workers to avert accidents, risk etc. and avoid cost, procedures etc.
g) For influencing: A complete communication process is necessary in
influencing others or being influenced. The individual having potential to influence
others can easily persuade others. It implies the provision of feedback which tells
the effect of communication.
h) For image building: A business enterprise cannot isolate from the rest of
the society. There is interrelationship and interdependence between the society and
an enterprise operating in the society. Goodwill and confidence are necessarily
created among the public. It can be done by the communication with the different
media, which has to project the image of the firm in the society. Through an effective
external communication system, an enterprise has to inform the society about its
goals, activities, progress and social responsibility.
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I) For employees orientation: When a new employee enter into the
organization at that time he or she will be unknown to the organization programs,
policies, culture etc. Communication helps to make people acquainted with the co-
employees, superior and with the policies, objectives, rules and regulations of the
organization.
J) Other: Effective decision-making is possible when required and adequate
information is supplied to the decision-maker. Effective communication helps the
process of decision making. In general, everyone in the organization has to provide
with necessary information so as to enable to discharge tasks effectively and
efficiently.
8.2.2 Sources of Business Information:
Information sources are one of the important elements of the business decision
process which helps to take right and appropriate decision. Hence, every
businessman trying to generate sources of appropriate information regarding
business process. Business information sources refer to the containers of
information that are useful for different business transactions. Although they may be
formal or informal, these sources play a pivotal role in determining the input for an
information system. Access to the right business information, from the right place, at
the right time, from the right source, and at the right price - and knowing how to use
it is a major factor influencing trading efficiency and competitiveness
There are some internal sources and some are external sources of business
information. The sources wherefrom we get information are information sources.
These sources comprise documents, system, institutions and organizations, and
human beings. Informal sources include business colleagues, superiors and
subordinates, external professionals, and other contacts. Some are informal-
external and others informal-internal. The informal-external sources include trade
contacts, personal advisers, professional associates, social and family contacts.
Here we only focusing on Business Internal record, management intelligent system
and market research.
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Management Intelligence system:
Management intelligence or business intelligence is one of the most important
sources of business information. In a 1958 article, IBM researcher Hans Peter Luhn
used the term business intelligence. He defined intelligence as: "the ability to
apprehend the interrelationships of presented facts in such a way as to guide action
towards a desired goal. In 1989 Howard Dresner (later a Gartner Group analyst)
proposed "business intelligence" as an umbrella term to describe "concepts and
methods to improve business decision making by using fact-based support systems.
Business intelligence mainly refers to system or techniques used in identifying,
extracting and analyzing business data, such as sales revenue by products and/or
departments, or by associated costs and incomes. Management intelligence
provides historical, current and predictive views of business operations. Common
functions of business intelligence technologies are reporting, online analytical
processing, analytics, data mining, process mining, complex event processing,
business performance management, benchmarking, text mining and predictive
analytics. Business intelligence aims to support better business decision-making.
Thus a Management intelligence system can be called a decision support system.
Though the term business intelligence is sometimes used as a synonym for
competitive intelligence, because they both support decision making, Management
intelligence uses technologies, processes, and applications to analyze mostly
internal, structured data and business processes while competitive intelligence
gathers, analyzes and disseminates information with a topical focus on company
competitors. Business intelligence understood broadly can include the subset of
competitive intelligence.
There are number of sources to the management intelligence to getting
information like the formal and/or informal ongoing collection of information about
competitors and other environmental developments (e.g., regulations, tech.)
Includes reading trade reports, newspapers, visiting competitors, etc
Business Internal Record:
Internal record is record maintained by firm which consisting various documents
and books maintained by business firms. Almost all organization and business firms
are maintaining their record ether in written (physical) format. However, now many
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of firms are maintaining their records in e-format also which provides speed and
effeminacy in providing information to the decision makers. Keeping records makes
sound business sense. It may seem like a challenge, particularly when businessman
are starting out, but keeping good records will bring real advantages to business.
Get a proper system in place from the outset, and update the information regularly.
Table No. -8.1 Business Records
Type of Record Importance
1 Bylaws To provide legal information
2 Capital stock and bond records
To provide information about share capital
and barrowed capital
3 Contracts and agreements
(government construction, partnership,
employment, labour, etc.)
To provide terms and conditions regarding
contracts and agreements
4
Legal correspondence
To understand legal aspects & information
about communication concern to legal
aspects
5 Minutes of the meeting
To provide important information about
specific meeting and decision made
6 Auditors' reports
To know about notes and problems in
accounting and book keeping
7 Bank debt deduction report
To know about remaining debt and
instalment paid about debt taken
8 Bank deposit slips, reconciliations,
statements
To provide information about deposits,
amount and dates of depositing money
9 Budgets
To know about receipts and expenses of
the firms
10 Cheques – Issue Register and Record of To know about amount and payee of the
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Cheques cancelled cheque and dates of the cheques
11
Contracts - purchase and sales
To know terms and conditions, rates of
selling goods and purchasing
goods/services
12 Depreciation records To about amount of depreciation
13 Employee expense reports and Employee
payroll
To know about expenses made on
payments of the employees
14
Work orders and production reports
To know about details of work order and
quantity of production produced during
specific period
15 Inventory lists
To know about material used and material
available to use
16 Attendance Records
To regularity and absentee of the
employees
17 Patents , Copyrights and Trademarks
/Service mark
To know rights and powers, share of
royalty and related details etc.
Market Research:
Market research is any organized effort to gather information about markets or
customers. It is a very important component of collecting information for
implementing business strategy. The term is commonly interchanged with marketing
research; however, expert practitioners may wish to draw a distinction, in that
marketing research is concerned specifically about marketing processes, while
market research is concerned specifically with markets. According to the Wikipedia,
the free encyclopaedia, Market research is a key factor to get advantage over
competitors and opportunities which available to the entrepreneurs. Market research
provides important information to identify and analyze the market need, market size
and competition. Market research, which includes social and opinion research, is the
systematic gathering and interpretation of information about individuals or
245
organizations using statistical and analytical methods and techniques of the applied
social sciences to gain insight or support decision making.
Market Research through Public Opinion is one of the important method of
collecting opinion and attitude of the customers and stockholders of the firm.
Through this market researchers investigate the behaviour, values and opinions of
clients’ target markets, providing insights for the purpose of better tailoring products,
services and marketing to market demands. The industry also includes public
opinion polling on current political, economic or societal issues. Primary users of
market research include businesses, media and political actors. Targets include
potential customers, actual consumers, voters and other businesses and
organisations.
1. Market Research for Understanding Consumers : According to IMRB
International most successful products and brands start with a focus on consumers.
After all, they are who will decide the ultimate success or failure of any market
introduction. But "know your customer" means more than just gathering data or
information of the consumers. It means recognizing customers as a dynamic,
evolving force.
2. Market Research Investigating market: Fully understanding a key topic
or market is an excellent way to start a project. These investigations can provide
fundamental knowledge about opportunities prior to investing significant time and
money in product development. Market mapping, demand estimation and feasibility
studies are provides most important information in the decision making.
3. Developing Concept & Market Research :There are millions of good and
innovative ideas that are developed into thousands of products and services every
year. Most of them passed or some are failing, miserably. Many of them could
succeed if they just got the details right and which are acceptable. But, in an effort to
get to market quickly or to conserve money, product developers often skip research
or do only cursory studies with a few consumers. Product development research can
be very efficient and very cost effective, particularly when you compare it to the cost
of failure
4. Developing Relationship with Customers : According to IMRB
International Most truly successful businessman or service provider those who
246
realize the importance of long term relationship with their consumers and act
accordingly. This means they stay in touch with their customers to learn what they
like and dislike and how their perceptions and behaviours change over time. They
track trends and changes in the culture and modify their products and services as
necessary.
5. Customer Feedback and Satisfaction Surveys : Customer satisfaction
surveys are a quick and easy way to improve customer relationship management.
The objective of the firm is to keep their customers happy. For the purpose of
collecting information regarding customers satisfactions there is need to collect in-
the-moment feedback, create a sustained engagement with the customers and
provide facts market research is very essential.
6. Risk analysis: Risk analysis is a technique to identify and assess factors
that may jeopardize the success of a project or achieving a goal. This technique also
helps to define preventive measures to reduce the probability of these factors from
occurring and identify countermeasures to successfully deal with these constraints
when they develop to avert possible negative effects on the competitiveness of the
company.
7. Competitor analysis: Competitor analysis in marketing and strategic
management is an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and
potential competitors. This analysis provides both an offensive and defensive
strategic context to identify opportunities and threats. Profiling coalesces all of the
relevant sources of competitor analysis into one framework in the support of efficient
and effective strategy formulation, implementation, monitoring and adjustment.
Competitor analysis is an essential component of corporate strategy. It is argued
that most firms do not conduct this type of analysis systematically enough.
Stages in Market Research Process:
The market research process involves a round of separate stages of data
interpretation, organization and collection. These stages could be considered as a
benchmark of market research, but it depends on an organization how they have
encapsulated their strategies to follow this process. Hence some of the interlinked
stages could be conducted repeatedly and some of the stages can also be omitted.
Given below is a typical market research process which is depicted stage-wise:
247
1. Defining the Problem or Need: The starting phase is always identifying
the reason or problem for which research is to be conducted. This includes
collecting of relevant initial information and how this information will affect decision
making process. It also includes defining problems after discussing with decision
makers of the organization. Once the problem is defined precisely and the need of
research is discussed, the further process could be conducted in an efficient
manner.
2. Determining who will do the research : Once the initial stage of defining
the problem and the need of research is done, it is important to determine who will
do the research and what will be the approaches to resolve these problems. This
involves creating a problem solving framework and analytical models after
discussing it organization experts. In this sample case studies are created according
to the defined framework by enforcing the relevant information and secondary data.
3. Selection of the appropriate methodology: A specific methodology is
entailed by the research professional after identifying the specific needs and
exploring the case studies. It may include a combination of specific approaches like
telephone survey, web or email survey, one-to-one interviews, secondary research
etc. This methodology acts as a blueprint of research process and following basic
steps:
� Methods for collecting and preparing quantitative information.
� Determining the need of this information.
� Scaling and measuring procedures.
� Designing sample Questionnaire.
� Formulating case studies and sampling process.
� Planning information analysis.
4. Data Collection Process : This process includes field work and desk work
for collecting all relevant data and information. Field work includes interviewing the
personals by interacting them face to face by visiting them in home or offices or
arranging group meetings at any preferred place. Desk work includes contacting
personals over telephone or via series of emails and web meetings. This could take
248
comparatively more time as compared to the field work. Involving experienced and
trained executive for this helps in reducing data collection errors.
5. Data Preparation, tabulation and analysis of results: After the data
collecting stage the collected data is edited, corrected if required and validated. This
process is the most important process in the research as the results are generated
on the basis of data preparation. So it is required for an organization to verify the
authenticity of the collected data and edit or correct it if needed. The final data is
then segmented according to the business standards and inserted into the CRM
database in a more tabulated form so that search or combination could be made
easily.
6. Presentation and report generation: The entire process is properly
documented with respect to organizational standards so that it can be referred in
future for decision making process or to change or modify any specific process. This
document contains overall architecture of the project depicting all the processes with
the help of tables, graphs and figures to provoke impact and clarity.
Advantages of Market Research:
1. Indicates current market trends: Market research keeps business unit in
touch with the latest market trends and offers guidance for facing market situation
with confidence. It facilitates production as per consumer demand and preferences.
2. Pinpoints deficiencies in marketing policies: MR pinpoints the
deficiencies as regards products, pricing, promotion, etc. It gives proper guidance
regarding different aspects of marketing. They include product development,
branding, packaging and advertising.
3. Explains customer resistance: MR is useful for finding out customer
resistance to company's products. Suitable remedial measures are also suggested
by the researcher to deal with the situation. This makes the products agreeable to
the consumers.
4. Suggests sales promotion techniques: Market research enables a
manufacturer to introduce appropriate sales promotion techniques, select most
convenient channel of distribution, suitable pricing policy for the products and
provision of discounts and concessions to dealers. It facilitates sales promotion.
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5. Guidance to marketing executives: Market research offers information
and guidance to marketing executives while framing marketing policies. Continuous
research enables a company to face adverse marketing situation boldly. It acts as
an insurance against possible changes in market environment.
6. Selection and training of sales force: Market research is useful for the
selection and training of staff in the sales Organisation. It suggests the incentives
which should be offered for motivation of employees concerned with marketing.
7. Facilitates business expansion: Market research enables a business
unit to grow and expand its activities. It creates goodwill in the market and also
enables a business unit to earn high profits through consumer-oriented marketing
policies and programmes.
8. Facilitates appraisal of marketing policies: Research activities enable
marketing executives to have an appraisal of the present marketing policies in the
fight of research findings. Suitable adjustments in the policies are also possible as
per the suggestions made.
9. Suggests marketing opportunities: Market research suggests new
marketing opportunities and the manner in which they can be exploited fully. It
identifies existing and emerging market opportunities.
10. Facilitates inventory study: Market research is useful for the evaluation
of company's inventory policies and also for the introduction of more efficient ways
of managing inventories including finished goods and raw materials.
11. Provides marketing information: MR provides information on various
aspects of market. It suggests relative strengths and weaknesses of the company.
On the basis of such information, marketing executives find it easy to frame policies
for the future period. MR provides information, guidance and alternative solutions to
marketing problems.
12. Suggests distribution channels: Market research can be used to study
the effectiveness of existing channels of distribution and the need of making suitable
changes in the distribution system.
13. Creates progressive outlook: Market research generates a progressive
and dynamic outlook throughout the business Organisation. It promotes systematic
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
250
thinking and a sense of professionalisation within the company. It also creates
enthusiasm among executives concerned with market. This brings success and
stability to the whole business unit.
14. Social significance: Market research is of paramount importance from the
social angle. It acts as a means by which the ultimate consumer literally becomes
king of the market place.
8.2.3 Role of Advertisements in Communication:
Marketing communications are the means by which firms attempt to inform,
convince, and remind consumers directly or indirectly about the products and brands
that they sell. In a sense, marketing communications represent the “voice” of the
brand and are a means by which it can establish a dialogue and build relationships
with consumers. Although advertising is often a central element of a marketing
communications program, it is usually not the only one – or even the most important
one in terms of building brand equity.
1. According to William J. Stanton, "Advertising consists of all the activities
involved in presenting to an audience a non-personal, sponsor-identified, paid-for
message about a product or organization."
2. According to American Marketing Association "advertising is any paid
form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods and services by an
identified sponsor".
3. According to Gardner, “Advertising is the means of mass selling that has
grown up parallel with and has been made necessary to mass production”.
Objectives of Advertising:
There are two basic questions that advertising objectives should address. ‘Who
are the people we are trying to influence?’ and ‘What specific benefits or information
are we trying to communicate to them?’ Advertising includes messages that
companies convey for, delivers through a mass medium and uses to convince
consumers. The three general ad objectives are to inform, to persuade and to
remind customers. Within these broad goals, companies normally have more
specific, quantified objectives, as well. According to various experts in the
advertising the important objectives of advertising are as follows;
251
1. To make attitudes more favourable to a particular product
2. To build an image for the product
3. To get across the idea of a unique product
4. To create a brand leader to help the launch of additional products at a
future date
5. To expand the whole market and to reduce existing negative attitudes
6. To keep building loyalty and to create a brand leader in a particular market
7. To increase sales among existing users and to improve the frequency of
purchase
8. To keep new entrants out of the market
9. To convey the idea that the product is ‘value for money’
10. To improve market share compared with competitors
11. To reach people inaccessible to salesman
12. To enhance the goodwill of the enterprise
Importance of Advertising:
Advertising plays a very important role in today’s age of competition.
Advertising is one thing which has become a necessity for everyone in today’s day
to day life, be it the manufacturer, the traders, or the purchaser. Advertising is a
central part.
1. Promotion of Sales: Advertising promotes the sale of commodities and
services by informing and persuading the public to purchase them. A good
advertising campaign helps in attractive new customers both in the national as wet
as in the international markets.
2. Inform about New Product/service: Advertising helps the introduction of
new products or service in the market. A company can introduce itself and its
product to the public through advertising. A new enterprise can't make an impact on
the prospective customers without the help of advertising.
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3. To educate the society: Advertising helps educating people. There are
some social issues also which advertising deals with like child labour, liquor
consumption, girl child killing, smoking, family planning education, etc. thus,
advertising plays a very important role in society.
4. To Create Awareness about Product: Advertising is a favorable
representation of product to make consumer, customers and general public aware of
product. It let the potential buyers, general public and end users to be aware and
familiar with the brands and their goods and services.
5. Try to switching back: Advertising helps for the companies who want
their previous customers back, who have switched to their competitors. The
advertisers use different ways to attract the customers back like discount sale, new
advertise, some reworking done on packaging, etc.
6. Encourage to Purchasing: Encouraging people to purchase goods and
services is the main role of advertising. Some industries rely on advertising more
than others. Advertisers often influence members of society to purchase products
based on instilling a feeling of scarcity or lack.
7. Meeting competition: Advertising is an important means for facing
competition. By creating brand loyalty, it helps to maintain sales and market share.
The importance of Advertising lies in the fact that it creates preference for a
particular product opens doors for salesmen and reinforces point of purchase
display, thereby reducing the costs of creating and maintaining demand.
8. Creating Goodwill: Advertising definitely helps to creating a good image
of the firm, products or service and reputation of the products/service in the market.
A favorable image increases the capacity of the firm to survive competition and
depression.
However, other than mentioned above a communication role in advertising
focuses on mass communication requirements that the advertisement will able to
fulfill. This is a method of informing potential customer, the launch of new products
or the pass on information about the service and good they intent to buy.
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8.2.4 Market Survey:
A market survey is an objective and systematic collection, recording, analysis
and interpretation of data about existing or potential markets for a product/service.
During a market survey, one needs to focus on Size of the market and the
anticipated market share in terms of volume and value, Pattern of demand-seasonal
or fluctuating in time, Market structure etc. A market survey is an important
requirement for initiating any successful business. The objective of a market survey
is to collect information on various aspects of the business. This survey is a tool
through which we can minimize risk. After the market survey, the results must be
analyzed in order to finalize a business plan. Market surveys are an important part
of market research that measure the feelings and preferences of customers in a
given market.
Quantitative and Qualitative Market Survey:
1. Quantitative Market Survey: Qualitative market research means "quality."
It does not mean "quantity." Qualitative research methods are designed to talk to a
relatively few people in the target audience of interest. The purpose of qualitative
research is to plumb the depths and range of buyer attitudes and beliefs, not to
measure incidence, project, or forecast quantity. Popular qualitative market research
methods include focus group studies, depth interviews triads (one interviewer, two
respondents, and dyads (one interviewer, one respondent,) and observational
techniques such as ethnography and, popular in marketing research, photo-
ethnography.
2. Qualitative Market Survey: Quantitative marketing research designs
gauge, describe, and forecast quantity. Using a range of sampling strategies,
quantitative market research studies often project results of quantitative market
surveys to the entire marketplace. Popular quantitative market survey methods
include online surveys, personal quantitative interviews, mail surveys, and telephone
surveys. At Power Decisions Group, we recommend the data collection technique --
phone, face to face interviews, web interviews, traditional mail -- according to the
research objective, time requirements, and quality control issues at play.
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Techniques of Market Survey:
There are various techniques which can be used to undertake market survey
i.e. online surveys, phone surveys, focus groups, executive interviews, depth
interviews, and online discussion forums etc.
1. Paper Surveys: Paper survey is the technique of the collection of the data
regarding desired respondents. In this method written questionnaire is important tool
of collecting information about questions or issues under investigation. This is very
traditional method which consumes time and money in the collection of data and it is
hectic process. However, it is most useful in case of rural area and where no
internet connectivity or no telephone services.
2. Telephone Surveys: Telephone surveys used to be the most popular form
of interviewing before the web became dominant. Traditionally, centrally based
phone centres were set up with interviewers seated at booths. Advantages of this
method include: rapid contact with respondents, especially when integrated with the
use of a CATI (computer-assisted telephone interviewing) system; interviewers can
elicit more complete and substantive answers from respondents as well as ask for
clarification and elaboration concerning responses.
3. Web Survey or Online Surveys: Internet based surveys are highly cost-
effective for gathering data from a very large sample base. Utilizing email surveys,
Direct Opinions makes it easy for our clients to get information quickly and
affordably for large target market groups of customers or business prospects.
Advantages of Web surveys include: faster speed of responses, substantially
reduced cost, and increased respondent flexibility.
4. Mail Surveys: Mail surveys are a common survey methodology that can
be filled out in the privacy of a respondents' home or office never meeting the
researcher. Mail surveys do offer a high degree of "anonymity" so surveys that ask
about more sensitive information will get a greater response rate if conducted
through mail.
5. Focus Group: A focus group is a form of qualitative research in which a
group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes
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towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea, or packaging. Questions
are asked in an interactive group setting where participants are free to talk with
other group members. According to Wikipedia there are followings types of focus
groups;
���� Two-way focus group - one focus group watches another focus group and
discusses the observed interactions and conclusion,
���� Dual moderator focus group - one moderator ensures the session progresses
smoothly, while another ensures that all the topics are covered
���� Dueling moderator focus group - two moderators deliberately take opposite
sides on the issue under discussion
���� Respondent moderator focus group - one and only one of the respondents
are asked to act as the moderator temporarily
���� Client participant focus groups - one or more client representatives
participate in the discussion, either covertly or overtly
���� Mini focus groups - groups are composed of four or five members rather than
6 to 12
6. Executive Surveys: An executive survey will provide, from the viewpoint
of the Chief Executive Officer to the Human Resources Manager, a functional and
customizable tool with which to evaluate the knowledge, direction, and
responsibilities of your executive staff. The company will receive an effective and
comprehensive evaluation of senior executives and management staff and better
understanding of executive responsibilities that will allow improving productivity and
ability to meet business goals and objectives.
8.2.5 Financial Consultancy:
A financial consultancy is one of the important services which required to the
business firm as well as individuals. It offers money management advice to people
and businesses. Most people employ them for guidance on how to reach long-term
financial goals, which may include a debt management plan, investment advice, or
developing a savings plan. Organizations also work with consultants to make sure
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their business plans are financially viable and to manage money programs for
employees.
The communication between firm and financial consultant is basically
intellectual communication. Consultants generally provide insights regarding
financial planning and solve problems regarding finance. The services rendered by
consultants are normally for a finite period of time and well-defined scopes of work
described by clear terms of reference and are generally of an intellectual nature.
Role of Financial Consultant:
A financial consultant does supplementary than draw up a budget. They work
with clients to meet current and anticipated financial requirements through a variety
of techniques, tips, plans of investment, budgeting, and management techniques.
The steps a financial advisor typically follows include:
Gathering and organizing data about the client's current financial situation
Identifying reasonable financial goals
Provide best options according to needs
Providing alternatives and ways to eradicate financial problems
Providing professional insights about financial issues
Monitoring the progress and suggesting adjustments if necessary
Types of Financial Consultant:
There are number of types of Financial Consultants they are broadly classified
in the followings types;
1. Fee-Only Consultants: These financial experts are entirely paid by the
client and do not gain any money from product commissions or shares in investment
portfolios. This practice ensures the consultant's first priority is providing the best
possible service to the client rather than making portfolio or investment choices
based on their own financial gain.
2. Commission-Based Consultants: These planners typically have lower
initial fees and derive some income as a percentage of the success they have with
clients' portfolios. While this motivates them to have a good sense of profitable
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investments, they may have a conflict of interest when it comes to the client's long-
term financial goals.
3. Individual Consultants: Individual consultants are independent experts
not permanently associated with any particular firm, or they may be employees of a
firm recruited on an individual basis. However, they may also be employees of an
agency or firm.
4. Staff Consultants: Staff consultants are also normally individual
consultants but are funded directly from budget of the firm or business. Most often
staff consultants are in-house staff with specialized in financial services and financial
management.
5. Resource Persons: Resource persons are persons of particularly high
caliber or specific levels of experience, often distinguished in field of finance, who
are hired to provide input and guidance. Normally such experts are hired for specific
periods of time.
Importance of Financial Consultancy:
Financial consultants provide financial services to their clients. The experts
firstly analyse carefully the current situations and accordingly help in preparing
project reports. Further, they help to take care of loan arrangement needs including
term loan, cash credit limit and project loan. They leverage their understanding of
the industry and ability to deliver quick and innovative solutions to the businessman.
This is one of the important communications which is required for development of
the business according to the objectives of the firm. Financial consultants are
offering wide range of tax consultancy services by a team of financial experts, which
holds proper understanding of the different tax laws & rules. This services help in
minimizing their liabilities related to tax. The financial consultant also provides
financial auditing services, financial accounting services, payroll financial services
and business finance consultant corporate finance consultant, business finance
consultant, personal finance consultant, project finance consultant and finance
management consultant.
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8.3 Summary:
A. Business communication is known simply as "communications". It encompasses
a variety of topics, including marketing, branding, customer relations, consumer
behaviour, advertising, public relations, corporate communication, community
engagement, research & measurement, reputation management, interpersonal
communication, employee engagement, online communication, and event
management etc. Internal Communication and External Communication are two
main types of communication. Web-based communication, Video conferencing,
E-mails, Reports, Presentations, Telephoned meetings, Forum boards and
Face-to-face meetings are methods of communication in business sector.
B. Information sources are one of the important elements of the business decision
process which helps to take right and appropriate decision. There are some
internal sources and some are external sources of business information.
Management Intelligence system, Business Internal Record and information
collected through Market Research are main sources of business. Typical
market research process can be followed as; defining the problem or need,
determining who will do the research, selection of the appropriate methodology,
data collection process, data preparation, tabulation and analysis of results and
presentation and report generation
C. Advertising consists of all the activities involved in presenting to an audience a
non-personal, sponsor-identified, paid-for message about a product or
organization. There are number of objectives of advertising i.e. make attitudes
more favourable, build an image, get across the idea, create a brand leader,
expand the whole market, building loyalty, convey the idea and improve market
share
D. A market survey is an important requirement for initiating any successful
business. The objective of a market survey is to collect information on various
aspects of the business. Quantitative Market Survey and qualitative Market
Survey are two important types of market research.
E. A financial consultancy is one of the important services which required to the
business firm as well as individuals. Consultants generally provide insights
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regarding financial planning and solve problems regarding finance. It is
intellectual communication.
8.4 Self Learning Questions:
Fill in the blanks
1. Communication is the process by which ...................................... is transmitted
between individuals or organizations so that an understanding response result.
a) Opinion b) Goods c) information d) Service
2. Upward Communication, Downward Communication and Horizontal Communication is
major types of ................Business Communication.
a) Internal b) External c) information d) Formal
3. ....................... is external source of business information
a) Inventory lists b) Attendance
Records c) Bylaws d) Annual Report of
the Bank
4. .........................................survey is a quick and easy way to improve customer
relationship management.
a) Customers b) Traders c) Suppliers d) Employees
5. 5) .............................is not method of collecting primary information in market
research
a) email survey b) literature survey c) interview d) telephone survey
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8.5 Answer to Self Learning Questions:
1- C) information 2-A) Internal
3- D) Annual Report of the Bank
4- A) Customers 5- B)literature survey
8.6 Questions for Self Study:
A. Write answers in brief.
1) Explain the meaning and type of business communication.
2) What is market research? Explain the stages in market research process.
3) Explain the advantages of market research.
4) Explain the role of advertisements in communication.
B. Write Short Notes
1) Methods of Business Communication
2) Importance of Business Communication
3) Sources of Business Information
4) Management Intelligence system
5) Business Internal Record
6) Importance of Advertising
7) Quantitative and Qualitative Market Survey
8) Financial Consultancy
8.7 References for further Study:
1. Ramanuj Majuntdar (1990), Marketing Research: Text, Applications and Case
Studies, Wiley New Delhi,
2. Howard Dick, Peter J. Rimmer (2003), Cities, Transport and Communications,
The Integration of Southeast Asia Since 1850, Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN10:
0333553012
M.A. II- Economics- Economics Transport and Communication
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3. Gordon, Ian (1989). Beat the Competition: How to Use Competitive Intelligence
to Develop Winning Business Strategies. Oxford, UK: Basil Blackwell Publishers.
4. John MacAdams (2012) Business Records Retention— Protecting your
Information,http://www.shrednations.com/articles/business-records-retention.php
accessed on 10/9/2012
5. Kotler, Philip and Armstrong Gary (2007), Principles of Marketing Pearson,
Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2007 ISBN 978-0-13-239002-6, ISBN 0-13-239002-7
6. Kiyoshi Kobayashi, T. R. Lakshmanan, William P. Anderson (2004), Structural
Change in Transportation and Communications in the Knowledge Society,
Edward Elgar Publishing, USA, 2004. ISBN10: 1843766108
7. IMRB International (2012) http://www.imrbint.com/ accessed on 12/09/2012
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