Role of Each Mode of Transport:
Each mode of transport has its own role to play in a country. The role of each is as under:
Roads : Road transport carries 80 per cent of the passenger transport and 60 per cent of the goods movement. Its role in passenger transport is confirmed to short distances and in urban transport. In goods transport, its role is to collect and distribute the goods and to carry the goods over short and medium hauls. For long distance it deals with high value goods.
Railways: Railways carry long distance passenger traffic and suburban passenger traffic. For goods movement, they are suited for haulage of low rated (coal, ores, food- grains, fertilisers, etc.) over long distances.
Air Transport: Air transport is suited for long distance passenger movement where speed of travel is the main criterion.
Shipping: Most international trade in goods takes place through overseas shipping. Coastal shipping can handle goods movement along the coast of the country.
Inland Water Transport (IWT): This mode takes place along perennial rivers, canals and backwaters. Both passengers and goods are moved.
Pipelines: Pipelines are ideal for long distance transport of petroleum crude and products and gas.
Ropeways: Ropeways find application in extremely difficult hilly locations, both for goods and passenger movement.