Date of Defense

Spring 4-1970

Department

Economics

Keywords

railroads, trains

Abstract

India entered into an era of planned economic development since the attainment of the Republic. With a massive population, largely unexploited capital resources and the backlog of centuries of rural economy, planning has given India a new perspective. The low level of capital formation and technology, inadequate linkages and coordination between sectors and the rigidities imposed by the social and political institutions have been some of the main barriers to progress. The ambition has been to bring about rapid economic development of all the sectors of society, particularly the rural population. This has highlighted the importance of modern transportation facilities and services. Transportation has a key role to play in accelerating the pace of India's economic progress. Modern transportation is a pre-requisite for exploiting the natural resources and using them in production process. The efficiency of transport networks determines the degree of coordination between sectors. The feasibility of all production targets in the plans crucially depend on transportation. This paper studies the nature of development of railways in India, in the context of economic development. The actual growth during the British period and Post-independence period is examined. This is set against the requirements for economic development.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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