Read the Passage given below and answer the following 5 questions. (Q 1)

Natural resources, economic activities and markets are rarely found in one place. Transport, communication and trade establish links between producing centres and consuming centres. The system of mass production and exchange is complex. Each region produces the items for which it is best suited. Trade or the exchange of such commodities relies on transportation and communication. Likewise, the high living standards and quality of life depend on efficient transportation, communications and trade.

Which of the following is most expensive means of transportation in general?

The old and elementary forms like the human porter, pack animal, cart or wagon

The correct answer is option 4: The old and elementary forms like the human porter, pack animal, cart or wagon

As stated in the NCERT, these traditional modes are considered the most expensive because they carry very small loads over short distances with low efficiency, making the cost per unit of goods transported very high. In contrast, modern means like railways, shipping, and airways can carry large quantities at once, reducing the cost per unit despite higher absolute costs. Therefore, even though air transport seems costly, per unit transportation cost is highest in these primitive methods, which is why Option (4) is correct.

NCERt: " In general, the old and elementary forms like the human porter, pack animal, cart or wagon are the most expensive means of transportation and large freighters are the cheapest. They are important in supplementing modern channels and carriers which penetrate the interiors in large countries. In the densely populated districts of India and China, overland transport still takes place by human porters or carts drawn or pushed by humans."