Water transport has one great advantage over land transport. What is it?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → It does not require route construction and thus, is much cheaper than that of land.
Option (1) It does not require route construction and thus, is much cheaper than that of land. — Correct. The oceans are linked with each other, so no route has to be built; only port facilities are needed at the two ends. Roads and railways must lay and keep up the whole route, and ships save that cost. Moving a load on water also takes less energy because the friction of water is far less than that of land, so water transport is much cheaper.
Option (2) It is a great experience to travel by ships and boats. — Incorrect. Enjoying a journey is a personal feeling, not an advantage of a mode of transport.
Option (3) Water transport gives better services for transportation of goods. — Incorrect. The advantage of water transport is its low cost, not better service.
Option (4) Building ports and harbors for ships is easier than constructing roads and railway routes. — Incorrect. Ports still have to be built; the saving is that the route between them needs none.
NCERT (2025-26): “WATER TRANSPORT … One of the great advantages of water transportation is that it does not require route construction. The oceans are linked with each other and are negotiable with ships of various sizes. All that is needed is to provide port facilities at the two ends. It is much cheaper because the friction of water is far less than that of land. The energy cost of water transportation is lower. Water transport is divided into sea routes and inland waterways.” |