(A) Meaning : Road transport is the oldest mode of transport. It means and includes various means of transport which move on the surface of the earth without the use of railway tracks. Roads are the means which connect people and places on the surface of the land. It provides connectivity on any terrain (land) in comparison to other modes of transport. The different types of vehicles plying on the road include bullock carts, cycles, motor-cycles, autorickshaws, cars, tempos, trucks, buses, etc. They are called means of road transport.
(B) Advantages :
The advantages of road transport are explained as follows:
(1) Cheaper mode of transport : As compared to other modes of transport, road transport is relatively cheaper mode of transport. Its operational cost is relatively low.
(2) Useful for perishable goods : Road transport is suitable and more useful to carry and deliver perishable goods such as milk, vegetable, fish, mutton, fruits, flowers, eggs, etc., over a short distance and that too at a faster speed.
(3) Flexible mode of transport : Road transport is flexible mode of transport because loading and unloading of goods are possible at any destination. Similarly, it is more flexible because of the choice of different routes, timings and types of vehicles.
(4) Door-to-Door service : Road transport facilitates door-to-door delivery of goods. It carries the goods and passengers directly to the go downs, factories and places of residence, i.e. user.
(5) Good reach : Roads constructed in plain areas and also in hilly areas can be used by different road vehicles such as trucks, tempos, motor cars and even carts driven by animals for carrying goods and passengers from one place to another. Wherever any other mode of transport cannot reach, road vehicles can easily reach and thus cover even hilly areas.
(6) Less capital investment : The cost of construction and maintenance of a road system is relatively less than that of railways.
(C) Disadvantages :
The disadvantages of road transport are explained as follows:
(1) Not economical for long distance : In comparison to other modes of transport carrying capacity of road transport is very limited. High cost of fuel, tolls, etc. make the road transport uneconomical for long distance transportation.
(2) Not suitable for heavy and bulky goods :
Road transport is not suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods for any distance and involves high cost.
(3) Affected by adverse weather conditions : Road transport is affected more by adverse weather conditions such as fogs often greatly reducing visibility, heavy rain, floods, landslides, storm, etc.
(4) Accidents : The possibility of road accidents is frequent due to poor condition of roads and negligent drivers.
(5) Causes pollution : The vehicles plying on the road release smokes and gases. So, it creates air pollution which affect the health of the people.
