Railways are known as the lifelines of a country. This is true in the context of India due to the following reasons.
i. Railways are ideal for transportation of bulky goods over long distances due to this reason,
a. Exchange of commodities even over places very far apart has facilitated trade and commerce.
b. It has become possible to transport food grains and agricultural produce over very long distances boosting agricultural growth.
ii. Rail transport is very cheap. It has become possible for villagers have jobs in cities ultimately leading to urbanisation.
iii. Rail transport is very comfortable over long distances. Due to this reason, people have been able to travel to far off places and effect cultural exchange and integration.