The distribution pattern of the Railway network:
(i) The northern plains with their vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provided the most favourable condition for their growth.
(ii) In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region, railway tracks are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels.
(iii) The Himalayan mountainous regions too are unfavourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population and fack of economic opportunities.
(iv) It was difficult to lay railway lines on the sandy plain of western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat, forested tracks of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand.
(v) The contiguous stretch of Sahyadri could be crossed only through gaps or passes (Chats).
(vi) The development of the Konkan railway along the west coast has facilitated the movement of passengers and goods.