The factors which effect development of modes of transport are as follows:
1. Physical factors: Relief plays an important role in the development of modes of transportation. In India, roads and railway lines are developed more in flat regions as compared to mountainous regions where roads and railway lines development is difficult and challenging. In swampy areas, flood affected areas, and in areas affected by land erosion, only limited development of land transport is possible.
Similarly, in heavy rainfall areas of North – Eastern region, uneven and mountainous region of Western Ghats, only limited development of land transport is found. In sanday desert areas of Western Rajasthan also development of land transport routes is found to be minimal.
2. Economic factors: High density of roads and railway lines is found in states which have high economic standard as compared to states which have low economic standard, where land transport routes are found to be minimal.
3. Cultural factors: Low density population areas of Western Rajasthan have low development of transport.
4. Defense factors: For border security and for providing necessary items to border personnel and military equipment to soldiers, transport routes are developed. Due to insufficient development of transport, we could not face the Chinese invasion with full force in 1962.
5. Political factors: Government policies and political decisions influence and affect the development of transport.
