NCERT Class 10 Social Science Contemporary India: Chapter 7 — Lifelines of National Economy
This chapter, 'Lifelines of National Economy,' from NCERT's Contemporary India textbook for Class 10, explores the vital role of transportation and communication in a nation's development. It explains how goods and services move from supply to demand locations, necessitating efficient transport systems. The chapter details India's extensive road network, classifying roads into six categories: Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways, National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, Other Roads (including rural roads), and Border Roads. It highlights the advantages of road transport over railways, such as lower construction costs and adaptability to varied terrains. The text emphasizes that a well-developed transport and communication network is crucial for local, national, and global trade, contributing significantly to socio-economic progress and enriching the quality of life.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Contemporary India |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Lifelines of National Economy |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 46 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of transport and communication for national development.
- Identify and classify different types of roads in India.
- Analyze the advantages of road transport.
- Recognize the role of various transport networks in trade and economic progress.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Locales | A place or locality. |
| Traverse | Travel across or through. |
| Undulating | Having an irregular, wavy surface. |
| Negotiate | To successfully travel through or overcome (an obstacle or difficulty). |
| Gradients | The degree of slope or incline of a surface or line. |
| Feeder | A thing that supplies or feeds something else. |
| Aggregating | Forming or merging into a single total or unit. |
| Corridors | A long passage or path, especially one connecting parts of a building or area. |
| Prerequisites | A thing that must happen or exist before something else can happen or exist. |
| Plurality | The state of being multiple or more than one. |
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Practice questions
- Why are efficient means of transport considered prerequisites for fast development? Answer: Efficient means of transport facilitate the movement of goods and services from supply to demand locations, which is essential for economic activity and overall development.
- List the six classes of roads in India as per their capacity. Answer: Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways, National Highways, State Highways, District Roads, Other Roads, and Border Roads.
- What are the advantages of road transport over railways? Answer: Roads have lower construction costs, can traverse dissected and undulating topography, negotiate higher gradients, are economical for short distances and small loads, and provide door-to-door service.
- What is the main objective of the Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways project? Answer: To reduce the time and distance between the mega cities of India (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai).
- What is the role of the Border Roads Organisation? Answer: It constructs and maintains roads in the bordering areas of the country, improving accessibility in difficult terrain and aiding economic development.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total length of India's road network?
India has the second-largest road network in the world, aggregating to about 62.16 lakh km (as of 2020-21).
Which transport mode has an edge over railways in India and why?
Roadways have an edge over railways due to lower construction and maintenance costs, and their ability to provide door-to-door service.
What is the purpose of the North-South and East-West corridors?
These corridors are part of the Golden Quadrilateral project aimed at connecting Srinagar to Kanniyakumari (North-South) and Silchar to Porbander (East-West), reducing travel time and distance.
How do rural roads contribute to development?
Rural roads, especially under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, link villages to towns, ensuring all-season motorable access and facilitating economic development.
When was the Border Roads Organisation established?
The Border Roads Organisation was established in 1960.
What are the three important domains of earth for movement of goods and services?
The three domains are land, water, and air.
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NCERT Class 10 Social Science — Contemporary India — Chapter 7 — Lifelines of National Economy. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.