Transport for Tourism

Core Concept & Etymology

The term transport is derived from the Latin word trans meaning "across a port". It refers to the movement of people or goods from one place to another by a means of transport, bridging the gap between tourist generating areas and destination areas via transit routes.

Ancient Road Markers & Facilities

In earlier times, land travel was predominantly on foot. To measure distances, Kos Minars (milestone pillars) were constructed along land routes. Shade trees were planted on both sides, wells were dug for drinking water, and Sarais (inns/accommodations) were built for overnight rest.

Emperor Jahangir's Innovation

During 1605–1627 AD, Emperor Jahangir noticed 2½ to 3 gaz long stone walls built along roads in Gujarat. Tired porters could easily rest their heavy luggage on these walls without assistance and resume their journey with ease. Jahangir ordered such luggage rest walls constructed in all towns at government expense.

Real-World Application

Modern highway rest stops, service areas, motel plazas, and milestone markers are direct evolutions of ancient Sarais and Kos Minars, ensuring seamless travel comfort across national highways.

UNWTO Global Growth Benchmark

In 2015, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recorded a 4.4% growth in international tourist arrivals, reaching a total of 1,184 million international travelers globally. Transport infrastructure made this massive movement possible.

Employment Generator in India

The Planning Commission of India identified tourism as the second largest sector in the country for providing employment opportunities. Most semi-skilled workers find livelihood in supportive transport and hospitality activities.

Multi-Segment Facilitation

Transport provides the essential lifeline for holiday makers, business travelers, VFR (Visiting Friends & Relatives), educational excursions, medical/health tourists, and pilgrimage groups.

Speed & Comfort Revolution

Innovations like high-speed expressways (Yamuna Expressway), high-speed trains (Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Duranto), and modern aircraft transform travel time, allowing tourists to visit multiple destinations in shorter periods.

National Highways & Traffic Load

National Highways (NHs) stretch across 70,934 km (as per lesson text). Although NHs comprise only 2.0% of India's total road network, they carry 40% of total road-based traffic.

Golden Quadrilateral & Corridors

• Golden Quadrilateral: Connects 4 mega metros: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
• North-South & East-West Corridors: Total length 7,300 km. N-S corridor links Srinagar to Kanyakumari; E-W corridor links Silchar to Porbandar.

The Golden Triangles

• North India Golden Triangle: Connects Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur (~1,000 km circuit). Highly popular among foreign and domestic tourists.
• East India Golden Triangle: Connects Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

Expressways & City of Flyovers

• First Expressway: Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
• Yamuna Expressway: Connects Delhi directly with the Taj Mahal in Agra.
• Delhi: Known as the "City of Flyovers", significantly reducing urban traffic jams and pollution.

Network Scale & Global Rankings

Indian Railways is the 2nd largest railway network in Asia and the 4th largest in the world (after USA, Russia, and China). India ranks 1st in the world regarding passengers carried per kilometer (6,920 million passengers carried in 2008-09 vs 1,284 million in 1950-51).

UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways

Three historic mountain railways of India are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (South India)
3. Kalka–Shimla Railway

Special Tourism Promoting Luxury Trains

• Palace on Wheels: Royal 7-day all-inclusive package covering Rajasthan, Delhi, and Agra.
• Fairy Queen: Features the world's oldest working steam locomotive engine. Departs Delhi for Alwar, taking guests to Sariska Tiger Reserve.
• Heritage on Wheels: Luxury train with 14 heritage saloons connecting Shekhawati, Bikaner, Gajner, Nawalgarh, Mandawa, and Ramgarh.
• Bharat Darshan: Affordable special tourist train covering key cultural/pilgrimage spots with hall stay and guide services.

Urban Mass Transit: Metro & Trams

• Delhi Metro: Air-conditioned, safe, and clean mass transit linking major tourist sites.
• Kolkata Tramway: Vintage urban system operational since British times, utilizing a unique trolley pole and foot gong.

Air Transport Dominance

Air travel transforms the world into a Global Village. In India:
• 97% of international tourists arrive by air.
• Delhi & Mumbai airports serve as the entry points for over 70% of international visitors.
• 16 designated international airports allow tourist charter flights to land directly.

Coastal Ports & Inland National Waterways

India has a 7,500 km coastline, 12 major ports, and 185 non-major ports. Navigable inland waterways span 14,500 km.
• NW-1: Allahabad–Haldia stretch (1,620 km) on Ganga.
• NW-2: Sadiya–Dhubri stretch (891 km) on Brahmaputra.
• NW-3: Kottapuram–Kollam stretch (205 km) in Kerala.

Water Tourism Destinations

Includes Sunderbans cruise (West Bengal), Goa sea cruises, Ganga/Brahmaputra river cruises, Rishikesh–Haridwar white-water rafting, Dal Lake (Kashmir), Naini Lake (Nainital), Nakki Lake (Mt Abu), Chilka Lake (Odisha), and island cruises in Andaman & Lakshadweep.

9 Measures to Boost Tourist Transport

1. Clear location, distance, fare, and timetable information.
2. Updated arrival/departure info on boards, web, & phone.
3. Special care for aged and physically challenged tourists.
4. Standardized signs and symbols at all terminals.
5. Infrastructure creation and quality upgrading.
6. Development of eco-friendly transportation modes.
7. Clean, neat, and tidy terminals and stations.
8. Strict legal action against those who cheat tourists.
9. Tourist Police deployment, especially for female tourists.