Advantages and Disadvantages of Rail Transport System

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Title; Rail Transport System, advantages and Disadvantages.

“Explore the advantages and disadvantages of rail transport, including its efficiency, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and challenges like high infrastructure costs and limited flexibility. Learn how rail systems shape modern transportation.”

Contents

  1. What is Rail transport
  2. Types of train
  3. Factors affecting railway charges
  4. Procedures for carrying goods.
  5. Advantages of rail transport.
  6. Disadvantages of rail transport system.

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What is Rail Transport

Rail transport can be defined as the means of conveying goods and passengers from one place to another by train. A train cannot move on ordinary road but has special routes. Heavy and bulky goods are carried by train. It moves on iron tracks known as railway lines. In Nigeria, the Nigerian railway corporation manages the rail system.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rail Transport System
Rail Transport

Two types of train can easily be identified. These are: The passenger train and the goods train.

1. The passenger train: The passenger train is used for carrying passengers from one place to another. A train has first, second and third class compartment. There is considerable improvement in the services provided by the present day rail system. Television and canteen services has been introduced in recent times.

2. Goods train: Goods train is used for conveying goods within the country. They can carry large amount of heavy and bulky goods, e.g, agricultural products, minerals, vehicle spare parts and metals.

Factors Affecting Railway Charges

  1. The value of the goods
  2. Weight of the goods
  3. Quantity of the goods
  4. Risk of damage.
  5. Nature of the goods.
  6. Distance or destination.
  7. Handling expenses.

Procedures For Carrying Goods

When goods are to be sent from the rail station system they are taken to the railway station where they are checked and weighed. The consignment note with the issued out, showing the following:

  • particulars of consignee
  • destination
  • weight
  • description of goods
  • transport cost, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rail Transport System

Advantages Of Rail Transport

  1. Suitable for long distance: The rail system is good for long distance journey e.g, Kano to Lagos.
  2. Standard rate of charges: Goods are weight and charged at standardized rates.
  3. Suitable for heavy and bulky goods: Train is suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods over long distances.
  4. It is very cheap: This is the cheapest means of transportation.
  5. High capacity: Trains carry more passengers/goods than motor vehicles.
  6. Less prone to accident: In rail transport, accidents are not common as in road transport.
  7. No traffic hold up: Rail transport is not usually affected by traffic hold up which is common in cities.
  8. Train operate on schedule: Rail transport is run on schedule.
  9. Provision of welfare services: In rail transport, passengers can enjoy toilet facilities, canteen services, television programs, video and film shows, etc.

Disadvantages of Rain Transport System

  1. It is not flexible: The operation of the rail system is not flexible because it requires special facilities like tracks and terminals.
  2. High cost of operations: The cost of purchasing, constructing and maintaining the train and its track is very high.
  3. Not suitable for perishable goods: Rail system is not suitable for perishable goods e.g. tomatoes. This is because rail system is too slow.
  4. Slow on short distance: It is slow on short distance.
  5. It is not convenient: It cannot provide door to door services like road transport.
  6. Large capital outlay: Rail transport involves high capital outlay which individuals or firms cannot provide.
  7. There is much delay: Trains stop at almost all stations and this causes delay.

Reasons why rail is preferred to road

  1. Rail is good on long distance.
  2. Accident is not common unlike road.
  3. It is good for carrying bulky goods.
  4. Standard rate are charged.
  5. Entertainment and refreshment services are provided.

Conclusion on the advantages and disadvantages of Rail Transport System

Rail transport plays a crucial role in global transportation networks, offering numerous advantages such as efficiency, sustainability, and safety. However, its limitations, including high initial costs and lack of flexibility, mean that it is most effective when integrated into a multimodal transportation system.

For rail to remain competitive and viable in the 21st century, investments in modern infrastructure, technology, and sustainable practices will be essential.

Quick Revision Questions for Students

  1. What is rail transport system?
  2. Mention two types of trains that can be easily identified.
  3. (a) Outline five advantages of rail transport system (b) outline five disadvantages of rail transport system
  4. State five factors affecting railway charges.
  5. What are the procedures for carrying goods?
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