Exam = UPSC CSE Main 2023. GS Paper 1
Question No 3 --
Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.
Answer
Railway is a gift of modern scientific innovation. It is lifeline of every country where they have been introduced. Rail services are not new; they were introduced more than 150 years ago. Ever since James Watt developed the steam engine, which changed landscape of modern era. That engine was modified to enable fast travel, transportation of goods and services. We must keep it in mind that railway were introduced in the world when most of the world was under colonial rule of European powers. So these powers used railway to enhance their business and profitability, but railways also helped people of those countries as a byproduct. However, not every country had railway at that time; for example, Afghanistan had no rail network.
Railways have affected every society economically, socially and environmentally.
Social - Railway have transformed the human society as a whole. Agrarian societies have become industrialised. There were homogeneous societies prevalent all over. After new cities emerged, people migrated for better economic opportunities. Thus heterogeneous and Cosmopolitan societies developed. A globalisation process started to take place. Good practices were adopted from different societies and people became more liberal. They developed a sense of togetherness.
Economic - In many countries, railways helped develop cities and big business centers, they helped connect untouched areas, regions rich in resources. They helped collect and distribute products from ports. As cities grew, so did employment opportunities, way of life. Previously, people had few economic activities besides agriculture. But now they can pursue various economic opportunities. They helped accumulation of wealth. The lives of people changed.
But railways also have some negative impacts. Due to the large-scale expansion of railways there was deforestation, self-sufficient regions were destroyed. Natural calamities have affected the whole regions instead of small area. People left their traditions and customs and adopted new ones, which affected human race as a whole. The environment is also in danger due to railway-led developments.
Like every innovation railways have both good and bad impact. It depends on humans how they will use them.