Why roads are not uniform in …

The distribution of roads is not uniform in the country.

i. Density of roads (length of roads per 100 square km of area) varies from only 10.48 km in Jammu and Kashmir to 387.24 km in Kerala with a national average of 75.42 km.

ii. The density of road is high in most of the northern states and major southern states. It is low in the Himalayan region, north-eastern region, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

iii. Nature of terrain and the level of economic development are the main determinants of density of roads.

iv. Construction of roads is easy and cheaper in the plain areas while it is difficult and costly in hilly and plateau areas.

v. Therefore, not only the density but also the quality of roads is relatively better in plains as compared to roads in high altitude areas, rainy and forested regions.

Distribution of roads is not uniform:
1. Road density of Jammu & Kashmir is the least which is 10 km due to the mountainous terrain.
2. In Kerala, the road density is 375 km and the national average of the country is 75 km.
3. The geographical diversity, population variations, natural factors like rivers and hills, economic activities etc. have caused the distribution of roads to be uneven.