Question.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pipeline transportation.
(NCERT class 12 geography, India People and Economy, Chapter-10: Transport and Communication)
Answer.
Pipeline transport is one of the three modes of land transport, the other two being road and rail transport systems. As of now, the total pipeline infrastructure in the country is 18500 km.
Asia's first inter-country pipeline was constructed by OIL (Oil India Limited) from Naharkatiya Oilfield in Assam to Barauni Refinery in Bihar via Bangladesh, covering a distance of 1157 km. In 1966 it was further extended to Kanpur.
Pipeline transport has the following advantages:
- Pipeline transport is the most suitable and efficient way of transporting liquids and gases over long distances. But solid materials which are convertible into slurry can also be transported by pipelines.
- The pipeline has minimal transport losses as compared to road and railway transport.
- It is safe and accident-free as compared to other modes of transport like road, rail, etc.
- It can also be laid in difficult terrains such as mountains, hills, and underwater.
- It is a very cheap mode of transport due to its low maintenance and transportation cost except for the initial cost.
- It is an eco-friendly energy efficient means of transportation by saves energy.
Following are the disadvantages of pipeline transport:
- It is only suitable for liquid, gas, or semi-liquid goods, it is not suitable for transporting solid goods such as iron, coal, etc.
- The initial cost is very high.
- It is prone to leakage and pipe breakage and making it safe from natural and human hazards is a difficult task.
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