There are four major means of transport:
1. Roadways
2. Railways
3. Waterways
4. Airways
1. Roads the most commonly used means of transport. Roads are of two types-metalled reads also known as pucca reads and unmetalled roads also known as Kutcha roads. The plains have a dense network of roads.Roads built underground are called subways or under paths. Flyovers are built over raised structures.
2. The railways carry people and bulky goods. They cover long distances quickly and cheaply. The railway network is well developed over the plain areas. With the development of advanced technological skills we have now railway lines laid in difficult mountain terrains also. The Indian railway network is well developed and the largest in Asia.
3. Waterways are the cheapest means of transport. They carry heavy and bulky goods over long distances. They are of two types-inland waterways and sea routes. Navigable rivers and lakes are used as inland waterways- for example. Ganga-Brahmaputra river system. Sea routes and oceanic routes are mostly used for transporting merchandise and goods from one country to another.
4. Airways are the most expensive means of transport. It is the only mode of transport to reach the most remote and distant areas especially where there are no roads and railways. Helicopters are useful in most inaccessible areas and in times of calamities.