Previous Year Question
The correct sequence of the following countries in terms of total railway length in the world in descending order is:
Canada, Germany, U.S.A., India
Germany, U.S.A., Canada, India
India, U.S.A., Germany, Canada
U.S.A., Canada, India, Germany
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
The United States of America (USA) has one of the world's most extensive railway networks. Railways are primarily used for Freight Transportation in the country. The CIA's World Factbook 2014 recorded approximately 224,792 km of railway lines in the United States. Its railway network plays an important role in the long-distance transportation of coal, grain, minerals, and industrial goods.
India is among the countries with the world's major railway networks. According to Indian Railways' Facts and Figures 2014–15, India's total Route Length was 65,808 km during the financial year 2013–14. Indian Railways plays an important role in both passenger and freight transportation. Its operations are primarily based on the Broad Gauge (1,676 mm) network.
Canada's railway network is primarily focused on Freight Transportation. According to the Canadian government's Transportation in Canada 2014 report, its railway Route Length was approximately 45,742 km. It is particularly used for transporting grain, minerals, forest products, and other freight. Germany's railway network is among Europe's major passenger and freight transportation networks. The CIA's World Factbook 2014 recorded approximately 41,981 km of railway lines in Germany.
Examination Clarification: The expected sequence in available solved question papers is USA > Canada > India > Germany, corresponding to option (d). However, according to government Route Length data for India and Canada in 2013–14, the sequence becomes USA > India > Canada > Germany, which is not among the given options. Therefore, there is a discrepancy between the answer key and historical data.