KRIGYAN

Infrastructure: Engine of India's Development

Class 7 · Social Science

1 idea in Class 7 Social Science, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.

Physical Infrastructure: Roads and Railways

Part of: Economic Life Around Us

India has the second-largest road network in the world (after the USA, 2024). As of 2025, India's national highways stretch around 150,000 km. NH44 is the longest national highway (4,112 km, Srinagar to Kanyakumari). The Golden Quadrilateral connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. The Dhola Sadiya Bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu) connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh; at 9.15 km, it is the second-longest bridge in India. British introduced railways in India in 1853. Indian railways carry over 20 million passengers every day and is one of the cheapest train services in the world.

Why it matters. Infrastructure is the backbone of economic development — roads and railways connect people, markets and resources.

Try it in two minutes

  1. Ask: which country has a larger road network than India?
  2. Ask: what is the Golden Quadrilateral?
  3. Ask: when did the British introduce railways in India?

Try at home. Ask your child to trace the NH44 from Srinagar to Kanyakumari on a map and name the states it passes through.

What your child will practise

  • Physical Infrastructure: Roads and Railways: Candy Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
  • Physical Infrastructure: Roads and Railways: Explorer'S Map Quest (Match It Up)
  • Physical Infrastructure: Roads and Railways: Space Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
  • Physical Infrastructure: Roads and Railways: Time Travel Quest (Collect the Answer)
  • Quiz: Physical Infrastructure: Roads and Railways (8 questions)