From tongas, cycles and bullock carts to faster and more sophisticated modes of transport, Indians have travelled a long way. LAKSHMI MITTER throws light on some of the changes in the inter-city transport industry.
Until about the mid-19th century, the only modes of transport known to Indians were tongas, cycles, bullock carts, camels and packhorses. These modes obviously had limitations, mainly the lack of speed and the inability to carry large freight. It was a serious impediment to the British imperial rule