Question

The four important ports of the West Coast of India, from South to North ______________.
A. Kandla, Mumbai, Goa, Cochin
B. Goa, Mumbai, Cochin, Kandla
C. Mumbai, Kandla, Goa, Cochin
D. Cochin, Goa, Mumbai, Kandla

Answer 1

Hint: Port is a commercial part of a harbour where loading and unloading of goods take place in ships. Waterways are the most economical means of transport.

Complete answer: Transport system has facilitated the movement of goods and services from the areas of production to the areas of consumption. It also helps in mobility of labour from one place to another. Water transport is more suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods. Ports helped in carrying and spreading of Indian commerce and culture since ancient times. Port is a business part of a harbour where stacking and dumping of merchandise happen in boats/ships.

Some of the important ports of the region of the west coast are
- Kochi or Cochin located at the southwest coast of India is the sixth major port located at the entrance of a lagoon and has a natural harbour.
- Mormugao in Goa on the west coast of India is mainly developed for the export of iron ore.
- Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra has a spacious natural and well-sheltered harbour situated at the southwest coast of India.
- The first port developed after independence and has a free trade zone is Kandla. Kandla of Gujarat is a tidal port located at the eastern edge of Gulf of Kutch.

As per the chronological order from South to North, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Some of the major East Coast ports are Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, located at the south-eastern extremity of the country; Chennai port which ranks next to Mumbai; Visakhapatnam port of Andhra Pradesh; Paradip in Orissa; Kolkata and Haldia in West Bengal.