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Question

Which of the following statements with regard to construction of railways in colonial India by the British companies is /are NOT true ?
1. The companies were guaranteed a return of 5 per cent on their investment by Government of India
2. The railways were to be managed mainly by the Government
3. There was no system of preferential freight charges
4. The companies were to get the land free from the Government
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The correct answer is
2 and 3 only

The question asks to identify the statements that are NOT true regarding the construction of railways in colonial India by British companies.

Railway Construction Statements Analysis

Statement 1: Guaranteed Return

This statement is true. The British Government guaranteed the Indian railway companies a minimum return on their investment, often around 5\% annually. This measure was crucial for attracting private British capital for railway development.

Statement 2: Government Management

This statement is NOT true. Railways in colonial India were primarily constructed and managed by private British companies under contracts with the Government of India. While the government had oversight and eventually took ownership, the day-to-day management was largely with the companies, not the government.

Statement 3: Preferential Freight Charges

This statement is NOT true. Railway companies, driven by profit motives, often implemented preferential freight charges. These rates could favour certain goods or routes, particularly those benefiting British trade interests, suggesting that a system of preferential charges did exist.

Statement 4: Free Land

This statement is true. The Government of India typically provided the land required for railway construction to the companies either free of charge or at highly subsidized rates, further incentivizing investment.

Conclusion on False Statements

Based on the analysis, statements 2 and 3 are the ones that are NOT true regarding the construction of railways in colonial India by British companies.

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Important Questions from Industry And Infrastructure

  1. The classification of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises is based on which of the following factors?
    1. Annual turnover
    2. Number of workers
    3. Investment in plant and machinery or equipment
    Select the answer using the codes given below :
  2. Match List I with List II and select the correct option from the given codes.
     

    List – IList – II
    A. Five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) were started as major technical institutionsIV. First Five-Year Plan
    B. KVIC (Khadi Village Industries Commission) was set upIII. Second Five-Year Plan
    C. Gadgil YojnaII. Third Five-Year Plan
    D. The Minimum Needs Program (MNP) was launchedI. Fifth Five Year Plan
  3. Match List I with List II. 
     

    List – I (Thermal Power Plants in India)List – II (States)
    A. NTPC Ramagundam Super Thermal Power PlantI. Maharashtra 
    B. Mundra Thermal Power StationII. West Bengal
    C. Mejia Thermal Power StationIII. Telangana
    D. Trombay Thermal Power PlantIV. Gujarat
  4. How many Industrial Area Development Authorities are Working in Jharkhand?
  5. In which Five-Year plan was Bokaro steel plant established?
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