The distribution pattern of the railway network in the country has been largely influenced by physiographic and economic factors: (i) The northern plains with their vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provided the most favourable condition for the growth of railway network. (ii) In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region, railway tracts are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels. (iii) The Himalayan mountainous regions too are unfavourable for the construction of railway lines due to high relief, sparse population and lack of economic opportunities. (iv) It was equally difficult to lay railway lines on the sandy plain of Western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat, forested tracks of Madhya Pradesh,Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand. (v) In recent times, the development of the Konkan railway along the west coast has facilitated the movement of passengers and goods in this most important economic region of India.