1 ( 87 )
2 would be generally procurable for at least half the distance; masonry
3 would not be much needed; if it were, there are ample facilities for
4 brickmaking ; the population near the line is sparse, but labor is largely
5 procurable from other parts of this country for any great work.
6 90. The absence of physical and engineering difficulties is indeed
7 Cheapness of transit most fortunate. For efonomy and even cheapness
8 Soche-nimed Bt) of construction will be essential to enable the
9 Railway Authorities to fix the transit line at low rates. The passenger
10 traffic and the more valuable commodities and products would be consi-
11 _ derable, and might bear tolerably high rates. But for a mass of pro-
12 duce, great in bulk, but comparatively less valuable, lower rates will be
13 indispensable. For the goods’ trains, speed will generally be of less con-
14 sequence than cheapness of hire. It is upon this condition, namely, that
15 of moderate hire, that the Rail may be expected to supersede the native
16 river boats. In a succeeding Chapter the improvement of the river navi-
17 gation will be urged. If this most desirable end should be accomplished,
18 as well as the Railway, the one will not interfere with the other ; there
19 will be such a great development of commerce and of national resources,
20 that there will be‘ample scope for both Rafl and Steam, and each will have
21 its legitimate functions for the enhancement of wealth and civilization.
22 91. Limited space has prevented details being embraced in the above
23 Benefit of Railroad bo Sketch. The details, commercial and otherwise, are
24 Punjab. of great variety and interest, and will be treated
25 of in a separate Report; but if the arguments urged should (as it is
26 fully believed they will) be supported by statistical facts and data, then it
27 were superfluous to dilate on the importance of a scheme which will affect
28 the trade of all North-Western India, will give birth to a new commerce
29 yet undeveloped, will be carried out with unusual facility, will prove
30 financially profitable in a high degree, will vitally concern the best
31 material interests of twenty-one millions of industrious people, and will
32 conduce more than any other circumstance that’ could be named to the
33 future prosperity of the Punjab.
34 . Part III.—Canats anD IRRIGATION.
35 92. The vast field offered by the Punjab for Canals, and such like
36 works of irrigation, has been explained in former Reports. According to
37 the same order as that pursued on previous occasions, these works may
38 I