The distribution pattern of the Railway network in the country has been largely influenced by physiographic, economic and administrative factors:

• The northern plains with their vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provided the most favourable condition for their growth.
• A large number of rivers requiring construction of bridges across their wide beds posed some obstacles.
• In the hilly terrains of the peninsular region, railway tracts are laid through low hills, gaps or tunnels.
• It is difficult to lay railway tracks in the sandy plains of Western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat and forested areas of states in central India, e.g. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand.

Given below are some economic factors that affect the distribution of railways:

(i) State funding plays a vital role in the development of railways across the nations.

(ii) The state with flexible laws supports the growth of railways.

(iii) The places that are highly industrialised attract the development of railways.

(iv) Since the growth of both is complimentary to each other, e.g. recendy railway network is enhancing along the industrial corridors.