OFFICIAL STATISTICS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR INDIAN STATISTICAL SERVICE (ISS) AND OTHER GOVERNMENT & PRIVATE SECTOR STATISTICAL EXAMINATIONS
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Transport statistics measure both infrastructure and the movement of people and goods. For examinations, the most important distinction is between physical counts and activity measures such as passenger-kilometres and tonne-kilometres.
1. Scope of transport statistics
Transport statistics cover networks, vehicles, traffic, passengers, freight, accidents, fuel use and infrastructure. Different modes require different operational measures.
2. Passenger-kilometres
Passenger-kilometres combine the number of passengers with distance travelled. They measure passenger transport activity more effectively than passenger counts alone when trip lengths vary.
3. Tonne-kilometres
Tonne-kilometres measure freight transport activity by combining cargo weight and distance. They are useful for comparing freight work across movements of different lengths.
4. Infrastructure indicators
Road length, rail route length, airport capacity and other physical measures describe infrastructure stocks. These should not be confused with traffic or utilisation measures.
5. Traffic and utilisation
Vehicle-kilometres, passenger-kilometres and tonne-kilometres describe activity. Utilisation ratios require careful numerator and denominator definitions.
6. Exam strategy
Write units explicitly. A frequent error is to treat passenger count as passenger-kilometres or tonnes as tonne-kilometres. The distance component is essential.
Passenger-km
Passengers multiplied by distance travelled.
Tonne-km
Tonnes of freight multiplied by distance travelled.
Infrastructure stock
Physical capacity or network measure at a point in time.
ISS Exam Focus
For official-statistics questions, never give a number without its definition. State the statistical unit, reference period, coverage, numerator and denominator, and distinguish a level, rate, ratio, stock or flow.
Exam tip
In a numerical question, write the formula first, substitute the data second, calculate third, and finish with the correct unit. In a descriptive question, organise the answer under definition, methodology, data source, quality and interpretation.
Three important questions on this topic
Try each one on your own first, then tap the answer.
What does passenger-kilometre measure?
Show answer
It measures passenger transport activity as the number of passengers multiplied by the distance travelled.
A bus carries 40 passengers over 25 km and then 20 passengers over 15 km. Calculate passenger-kilometres.
Show answer
40×25 + 20×15 = 1,000 + 300 = 1,300 passenger-km.
Explain why transport statistics require both infrastructure and activity indicators.
Show answer
Infrastructure describes available physical capacity, while activity indicators describe actual movement and utilisation. Explain their different units, reference periods and analytical uses.
Key takeaways
- Passengers multiplied by distance travelled.
- Tonnes of freight multiplied by distance travelled.
- Physical capacity or network measure at a point in time.
- Always state the population, reference period, unit, numerator and denominator before interpreting an official statistic.
Everything on Official Statistics, in one book
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- Indian official statistical system: MoSPI, NSO, NSC and the data they produce
- National accounts, GDP, IIP, price indices and labour statistics
- NSS surveys, sampling designs and data quality concepts
- Written specially for the ISS exam, and useful for other government and private sector statistical exams
- Concept-focused notes to revise quickly before the exam
Official Statistics for ISS and other Government & Private Sector Statistical Examinations