Explain any two merits and two demerits of pipelines transport.
Merits of pipelines transport are:
(i) There are no trans-shipment losses or delays in transportation of materials.
(ii) Their construction has made far inland locations of refineries like Barauni and Mathura and gas based festiliser plants viable.
Demerits of pipelines transport are:
(i) Initial costs of laying pipelines are very high, particularly oil and gas pipelines which have to be laid underground.
(ii) Leakage in pipes or damage to the pipeline might pollute soil and contaminate ground water, damaging the environment.