What was the causal difference between railways and plantations in deforestation?

Correct answer: Railways required timber for sleepers and fuel, whereas plantations required cleared forest land

Railway expansion created a major demand for timber, especially for sleepers, fuel, and construction. In contrast, plantations such as tea, coffee, and rubber required large areas of natural forest to be cleared for cultivation. Option B is incorrect because railways were not mainly built to expand agricultural land. Exam tip: remember railways as a demand for timber and plantations as a demand for cleared land.