Why are the means of transportation and communication called the lifelines of a nation and its economy?

The means of transportation and communication are called the lifelines of a nation and its economy because they are the prerequisites for fast development. Today, India is well-linked with the rest of the world despite its vast size, diversity and linguistic and socio-cultural plurality. Railways, airways, waterways, newspapers, radio, cinema, television and the internet have been contributing to its socio-economic progress in many ways.

Along with trade, these different means of transport and communication have enriched our life and added substantially to growing amenities and facilities for the comforts of life.