Adaptation of Ideal Typical Sequence Model in the Development of Modern Transportation in Kerala

The model by Taaffe, Morrill, and Gould in 1963 has a special significance because it deals with transport development in developing nations. The model undertook a comparative analysis of the development of transport in developing countries and they were able to show that certain broad regularities permitted a descriptive generalization of an ideal-typical sequence of transport development. They have identified six stages of transport development based on Ghana and Nigerian experiences. The same can be applied to the state of Kerala in India with the colonial past. The transport development in Kerala is deeply studied and accordingly, the Taffe model of transport development is applied. Six stages of transport development were also identified in the state. Besides the colonial occupation geographical factors like terrain condition, distribution of rivers, lagoons, and land use play important role in the transport development of Kerala. Some modifications based on the Kerala context are made in the paper. The future route of transport development and future mode of transport is also identified in stage 6.