Explanation: The railway network density in a region is influenced by several factors, including the terrain, population density, economic activities, and climatic conditions. Arid regions, characterized by low rainfall and sparse vegetation, often have less dense railway networks due to the challenging conditions for construction and maintenance.
Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, is known for its arid and semi-arid climate. The state is home to the Thar Desert, which covers a significant portion of its land area. The harsh climatic conditions, including high temperatures and low rainfall, make the construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure more challenging. Additionally, the population density in certain parts of Rajasthan is relatively low, which reduces the demand for a dense railway network.
In contrast, Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have different climatic conditions and higher population densities, which support more developed railway networks. Goa, with its tropical monsoon climate and high rainfall, has a more favorable environment for railway construction. Karnataka, despite having some arid regions, is economically significant and has a high population density, which supports a more developed railway network. Maharashtra, being a large and economically important state, has a high population density and significant economic activities, which necessitate a more extensive railway infrastructure.
Therefore, the less dense railway network is found in the arid region of Rajasthan, making it the correct answer. Understanding the relationship between climatic conditions, population density, and economic activities is crucial for comprehending the distribution of railway networks in different regions of India.