The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, serving as one of the most important and strategic maritime routes in the world. Located across the Isthmus of Panama in Central America, the canal provides a shortcut that significantly reduces the time and cost of shipping goods between the two oceans.
Before the construction of the Panama Canal, ships had to travel around the southern tip of South America, a journey that could take weeks. The canal, completed in 1914, cut this travel time dramatically, offering a more direct route for international trade. It spans approximately 50 miles and consists of a series of locks that raise and lower ships to navigate the varying elevations of the land.
Over the years, the Panama Canal has become a critical artery for global commerce, facilitating the movement of goods such as oil, grain, and manufactured products. Its strategic location has made it a focal point for international shipping companies and has played a vital role in the economic development of Panama and surrounding regions.
List-I (Railway Zone) | List-II (Headquarter) |
(A) South Central | (I) Bilaspur |
(B) South Eastern | (II) Hubli |
(C) South East Central | (III) Kolkata |
(D) South Western | (IV) Secunderabad |