MAHA TET — free 5-question quiz

Read the passage and answer the question. In the 19th century, the introduction of the railways transformed India. The first passenger train ran between Bombay and Thane in 1853, covering a distance of 34 kilometres. Over the next few decades, the British expanded the railway network rapidly, connecting major cities and ports. The railways facilitated the movement of goods, especially raw materials like cotton and jute, which were exported to Britain. They also enabled people to travel long distances quickly, fostering trade and cultural exchange. However, the railways were built primarily to serve British economic interests, and the profits went largely to British companies. Despite this, the railways played a crucial role in India's eventual industrial development and national integration. Today, Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, employing over a million people. Question: According to the passage, what was the primary reason the British built railways in India?