Why did the transcontinental railroad connect the major cities?

The transcontinental railroad connected major cities by providing a direct and efficient transportation route across the United States, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and resources. This connectivity stimulated economic growth, enabled faster travel, and encouraged westward expansion, making it easier for settlers to establish and sustain communities. As a result, cities along the railroad became hubs of commerce and trade, further enhancing their prominence and interlinking them with the national economy.