UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q12 — Aviation infrastructure
What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the govenment's UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- discuss
- Scope keywords
- expanding the regional air connectivityUDAN Schemeachievements
- Implicit sub-parts
- The underlying socio-economic and geographical drivers necessitating air travel in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- The operational mechanism of UDAN (VGF, RCS routes, and airport revitalization).
- Analysis of success metrics including number of operational airports, passengers flown, and connectivity to unserved areas.
- Brief critical evaluation of current challenges like sustainability of routes and airline bankruptcies.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time defining 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik' without explaining the 'Need' (Part 1).
- Listing general benefits of aviation rather than specific regional connectivity needs like medical emergencies in hilly terrain or tourism in the Northeast.
- Focusing only on successes while ignoring the high rate of 'lapsed' or discontinued routes under the scheme.
- Failing to mention the fiscal mechanism of the 'Regional Connectivity Fund' (RCF) which is the core of the scheme.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Regional growth poles)Geographical (North-East and Island connectivity)Infrastructural (Brownfield vs Greenfield development)Social (Inclusion and democratization of air travel)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 75 words to the 'Need' (economic and geographical drivers), 75 words to the 'UDAN Mechanism' (how it works), and 100 words to 'Achievements and Analysis' including a balanced view of its impact and limitations.
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