Development of Diversified Transport Network

Significance of Modes of Transport in India

Modes of transport play a crucial role in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to its
growth and development. They facilitate the movement of goods, people, and services,
connecting different regions and fostering economic activities.

The transport sector plays a crucial role in any economy for several reasons:

 Facilitating Trade and Commerce: It enables the movement of goods and services
from production centers to markets, both domestically and internationally. Efficient
transportation networks reduce costs, improve accessibility, and foster economic
growth by connecting producers to consumers.
 Employment Generation: The transport sector creates jobs directly in areas like
logistics, driving, maintenance, and indirectly in supporting industries such as
manufacturing (vehicle production), etc.
 Boosting Productivity: Efficient transportation systems reduce transit times,
enabling quicker delivery of goods and services. This leads to improved productivity
across various sectors, allowing businesses to operate more effectively.
 Connectivity and Accessibility: Transportation networks connect remote areas to
urban centers, providing access to essential services, markets, and opportunities. This
connectivity helps bridge economic disparities and encourages regional development.
 Supporting Tourism and Travel: A robust transport system encourages tourism and
travel, which contributes significantly to economic growth through spending in
accommodation, food services, entertainment, and other related industries.
 Global Competitiveness: Countries with efficient transport systems can compete
better in international markets by offering quicker and more cost-effective
transportation of goods, thus enhancing their global competitiveness.

Overall, the transport sector serves as a critical backbone of economic activity, influencing
various aspects of trade, productivity, employment, and development within a nation and
across borders.

Historical Development of Transport in India

India has a long history of transportation, evolving from ancient trade routes to modern
highways, railways, waterways, airways, and pipelines. Each mode has played a significant
role in shaping the country's economy and connectivity.

1. Land Transport

Land transport in India consists of roadways and railways, which have seen remarkable
progress over centuries.

A. Road Transport

Ancient Period:
  Roads in India date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, with evidence of planned
streets in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
 The Mauryan Empire (321-185 BCE) developed roads for administrative and trade
purposes, with Ashoka's rule leading to road construction for connecting cities.

Medieval Period:

 The Mughal Empire (1526-1857) improved road networks, linking major cities. The
Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) was expanded under Sher Shah Suri and later
maintained by the British.

British Period:

 British rulers built metallic roads for better administration, military movement, and
economic exploitation.
 By 1947, India had around 400,000 km of roads, mostly in urban areas.

Post-Independence Era:

 Expansion of National and State Highways under Five-Year Plans.

 Development of the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) project and North-South & East-
West Corridors.
 Growth of expressways, rural roads, and smart city transport systems.
 Introduction of electric vehicles, metro systems, and smart road technology.

B. Rail Transport

Early Railways:

 Rail transport in India began under British rule with the first railway line in 1853
between Mumbai and Thane (34 km).
 Railways were primarily built for British economic interests, military movement, and
administration.

Expansion Under British Rule:

 By 1947, India had about 55,000 km of railway lines, linking major trade centers.

Post-Independence Development:

 Nationalization of Indian Railways in 1951.

 Electrification and broad-gauge conversion for better efficiency.
 Introduction of metro systems in Kolkata (1984), Delhi (2002), and other cities.
 Bullet train project (Mumbai-Ahmedabad) and Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)
launched for improving logistics.

2. Water Transport

Water transport in India is divided into inland waterways and sea transport.
A. Inland Waterways

Ancient and Medieval Periods:

 Rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra were used for trade and
transport.
 Canals were developed for navigation under rulers like Sher Shah Suri and the
Mughals.

British Era:

 British India used rivers and canals primarily for transporting goods like timber and
agricultural products.

Post-Independence Developments:

 Declaration of National Waterways (NW1 - NW111) for cargo and passenger

transport.
 Development of inland water terminals and ferries for regional transport.
 Increased focus on eco-friendly and cost-effective river transport.

B. Sea Transport

Ancient and Medieval Maritime Trade:

 Ports like Lothal, Muziris, and Kalinga were active in international trade with
Rome, Mesopotamia, and China.
 Indian merchants used Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal for maritime trade.

British Period:

 British rulers developed major ports like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai for
export and import of goods.

Post-Independence Developments:

 Expansion to 12 major ports and 200+ minor ports to handle increasing cargo.
 Sagarmala Project launched for modernizing ports and boosting coastal trade.
 Growth of cruise tourism and passenger ferry services.

3. Air Transport

Early Developments:

 1911: India witnessed its first airmail service between Allahabad and Naini.
 1932: Tata Airlines (later Air India) began commercial flights.

Post-Independence Expansion:
  1948: Air India launched its first international flight to London.
 1953: Nationalization of airlines under Air India and Indian Airlines.
 1990s: Privatization allowed entry of airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Jet
Airways.

Modern Growth:

 India now has 486 airports (17 international airports).

 Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) aims to connect small cities by air.
 Expansion of cargo and express delivery air services for trade.

4. Pipeline Transport

Early Use:

 Pipelines were introduced post-independence to transport oil and gas efficiently.

Major Pipeline Projects:

 Hajira-Vijaypur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) gas pipeline (1986) – transports natural gas.

 Kandla-Bathinda pipeline – carries crude oil to northern refineries.
 Paradip-Haldia-Barauni pipeline – connects eastern refineries.

Modern Expansion:

 Rapid increase in gas distribution networks for industries and households.

 Development of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) terminals for fuel supply.

Road Transport in India

India possesses the second-largest road network in the world after the United States,
covering approximately 66.71 lakh km as of January 2024. This extensive network plays a
crucial role in facilitating economic growth, trade, and connectivity across urban and rural
regions.

Road Network and Density

India's road length per 1,000 people is 5.13 km, compared to 3.6 km in China and over 20
km in the US. The total road network consists of:

 National Highways (NHs): 1,46,145 km

 State Highways (SHs): 1,79,535 km
 Other Roads (rural, urban, district roads): 63,45,403 km

The road density, or road length per 1,000 sq. km, varies across states. Chandigarh has the
highest road density at 22.6 thousand km per 1,000 sq. km, while Kerala ranks first
among states with 6.7 thousand km per 1,000 sq. km.

Budget Allocation and Investment

The Indian government has consistently increased budget allocations for road infrastructure.
For FY 2024-25, ₹1.68 lakh crore has been allocated, a 25% increase from previous years.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the primary beneficiary of these
funds, ensuring the rapid expansion and maintenance of national highways.

India is expected to construct 13,000 km of roads in FY 2024-25, marking a 5-8% annual

growth, according to ICRA, the Indian arm of Fitch Ratings.

Employment and Foreign Investment

A 10% increase in road infrastructure is estimated to generate a 4.3% rise in

employment, both directly and indirectly. Additionally, the Indian government allows
100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in roads and highways under the automatic route,
encouraging international investment and participation in infrastructure development.

National Highway

Longest National Highway in India

National Highway 44 (previously known as NH 7) is the longest national highway in the
country. It spans a total distance of 3,745 kilometers, starting from Jammu and Kashmir in
the north and ending at Kanyakumari in the south. Along its route, it passes through several
states including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. NH
44 was formed by combining seven different national highways into one.

Shortest National Highways in India

India has two shortest national highways — NH 548 and NH 118, both of which are just 5
kilometers long.

 NH 548 is located in Maharashtra.

 NH 118 lies in Jharkhand.

Key Facts about National Highways in India

 The Golden Quadrilateral is a major highway network that connects the four metro
cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
 India has the second-largest road network globally, and national highways make
up around 40% of the country's total roadways.
 The Leh-Manali Highway, linking Shimla to Leh, is the second-highest motorable
road in the world.
 NH 48 (earlier called NH 8) holds the record for the longest national highway
within a single state, as it crosses all the way through Gujarat, from the Rajasthan
border to the Maharashtra border.
 The North-South Corridor, which includes NH 7, NH 44, and NH 16, is the longest
national highway route, running over 4,000 kilometers from Srinagar (Jammu
and Kashmir) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu).
 The East-West Corridor, involving NH 27, NH 30, NH 31, NH 31C, NH 12, and
NH 16, stretches around 3,700 kilometers from Porbandar (Gujarat) to Silchar
(Assam).
  NH 52 passes through the northeastern states — Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram
— and is notable for being the only highway that crosses a wildlife sanctuary, the
Nokrek National Park.
 The Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, located on NH 44 in Jammu and Kashmir, is India’s
longest road tunnel, measuring 9.2 kilometers.
 The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, a toll bridge in Mumbai that spans Mahim Bay,
connects Bandra to Worli and is part of NH 48.
 NH 66, which was earlier known as NH 17, runs along India’s western coast, from
Panvel (Maharashtra) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu). It is the only national
highway that travels through four coastal states — Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka,
and Kerala.

Important National Highways of India

State Highways

Purpose and Connectivity

 State Highways (SH) serve as major connectors between the state capital, district
headquarters, and important towns within the state.
 They may also connect with state highways of neighboring states or national
highways.

Key Features
  Represent 4% of the total road length in India.
 Identified with the prefix SH (e.g., SH-10).
 These are at-grade roads, meaning they are on the same level without overpasses or
underpasses.

Construction and Maintenance

 Managed and maintained by the State Governments through their respective Public
Works Departments (PWD).
 Each state has the authority to plan and build its own state highways.

Leading States by Road Length

 Maharashtra – 22.14%
 Karnataka – 11.11%
  Gujarat – 9.76%
  Rajasthan – 8.62%
  Tamil Nadu – 6.67%

District Roads

Role and Function

 District Roads link the District Headquarters with villages, markets, health
centers, and other important places within the district.
 Also connect to state and national highways, improving accessibility.

Road Network Share

 Account for about 14% of India’s total road length.

Maintenance Authority

 Maintained by the Zila Parishad or District Authorities.

Types of District Roads

 Main District Roads: Connect with roads in neighboring districts.

 Minor District Roads: Serve intra-district connections.

Importance for Rural Access

 Support movement of goods, especially agricultural produce to APMCs

(Agricultural Produce Market Committees) or nearby towns.
 Crucial for the economic well-being of rural areas

Rural Roads

Primary Objective
  Connect remote villages and rural communities to the mainstream road network.

Network Coverage

 Constitute around 80% of India’s total road length.

 Approximately 73% of India's roads are classified as rural.
 Nearly 31% of rural roads are unsurfaced.

Government Initiative

 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) launched in December 2000 to

develop all-weather roads in unconnected rural areas.
 Implementation managed by Village Panchayats, with central oversight in some
regions.

Types of Rural Roads

 WBM Roads (Water Bound Macadam)

 Kankar Roads
 Murrum Roads
 Earthen Roads

Border Roads

Strategic Importance

 Constructed along India’s northern and northeastern borders for security and
accessibility.

Managing Agency

 Built and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), established in

1960.
 BRO plays a vital role in national integration and nation-building.

International Highways

Function

 These highways provide road connectivity between India and neighbouring

countries.

Major International Highways

 India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT Highway)

 Asian Highway 42 (AH-42): Links India with China through the Himalayas.
 Asian Highway 43 (AH-43): Connects India with Sri Lanka.
 Asian Highway 45 (AH-45): Proposed route to connect India with Indonesia (east)
and Qatar (west).
 Asian Highway 48 (AH-48): Links India with Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Important organization and projects

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is an independent organization

functioning under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Establishment

 Founded in: 1995

 Status: Autonomous body

Key Responsibilities

 Planning
 Development
 Maintenance
 Operation of National Highways across the country

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was established in 1960 with a strategic focus on
enhancing the nation’s defence infrastructure.

Purpose

 To strengthen defence preparedness

 By constructing and upgrading roads of strategic importance along the northern
and north-eastern borders of India

Administrative Control

 Functions under the Ministry of Defence

Bharatmala Pariyojana

 Bharatmala Pariyojana is a comprehensive and ambitious programme aimed at

transforming the highways sector in India.
 Objective is To maximize the efficiency of both freight and passenger transport
through integrated infrastructure development.

Key Components

 Development of Economic Corridors

 Construction of Inter-Corridors and Feeder Routes
 Improvement of National Corridor Efficiency
 Creation of Border and International Connectivity Roads
 Development of Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads
 Construction of Greenfield Expressways
  Completion of remaining works under the National Highways Development Project
(NHDP)

Home work: Write challenges in Road Transport in India?

Railways in India
India has the fourth-largest railway network in the world, following the US, Russia, and
China. With over 126,366 km of track and 7,335 stations, Indian Railways is a key
component of the country’s transportation system, serving millions of passengers and
facilitating freight movement daily.

Categories of Railways Based on Track Gauge (Width)

The track gauge refers to the distance between the inner sides of the two rails on a railway
track. Indian Railways uses different gauges depending on the terrain, purpose, and
economic factors.

1. Broad Gauge (BG)

 Track Width: 1.676 meter

 Most commonly used gauge in India
 Supports high speed, heavy load, and long-distance travel
 Used in major railway routes and passenger trains
 Standard for new railway lines in India
 Example: Delhi–Mumbai, Howrah–Chennai routes

2. Meter Gauge (MG)

 Track Width: 01 meter (or 1 meter)

 Earlier used widely in rural and less-developed regions
 Has lower capacity and speed than Broad Gauge
 Many meter gauge lines are being converted to Broad Gauge under Project
Unigauge
 Example: Some sections in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu (being phased out)

3. Narrow Gauge (NG)

 Track Widths:
o 0.762 meter
o 0.610 meter
 Used in hilly, remote, or heritage routes
 Low speed, low load capacity
 Known for their scenic routes, often in mountainous regions
 Example:
o Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (610 mm)
o Kalka–Shimla Railway (762 mm)
o Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Development and Expansion
 Historical Origin: The first railway in India was introduced in 1853, connecting
Mumbai and Thane under Lord Dalhousie.
 Track Expansion: In 2022-23, 5,243 km of new tracks were added, with a record
daily construction rate of 14.4 km.
 Operational Scale: Indian Railways runs 13,523 passenger trains and 9,146 freight
trains daily.

Modernization and Innovation

 High-Speed Rail: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, costing $14.27
billion, is in progress.
 Railway Electrification: Over 61,813 km of broad-gauge tracks have been
electrified, advancing towards 100% electrification.
 Wi-Fi Access: 6,089 railway stations now provide Wi-Fi facilities.
 Green Initiatives: More than 1,000 stations have installed solar panels for
sustainable energy use.
 Safety and Technological Advancements
o Automatic Block Signaling (ABS): Implemented on 3,946 route km for
safer railway operations.
o Kavach System: A safety initiative covering 1,465 route km and 139
locomotives to prevent accidents.
o New Trains & Terminals: Plans include launching 400 Vande Bharat
Trains and establishing 100 PM Gati Shakti Cargo terminals in the next
three years.

Zonal and Structural Classification

 18 Railway Zones: Largest - Northern Railway; Smallest - Northeast Frontier

Railway.
 Track Gauges:
o Broad Gauge (1.676m) – most common in India.
o Metre Gauge (1m) – found in some older routes.
o Narrow Gauge (0.762m or 0.610m) – mainly in hilly areas.
Investment and Global Recognition

 100% FDI Allowed: The government permits full foreign direct investment (FDI)
in railway infrastructure under the automatic route.
 UNESCO Heritage Sites:
o Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai) (2004).
o Mountain Railways of India (Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Kalka-Shimla) (1999,
2005, 2008).

Indian Railways continues to evolve, integrating modern technology, sustainability

initiatives, and safety measures, making it a critical driver of India's economic growth and
connectivity.

Home work: Write challenges in Rail Transport in India?

 Maritime Infrastructure in India
India, with its extensive 7,517 km coastline and numerous ports, plays a vital role in global trade
through oceanic waterways. Maritime transport is the backbone of India's foreign trade, handling
95% of trade by volume and 70% by value.

Oceanic Waterways and Maritime Significance

 India has 12 major ports and 205 notified minor ports.
 Major ports are managed by the Ministry of Shipping, while minor ports fall under State
Maritime Boards.
 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route for port
infrastructure.
 Port Traffic Distribution:
o 57% of trade is handled by major ports.
o 43% of trade is managed by minor ports, with Maharashtra having the highest
number, followed by Gujarat.

Types of Ports in India

Based on Location

 Inland Ports: Located away from the coastline, connected via rivers/canals.
o Example: Kolkata Port on the Hooghly River.
 Out Ports: Built near major ports to handle overflow.
o Example: Ennore Port (relieves Chennai Port).

Based on Function
 Oil Ports: Specialize in crude oil and petroleum handling.
 Ports of Call: Used for refueling, restocking, and maintenance.
 Packet Stations: Ferry ports transporting passengers and mail over short distances.
 Entrepôt Ports: Hubs for re-exporting goods (e.g., Singapore).
 Naval Ports: Strategic military bases (e.g., Kochi, Karwar).

Major Seaports of India

Eastern Coast Ports

 Chennai Port (Tamil Nadu): An artificial harbor built in 1859, with a shallow coastline
limiting large vessel access.
 Ennore/Kamarajar Port (Tamil Nadu): India’s first corporatized port, constructed to
ease congestion at Chennai.
 Tuticorin Port (Tamil Nadu): Handles fertilizers and petrochemicals, located in the Gulf
of Mannar.
 Kolkata Port (West Bengal): A riverine port on the Hugli, facing silt accumulation
challenges.
 Paradip Port (Odisha): A deep natural harbor, specializing in iron ore exports.
 Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh): A land-locked port connected by a channel,
exporting iron ore to Japan.
Western Coast Ports

 Kochi Port (Kerala): A natural harbor, called the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
 Kandla/Deendayal Port (Gujarat): India’s first post-independence port, a tidal port on
the Gulf of Kachchh.
 Mundra Port (Gujarat): India’s largest private port, located in the Gulf of Kutch.
 Mangalore Port (Karnataka): Exports iron ore from Kudremukh mines.
 Mormugao Port (Goa): A natural harbor handling iron ore exports.
 Mumbai Port (Maharashtra): India’s busiest port and largest oil terminal.
 Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Nhava Sheva, Navi Mumbai): A satellite port built to
decongest Mumbai Port.

Inland Waterways Transport in India

Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) involves the movement of goods and passengers across
navigable rivers, canals, lakes, and backwaters. It serves as an eco-friendly and cost-effective
alternative to road and rail transport, reducing congestion and promoting trade.

Legislative Framework

 Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985: Established the Inland

Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 1986 to regulate and develop inland
waterways.
 National Waterways Act, 2016: Declared 111 rivers and canals as National
Waterways (NWs) to enhance their use for shipping and navigation.
 Inland Vessels Act, 2021: Replaced the 1917 Act, introducing uniform navigation
rules to ensure vessel safety and compliance nationwide.
 Criteria for National Waterways:
o Navigable by propelled vessels and at least 50 km in length.
o Connects multiple states, major ports, or unserved regions.
 o Supports strategic navigation and enhances national security.

Major National Waterways in India

Waterway Route States Covered
Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly (Haldia-
NW-1 UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
Allahabad)
NW-2 Brahmaputra River (Dhubri-Sadiya) Assam
NW-3 West Coast Canal (Kottapuram-Kollam) Kerala
NW-4 Krishna River (Muktiyala-Vijayawada) Andhra Pradesh
NW-5 East Coast Canal & Brahmani River Odisha, West Bengal
NW-10 Amba River Maharashtra
NW-68 Mandovi River Goa
NW-73 Narmada River Gujarat, Maharashtra
NW-100 Tapi River Gujarat, Maharashtra
West Bengal (via Indo-Bangladesh
NW-97 Sunderbans Waterways
Protocol)

Growth and Government Initiatives

 Operational NWs increased by 767% since 2014.

 Cargo traffic grew from 18 million tonnes (MT) to 133 MT in FY 2023-24, with a
22% CAGR.
 Government Programs:
o Maritime India Vision 2030 – Aims to modernize water transport.
 o Sagarmala Programme – Enhances port connectivity and inland water
transport.
o National Perspective Plan – Focuses on interlinking rivers to improve
waterway navigation.

Home work: Write challenges in Maritime Transport in India?

Pipeline Network in India

India has a well-developed pipeline network that plays a crucial role in transporting crude oil,
petroleum products, natural gas, and other essential resources. Pipelines are a cost-effective and
efficient mode of transport, reducing dependency on road and rail transport. The network is expanding
rapidly to meet the growing energy demands of the country.

 Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) was set up in 1984 as a public sector undertaking to
transport process and market natural gas for its economic use.
 Oil India Limited (OIL), under the administrative set-up of the Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas, is engaged in the exploration, production and transportation of crude oil and
natural gas. It was incorporated in 1959 as a company.

Importance of Pipelines in India

 Pipelines ensure the uninterrupted supply of fuel to different regions.
 They reduce transportation costs compared to other modes.
 They are environmentally friendly as they reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.
 They play a key role in India's energy security.

Types of Pipelines in India

a. Crude Oil Pipelines

 Transport crude oil from ports to refineries.
 Reduce the dependence on road and rail transport.
 Major crude oil pipelines:
o Salaya–Mathura Pipeline
o Mundra–Panipat Pipeline
o Mumbai–Manmad Pipeline

b. Petroleum Product Pipelines

 Transport refined petroleum products from refineries to distribution centers.
 Help in reducing fuel theft and spillage.
 Major petroleum product pipelines:
o Kandla–Bhatinda Pipeline
o Mumbai–Pune Pipeline
o Chennai–Trichy–Madurai Pipeline

c. Natural Gas Pipelines

  Transport natural gas from production sites to industries, power plants, and households.
 Support India's transition to cleaner energy.
 Major natural gas pipelines:
o Hazira–Vijaipur–Jagdishpur (HVJ) Pipeline
o Dahej–Vijaipur Pipeline
o Kochi–Koottanad–Bangalore–Mangalore Pipeline

Major Pipelines In India

The pipeline network in India transports oil, gas, and other products across the country, forming an
integral part of the nation's infrastructure. Some important pipelines are:

 Naharkatia-Nunmati-Barauni Pipeline: India's first crude oil pipeline, built by Oil India to
transport oil from Assam to the Barauni refinery. It has several branch pipelines that increase
its capacity.
 Mumbai High-Mumbai Pipeline: A double pipeline connecting offshore oil fields in the
Arabian Sea to Mumbai. It transports crude oil and natural gas.
 Ankleshwar-Koyali Pipeline: Transports crude oil from the Ankleshwar oilfield in Gujarat
to the Koyali refinery.
 Salaya-Koyali-Mathura Pipeline: A major 1,256 km pipeline that supplies crude oil to
refineries at Koyali, Mathura, Panipat, and Jalandhar. It has an offshore terminal.
  Hazira-Bijaypur-Jagdishpur Pipeline: India's longest gas pipeline, carrying gas to power
plants and fertilizer plants across multiple states.
 Jamnagar-Loni LPG Pipeline: The world's longest pipeline, transporting LPG from
Jamnagar to Loni near Delhi. It meets LPG demands across multiple states.

Major Pipeline Projects in India

a. Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project

 Aimed at expanding the natural gas network in eastern India.

 Covers states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
 Supports industries and provides cleaner fuel to households.

b. North-East Gas Grid

 Focuses on connecting the northeastern states with the national gas grid.
 Helps in industrial growth and economic development in the region.

c. Jagdishpur–Haldia & Bokaro–Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL)

 Supports the supply of natural gas to fertilization plants and other industries.
 Enhances energy security in eastern India.

Government Initiatives and Policies

 National Gas Grid: Aims to create a nationwide natural gas pipeline network.
 Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP): Encourages private investment in
oil and gas infrastructure.
  City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network: Expanding piped natural gas (PNG) supply to
households and industries.

Challenges in Pipeline Development

 Land Acquisition Issues: Difficulty in acquiring land for laying pipelines.
 Security Concerns: Pipelines are vulnerable to sabotage and theft.
 Environmental Concerns: Potential risks of oil spills and gas leaks.
 High Initial Investment: Laying pipelines requires significant capital investment.

Future Prospects of Pipeline Networks in India

 Expansion of the gas grid to more cities under the National Gas Grid project.
 Development of new crude oil and product pipelines to enhance energy security.
 Integration of hydrogen and bio-fuel pipelines in the future.
 Increased use of smart monitoring technologies to improve pipeline safety and efficiency.

Civil Aviation

Air transport is one of those sectors which prominently influence economy and employment
generation through its direct and catalytic multiplier effects. Air transport has significantly
enhanced global connectivity, enabling rapid travel and communication across continents. It
is the fastest mode of transport but also expensive. Despite the cost, it is the preferred
option for long-distance travel and the efficient movement of valuable cargo around the
world.

History of Indian Airlines

Early Developments

 1911: First air transport in India began between Allahabad and Naini.
 1947: Four major private airlines operated –
o Indian National Airways
o Tata Sons Limited
o Air Services of India
o Deccan Airways

Expansion Phase

 1951: Entry of four more airlines –

o Bharat Airways
o Himalayan Aviation Ltd.
o Airways India
o Kalinga Airlines

Nationalisation

 1953: Air transport was nationalised.

 Formation of two government-owned corporations:
 o Air India International (for international routes)
o Indian Airlines (for domestic operations)

Inter-Continental Air Routes

Global Patterns

 Northern Hemisphere features a dense east-west air route belt.

 High concentration of air networks in:
o Eastern U.S.A.
o Western Europe
o Southeast Asia

Major Nodal Points

Important cities where global air routes converge or radiate:

 New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Moscow

 Karachi, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo
 San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago

Air Service Disparities

 Regions with limited air connectivity:

o Africa
o Asiatic Russia
o South America
 Southern Hemisphere (10°–35° latitudes) suffers due to:
o Sparse population
o Limited landmass
o Low economic development

Progress of India’s Aviation Sector

India’s Aviation Boom

 India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market after USA and China.
 The sector has become competitive and dynamic, driven by:
o Government policies
o Private participation
o Innovative strategies

Infrastructure Growth

 Operational airports doubled from 74 in 2014 to 148 in 2023.

 Enhanced air travel accessibility across the nation.

Passenger Growth
  Post-COVID boom in air travel:
o Domestic passengers (Jan–Sep 2023): 112.86 million
(29.10% increase from 2022)
o International passengers: 45.99 million
(39.61% increase from 2022)

Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN

 Launched in 2016, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme aims to:
o Connect underserved and unserved airports
o Promote regional development
o Revive airstrips and airfields
 Achievements:
o 517 RCS routes operational
o 76 airports connected
o Over 1.3 crore passengers benefitted

Departments
 Airports Authority of India: Constituted under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994.
The primary responsibility of AAI is administration and cohesive management of airports and
of all aeronautical communication stations for the purposes of establishing or assisting in the
establishment of airports and for connected.
 Airports Economic Regulatory Authority: As an independent economic regulator, AERA
aims to create level playing field, foster healthy competition amongst all major airports, to
encourage investment in airport facilities and regulate tariffs for aeronautical services.

Schemes
 International Connectivity: India operates a wide ranging network of international flights
and currently has Air Services Agreement with 116 countries. India presently provides direct
connectivity to more than 52 countries, whereas, connects more than 100 countries through
indirect routes.
 Regional Connectivity Scheme: The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh ka
Aam Naagrik (UDAN) was envisaged in National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016. The
primary objective of RCS-UDAN is to facilitate/ stimulate regional air connectivity by
making it affordable to masses through suitable measures.
 Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel DigiYatra policy is an initiative launched by Ministry
of Civil Aviation for providing passengers seamless and hassle-free experience at airports
without the need for verification of ticket and ID at multiple touch points. It envisages
contactless, seamless processing of passengers at airports based on Facial Recognition
Technology.
 Krishi Udan 2.0: The Scheme aims to ensure seamless, cost-effective, time bound, air
transportation and associated logistics for all agri-produce originating especially from North-
East, hilly and tribal regions of the country.
 Other:
o National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
 o Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reduced to 5% from 18% for domestic
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
o Open Sky Agreement

Challenges in India's Aviation Sector

High Fuel Costs

 Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF) makes up 50-70% of airline operating costs.

 Import duties increase expenses further.

Dollar Dependency

 Most aviation expenses like aircraft purchase and maintenance are dollar-
denominated.
 Currency fluctuations directly affect profits.

Cutthroat Pricing

 Fierce price wars between airlines reduce profit margins.

 Struggle to maintain service quality with rising operational costs.

Limited Competition

 IndiGo and Air India together control nearly 70% market share.
 Risks:
o Reduced competition
o Higher fares for consumers
o Airlines may influence pricing strategies

Grounded Aircraft

 Over 25% of Indian aircraft grounded due to safety or financial issues.

 Impacts capacity and reliability.

Environmental Challenges

 Increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices.

 Balancing sustainability with industry growth is complex.