What is the common examiner trap about Infrastructure in UPSC exams?

Examiners may confuse the hub-and-spoke model with a point-to-point model or mix up the cities (e.g., asking if Ahmedabad is the first or fourth city). They might also ask about the number of airports in 2014 vs. now, or incorrectly attribute the announcement to the wrong ministry.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Infrastructure for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: Ahmedabad is the third city (after Amritsar and Varanasi) to get hub-and-spoke international flight services. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Civil Aviation; Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu. 3. Target this Scheme: UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) – airports increased from 74 to over 160, with plans for 100 more.

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Ahmedabad Becomes 3rd Indian City with Hub-and-Spoke Model; Boosts International Connectivity via Delhi to 15 Destinations

Q: Which ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation of the hub-and-spoke model and the UDAN scheme mentioned in the news?

Ministry of Civil Aviation, The article mentions Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, indicating that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is the nodal ministry for aviation policies including the hub-and-spoke model and UDAN scheme.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the hub-and-spoke model: 1. Ahmedabad is the first Indian city to offer hub-and-spoke international flight services. 2. Under this model, passengers from smaller cities complete all baggage, customs, and immigration checks at the originating airport. 3. The model is already operational in Amritsar and Varanasi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 2 and 3, Statement 1 is incorrect because Ahmedabad is the third city, not the first. The other two cities with the service are Amritsar and Varanasi. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: all checks are completed at the originating airport. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly states that Amritsar and Varanasi already offer the services.

Q: According to the article, how many airports were there in India in 2014?

74, The Civil Aviation Minister stated that in 2014 the country had 74 airports, which have now increased to more than 160. The other options are distractors: 54 and 94 are not mentioned, and 160 is the current count.

Q: What is the primary objective of the hub-and-spoke model as described in the article?

To provide seamless international connectivity for passengers from smaller cities by eliminating repeated checks, The article states that under the hub-and-spoke model, all baggage, customs, and immigration checks are completed at the originating airport, eliminating the need for repeated security checks or check-in at the hub. This saves time and reduces hassle for passengers from smaller cities. While the model may also reduce airline costs and boost tourism, its primary objective as described is passenger convenience and connectivity.

Infrastructure Economy PolityHIGH

Target:UPSCMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

01 Sept 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:74 airports in 2014over 160 airports nowplan for 100 more airportsAhmedabad third city (after Amritsar and Varanasi)15 international destinations from Ahmedabad via Delhi

Bodies:Ministry of Civil AviationSardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI)

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.Ahmedabad becomes the third Indian city (after Amritsar and Varanasi) to offer hub-and-spoke international flight services from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI).

2.Under this model, all baggage, customs, and immigration checks are completed at the originating airport, saving time and reducing airline operating costs.

3.The Civil Aviation Minister announced connectivity from Ahmedabad via Delhi to around 15 international destinations, and highlighted airport expansion from 74 (2014) to over 160, with plans for 100 more under UDAN scheme.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Ahmedabad launched hub-and-spoke international flight services, becoming the third Indian city after Amritsar and Varanasi. This model allows passengers from smaller cities to complete baggage, customs, and immigration checks at the originating airport, eliminating repeated procedures at the hub. The move aims to enhance global connectivity for Gujarat's large NRI community and boost trade, tourism, and industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and diamonds.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Third Indian City for Hub-and-SpokeAhmedabad (after Amritsar and Varanasi)

Airport Count (2014 vs now)74 airports in 2014 → over 160 now

Future Airport ExpansionPlans to develop another 100 airports under UDAN

International Destinations from Ahmedabad via DelhiAround 15 destinations

1-Minute Revision

›Third Indian City for Hub-and-Spoke: Ahmedabad (after Amritsar and Varanasi)
›Airport Count (2014 vs now): 74 airports in 2014 → over 160 now
›Target this Data: Ahmedabad is the third city (after Amritsar and Varanasi) to get hub-and-spoke international flight services.
›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Civil Aviation; Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu.
›Target this Scheme: UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) – airports increased from 74 to over 160, with plans for 100 more.

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News Snapshot

🛫

Hub-and-Spoke Model Launch

Ahmedabad becomes the third Indian city (after Amritsar and Varanasi) to start hub-and-spoke international flight services from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

⏱️

Passenger Convenience

All baggage, customs, and immigration checks completed at the originating airport, eliminating repeated checks at the hub, saving time and reducing airline costs.

🌐

Connectivity & Economic Boost

Ahmedabad will be connected via Delhi to around 15 international destinations, benefiting Gujarat's NRI community, trade, tourism, and key sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and diamonds.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The hub-and-spoke model is an airline operational system where passengers from smaller cities (spokes) are consolidated at a major central airport (hub) for connecting international flights. India has been expanding its aviation infrastructure under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread. The launch at Ahmedabad follows a similar model already operational in Amritsar and Varanasi, reflecting the government's focus on regional connectivity.

Core Analysis & Implications

The model significantly reduces travel time and hassle for passengers from smaller cities, as all checks are completed at the point of origin. This is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment in Gujarat, especially given its large diaspora and strong industrial base in textiles, pharmaceuticals, diamonds, and engineering. The Civil Aviation Minister noted that the number of airports has risen from 74 in 2014 to over 160, with plans for another 100, indicating a robust push for aviation-led growth. Initiatives like 'UDAN Yatri Cafe', airport library, and digital boarding pass further enhance passenger experience.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The government plans to continue expanding the UDAN scheme and develop 100 more airports over the next decade. The hub-and-spoke model is likely to be extended to more cities, strengthening regional connectivity. For Ahmedabad, the model positions it as a major gateway for global travel, potentially catalysing growth in hospitality, tourism, and other sectors. Other initiatives like digital boarding passes and improved airport amenities will complement the operational model.

Key Facts at a Glance

Third Indian City for Hub-and-SpokeAhmedabad (after Amritsar and Varanasi)

Airport Count (2014 vs now)74 airports in 2014 → over 160 now

Future Airport ExpansionPlans to develop another 100 airports under UDAN

International Destinations from Ahmedabad via DelhiAround 15 destinations

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, Banking, State PSC

Which ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation of the hub-and-spoke model and the UDAN scheme mentioned in the news?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Consider the following statements regarding the hub-and-spoke model:

1. Ahmedabad is the first Indian city to offer hub-and-spoke international flight services.

2. Under this model, passengers from smaller cities complete all baggage, customs, and immigration checks at the originating airport.

3. The model is already operational in Amritsar and Varanasi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the article, how many airports were there in India in 2014?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

What is the primary objective of the hub-and-spoke model as described in the article?

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Ahmedabad Becomes 3rd Indian City with Hub-and-Spoke Model; Boosts International Connectivity via Delhi to 15 Destinations

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Hub-and-Spoke Model Launch

Passenger Convenience

Connectivity & Economic Boost

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance