The correct option is 1 and 4 only.
Explanation
Air transport is the fastest mode of transportation, characterized by high operational costs and limited payload capacity. It plays a critical role in the movement of high-value, low-volume, and perishable goods but differs significantly from maritime transport in terms of trade volume and commodity suitability.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Air transport is economically unviable for bulky, heavy, and low-value commodities such as coal, ores, grains, and timber. These goods are typically transported via railways or waterways, which provide economies of scale for heavy freight.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme is a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) specifically designed to connect unserved and underserved airports in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. It is not restricted to major airports; rather, it aims to expand the aviation network beyond the major metro hubs.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Maritime transport handles the overwhelming majority of international trade by volume (approximately 80% to 90%). While air transport may account for a significant share of trade by value (e.g., electronics, pharmaceuticals), its share by volume is negligible compared to shipping.
- Statement 4 is Correct: In alignment with the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti, many Indian airports are being developed as multimodal cargo hubs. These hubs integrate air transport with road and rail networks to facilitate seamless freight movement and improve logistics efficiency.
Key Takeaway:
Air transport is suited for high-value, time-sensitive, and low-volume cargo, whereas maritime transport dominates global trade volume. The UDAN scheme focuses on regional connectivity for smaller cities, not major international hubs.