Which centrally sponsored scheme of the Government of India aims to provide affordable regional aviation by making domestic air travel economically accessible for ordinary middle class citizens of India?

Introduction / Context:

This question tests knowledge of major government schemes, in particular those related to infrastructure and connectivity. The description focuses on a scheme that aims to provide affordable aviation by making domestic flights accessible to ordinary citizens, especially those in smaller towns. Recognising scheme names and matching them with their objectives is a key part of exam preparation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The scheme is launched by the Central Government.

- Its goal is affordable regional aviation and low cost domestic flights.

- The options mention various flagship programmes with very different aims, such as energy pipelines or river cleaning.

Concept / Approach:

The aviation scheme described is UDAN, which stands for Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik. It is a regional connectivity scheme that caps airfares on certain routes and provides incentives to airlines to operate flights to underserved and unserved airports. The central idea is that an average citizen should be able to fly at an affordable price. By matching this aim with the description, it becomes clear that UDAN is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

One can verify this by recalling typical exam statements like UDAN aims to make air travel affordable for common citizens and by connecting smaller airports. Newspapers and government press releases frequently describe UDAN in those terms, leaving little room for confusion with other schemes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Urja Ganga is related to gas pipeline projects and energy infrastructure, not air travel.

Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat is a programme to promote cultural integration and people to people exchanges across states.

Namami Ganga Yojana is focused on cleaning and conserving the Ganga river and related environmental goals.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a nationwide cleanliness and sanitation campaign, not an aviation initiative.

Common Pitfalls:

Sometimes learners confuse scheme names due to similar sounding Hindi phrases. To avoid this, it helps to connect the core idea with a keyword for each scheme, such as flights for UDAN, river cleaning for Namami Ganga, and sanitation for Swachh Bharat. This mental mapping makes recall in the exam much easier.

Final Answer:

The scheme that aims to provide affordable aviation for ordinary citizens is Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN).