UPSC Prelims 2004 Q45: Geography – Transport & Infrastructure Geography
Consider the following statements among the Indian States:
1. Andhra Pradesh has the longest coastline.
2. Gujarat has the highest number of airports.
Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
> Note for students: Some answer keys give (c) Both 1 and 2, but both statements are false (Gujarat has the longest coastline, and Maharashtra has more airports than Gujarat). The correct answer is (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Coastline and airports among Indian States
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Andhra Pradesh has the longest coastline | False: Gujarat has the longest coastline (about 1,600 km); Andhra Pradesh is second |
| 2. Gujarat has the highest number of airports | False: States such as Maharashtra have more airports and airstrips |
Both statements are incorrect, so the correct option is Neither 1 nor 2. (The bank key stored (c); it is corrected to (d).)
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh does not have the longest coastline; Gujarat does.
- (b) Incorrect. Gujarat does not have the highest number of airports.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false, so they cannot both be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Neither statement is correct.
Key point
Longest coastline: Gujarat (about 1,600 km), then Andhra Pradesh (about 970 km).
Remember
Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian States.
Common mistakes
- Quoting Andhra Pradesh for the longest coast, which is Gujarat's.
- Assuming Gujarat leads in airports because of its coast.
- Not checking each statement separately.
Exam tip
Coastline ranking: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra.
Sources
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India — Annual Report 2004–05 (coastal States and coastline length)
- Airports Authority of India — Airports in India