Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
3. Discuss the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the urban mobility. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Even as policymakers and experts have come up with standard operating procedures for public transportation while combating COVID-19, it is not going to be an easy ride for passengers who grapple with social distancing and going contactless in a mode that is used to being crowded and infrequent. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to bring out the relevance and importance of public transit system and the challenges it is facing across the world amidst the Covid-19 lockdown.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In a few introductory lines explain what urban mobility is and why is it very important.
Body:
Public transport is the backbone of cities, providing an essential service to keep cities moving, particularly in times of pandemics. The key objective for public transport operators therefore has to be maintaining a minimum service. Discuss why urban mobility becomes challenging with the lockdown, explain the critical concerns involved. Present the case of India – Central to India’s lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19 was a complete shutdown of the transport system. Now, as the country emerges from the lockdown, a proper ramping up of the transport system is needed. This should not be done in haste, however. Account for suggestions that can be taken forward to ensure urban mobility in such tough times.
Conclusion:
Conclude that there is need to address the challenges in urban mobility and that can be achieved only through a well-researched, scientifically designed public transport policy.
