Infrastructure MCQs for UPSC Prelims — February 2026

Q1. As referenced by the Central Electricity Authority in 2025, approximately what quantum of energy storage capacity (in GWh) has been estimated as required by 2029-30 to facilitate reliable integration of renewable energy into the Indian electricity grid?

  • A. 211 GWh
  • B. 336 GWh
  • C. 411 GWh
  • D. 500 GWh

Q2. With reference to institutional and regulatory measures adopted in India to manage the inflexibility of the electricity grid arising from variable renewable energy integration, consider the following: 1. Flexibilisation of operations of coal-based thermal generating stations 2. CERC Connectivity and GNA (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025 introducing solar-hour access 3. Renewable Energy Management Centres co-located with Load Despatch Centres 4. Establishment of State Electricity Boards (SEBs) under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 to enable real-time forecasting of solar and wind generation Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified as a measure for managing grid inflexibility from variable renewable energy?

  1. Flexibilisation of operations of coal-based thermal generating stations
  2. CERC Connectivity and GNA (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025 introducing solar-hour access
  3. Renewable Energy Management Centres co-located with Load Despatch Centres
  4. Establishment of State Electricity Boards (SEBs) under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 to enable real-time forecasting of solar and wind generation
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q3. With reference to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025, consider the following statements: 1. The Third Amendment introduced distinct 'solar-hour' and 'non-solar-hour' connectivity access, a categorisation absent in the parent Connectivity Regulations. 2. Solar hours under the amended regime are declared on a weekly basis by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) based on anticipated solar insolation. 3. The amendment restricts 'non-solar-hour access' exclusively to thermal generators, expressly excluding wind projects and standalone battery energy storage systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Third Amendment introduced distinct 'solar-hour' and 'non-solar-hour' connectivity access, a categorisation absent in the parent Connectivity Regulations.
  2. Solar hours under the amended regime are declared on a weekly basis by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) based on anticipated solar insolation.
  3. The amendment restricts 'non-solar-hour access' exclusively to thermal generators, expressly excluding wind projects and standalone battery energy storage systems.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Consider the following infrastructure/PPP delivery models and their full forms: 1. BOT — Build-Operate-Transfer 2. BOOT — Build-Own-Operate-Transfer 3. HAM — Hybrid Annuity Model 4. EPC — Engineering, Procurement and Commissioning Which of the above pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

  1. BOT — Build-Operate-Transfer
  2. BOOT — Build-Own-Operate-Transfer
  3. HAM — Hybrid Annuity Model
  4. EPC — Engineering, Procurement and Commissioning
  • A. 4 only
  • B. 1 and 2
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 2 and 4

Q5. The handling capacity of the approved Paradip green hydrogen jetty is stated as 4.0 MTPA. In this context, 'MTPA' denotes:

  • A. Million Tonnes Per Annum
  • B. Metric Tonnes Per Acre
  • C. Maximum Throughput Per Anchorage
  • D. Million Tonnes Per Anchorage

Q6. The dedicated ₹797.17 crore jetty for handling green hydrogen, green ammonia and liquid cargo at Paradip Port is being implemented by which of the following agencies?

  • A. Paradip Port Authority
  • B. Deendayal Port Authority
  • C. Sagarmala Development Company Limited
  • D. Indian Ports Association

Q7. The feature described as 'first-of-its-kind in the country', highlighted in the Meerut section during the February 2026 dedication, refers to:

  • A. a Regional Rapid Transit (Namo Bharat) service and a metro (Meerut Metro) service operating on the same track and shared infrastructure
  • B. a fully driverless metro operating without any station staff
  • C. a hydrogen fuel-cell powered commuter train
  • D. a metro line running entirely underground beneath a river

Q8. In the context of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, 'Sarai Kale Khan' refers to:

  • A. the Delhi-end terminal station of the corridor
  • B. the rolling-stock maintenance depot of the corridor
  • C. the Meerut-end terminus of the corridor
  • D. the only underground station on the corridor

Q9. Among the three RRTS corridors prioritised for Phase-I implementation in the NCR, which one is the first to be sanctioned and made operational?

  • A. Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut
  • B. Delhi–Alwar
  • C. Delhi–Panipat
  • D. Delhi–Faridabad–Palwal

Q10. In the context of the Delhi–Meerut RRTS project, the term 'priority section' most accurately refers to:

  • A. the first operational stretch commissioned and opened to the public ahead of completion of the full corridor
  • B. the underground portion of the corridor lying within the NCT of Delhi
  • C. the section whose cost was borne entirely by the Union Government
  • D. the stretch on which Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro share the same track

Q11. Among the following rail-based transit systems operating in or around the National Capital Region, which one has the highest design speed?

  • A. Namo Bharat (Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS)
  • B. Meerut Metro
  • C. Delhi Metro
  • D. Rapid Metro, Gurugram

Q12. Consider the following statements distinguishing the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from a conventional city metro: 1. RRTS trains have a design speed of up to 180 km/h. 2. RRTS is designed primarily for regional/inter-city commuting, unlike metros meant for intra-city travel. 3. On the Delhi–Meerut RRTS, trains are planned at intervals of about every 5 to 10 minutes. 4. RRTS trains have lower operating speeds than typical city metros. Which of the above is/are correctly identified as features of RRTS?

  1. RRTS trains have a design speed of up to 180 km/h.
  2. RRTS is designed primarily for regional/inter-city commuting, unlike metros meant for intra-city travel.
  3. On the Delhi–Meerut RRTS, trains are planned at intervals of about every 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. RRTS trains have lower operating speeds than typical city metros.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q13. With reference to the operation of the Meerut Metro, which one of the following statements is correct?

  • A. It is operated by NCRTC, the same agency that operates the Namo Bharat RRTS
  • B. It is operated exclusively by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
  • C. It is operated solely by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation
  • D. It is operated entirely by Indian Railways

Q14. Consider the following statements comparing the Meerut Metro with other rail systems: 1. Unlike a conventional city metro, the Meerut Metro runs on the same track and stations as the Namo Bharat RRTS. 2. The Meerut Metro's maximum operating speed is higher than that of a typical Indian city metro. 3. The Meerut Metro's operating speed is higher than the operating speed of Namo Bharat trains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Unlike a conventional city metro, the Meerut Metro runs on the same track and stations as the Namo Bharat RRTS.
  2. The Meerut Metro's maximum operating speed is higher than that of a typical Indian city metro.
  3. The Meerut Metro's operating speed is higher than the operating speed of Namo Bharat trains.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q15. On the fully operational Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, the end-to-end journey between Delhi and Meerut takes approximately how many minutes?

  • A. About 58 minutes
  • B. About 30 minutes
  • C. About 100 minutes
  • D. About 45 minutes

Q16. Consider the following statements about the technical specifications of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS: 1. The corridor runs about 82 km between Sarai Kale Khan and Modipuram. 2. Namo Bharat trains have a design speed of 180 km/h. 3. Namo Bharat trains have an operating speed of 160 km/h. 4. Namo Bharat trains are hauled by diesel traction. Which of the above statements is/are NOT correct?

  1. The corridor runs about 82 km between Sarai Kale Khan and Modipuram.
  2. Namo Bharat trains have a design speed of 180 km/h.
  3. Namo Bharat trains have an operating speed of 160 km/h.
  4. Namo Bharat trains are hauled by diesel traction.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 4 only

Q17. Before the full corridor opened, Namo Bharat services operated across a 42-km stretch of the Delhi–Meerut RRTS. How many stations did this 42-km operational stretch comprise?

  • A. 6
  • B. 9
  • C. 11
  • D. 13

Q18. In the context of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS, the term 'priority section' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. The 17-km Sahibabad–Duhai Depot stretch, the first operational segment of the corridor, opened in October 2023
  • B. The 17-km Sahibabad–Duhai Depot stretch, opened in March 2019 when the foundation stone was laid
  • C. The full 82-km Sarai Kale Khan–Modipuram corridor dedicated to the nation in February 2026
  • D. The 54-km Sahibabad–New Ashok Nagar extension opened ahead of the rest of the corridor

Q19. In the context of urban energy infrastructure, the term 'District Cooling System' (DCS) most accurately refers to:

  • A. A network of rooftop solar-powered air-conditioners installed building-wise across a city ward
  • B. A centralised plant that produces chilled water and distributes it through insulated underground pipes to multiple buildings, which consume cooling as a service
  • C. A municipal subsidy programme that supplies 5-star rated split ACs to low-income households at a uniform tariff
  • D. A passive cooling technique that exclusively uses earth-air tunnels and green roofs in a contiguous urban district

Q20. With reference to highway development in the North-East, consider the following statements: 1. Bharatmala Pariyojana is the umbrella programme under which highway connectivity in the Northeast is being expanded. 2. Bharatmala Pariyojana subsumed the earlier Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE). 3. Bharatmala Pariyojana is implemented by the Ministry of Railways. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Bharatmala Pariyojana is the umbrella programme under which highway connectivity in the Northeast is being expanded.
  2. Bharatmala Pariyojana subsumed the earlier Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE).
  3. Bharatmala Pariyojana is implemented by the Ministry of Railways.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q21. The tunnel is expected to cut the road distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur to about 33.7 km. What is the present road distance between these two points?

  • A. 120 km
  • B. 180 km
  • C. 240 km
  • D. 300 km

Q22. With reference to the alignment of the Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor, consider the following statements: 1. Its northern terminus is Gohpur on NH-15. 2. Its southern terminus is Numaligarh on NH-715. 3. The tunnel section beneath the Brahmaputra is 15.79 km long. 4. The corridor is aligned directly through the core zone of Kaziranga National Park. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Its northern terminus is Gohpur on NH-15.
  2. Its southern terminus is Numaligarh on NH-715.
  3. The tunnel section beneath the Brahmaputra is 15.79 km long.
  4. The corridor is aligned directly through the core zone of Kaziranga National Park.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q23. The greenfield access-controlled Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor, inclusive of the underwater tunnel, has a total length of approximately how many kilometres?

  • A. 15.79 km
  • B. 33.7 km
  • C. 45.6 km
  • D. 240 km

Q24. With reference to the Brahmaputra crossings approved by the Union Government, consider the following statements: 1. The Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor was approved at a total capital cost of ₹18,662 crore on EPC mode. 2. The new rail-cum-road bridge near the existing Saraighat bridge at Guwahati was approved at ₹996.75 crore, a cost shared between NHAI and the Ministry of Railways. 3. The Gohpur–Numaligarh tunnel is the costliest infrastructure project ever sanctioned by the Union Cabinet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor was approved at a total capital cost of ₹18,662 crore on EPC mode.
  2. The new rail-cum-road bridge near the existing Saraighat bridge at Guwahati was approved at ₹996.75 crore, a cost shared between NHAI and the Ministry of Railways.
  3. The Gohpur–Numaligarh tunnel is the costliest infrastructure project ever sanctioned by the Union Cabinet.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q25. With reference to highway development in the North-East, consider the following statements: 1. Bharatmala Pariyojana is the umbrella programme under which highway connectivity in the Northeast is being expanded. 2. Bharatmala Pariyojana subsumed the earlier Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE). 3. Bharatmala Pariyojana is implemented by the Ministry of Railways. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Bharatmala Pariyojana is the umbrella programme under which highway connectivity in the Northeast is being expanded.
  2. Bharatmala Pariyojana subsumed the earlier Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE).
  3. Bharatmala Pariyojana is implemented by the Ministry of Railways.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q26. The tunnel is expected to cut the road distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur to about 33.7 km. What is the present road distance between these two points?

  • A. 120 km
  • B. 180 km
  • C. 240 km
  • D. 300 km

Q27. With reference to the alignment of the Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor, consider the following statements: 1. Its northern terminus is Gohpur on NH-15. 2. Its southern terminus is Numaligarh on NH-715. 3. The tunnel section beneath the Brahmaputra is 15.79 km long. 4. The corridor is aligned directly through the core zone of Kaziranga National Park. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Its northern terminus is Gohpur on NH-15.
  2. Its southern terminus is Numaligarh on NH-715.
  3. The tunnel section beneath the Brahmaputra is 15.79 km long.
  4. The corridor is aligned directly through the core zone of Kaziranga National Park.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q28. The greenfield access-controlled Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor, inclusive of the underwater tunnel, has a total length of approximately how many kilometres?

  • A. 15.79 km
  • B. 33.7 km
  • C. 45.6 km
  • D. 240 km

Q29. With reference to the Brahmaputra crossings approved by the Union Government, consider the following statements: 1. The Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor was approved at a total capital cost of ₹18,662 crore on EPC mode. 2. The new rail-cum-road bridge near the existing Saraighat bridge at Guwahati was approved at ₹996.75 crore, a cost shared between NHAI and the Ministry of Railways. 3. The Gohpur–Numaligarh tunnel is the costliest infrastructure project ever sanctioned by the Union Cabinet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor was approved at a total capital cost of ₹18,662 crore on EPC mode.
  2. The new rail-cum-road bridge near the existing Saraighat bridge at Guwahati was approved at ₹996.75 crore, a cost shared between NHAI and the Ministry of Railways.
  3. The Gohpur–Numaligarh tunnel is the costliest infrastructure project ever sanctioned by the Union Cabinet.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q30. NHIDCL, which executed the Moran ELF, was incorporated in 2014 and functions under which one of the following Union ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
  • B. Ministry of Defence
  • C. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
  • D. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways