Maharashtra may consider skybus project

In an attempt to provide relief to Mumbai commuters, the Maharashtra government may consider introducing the state-of-the-art skybus project in the metropolis.

"The state government will consider the implementation of the skybus project proposal after getting feedback from Goa where the 1.6 km test track is slated to be complete by March-end next year", chief minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters at Raj Bhavan here today.

He was interacting with the media after a detailed presentation of the mass transit sytem given by the Konkan Railway (KRC) officials at a specially held meeting at Raj Bhavan.

Impressed by the skybus project being implemented in neighbouring goa, governor Mohammed Fazal had convened the meeting to deliberate over the ambitious project.

"It (skybus) is indigenously built and needs to be encouraged", Shinde said adding that "it is a good proposal".

Besides the skybus, the state government was also mulling over a proposal of light rail transit system (LRTS) for the suburban Andheri-Ghatkopar section, he said.

The chief minister said he would also discuss the LRTS project with prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he arrived in the metropolis on january 16 to flag off the Deccan Oddyesy.

Similarly, discussion are also on over the metro rail system, Shinde added. The governor said Shinde has assured at the meeting that in view of Goa's test track results, the implementation of the project could be considered in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.

Konkan Railway chairman B Rajaram said in the sky bus system every element of the technology is proven.

Stressing at the cost-effectiveness of the sky bus project, Rajaram said for every km of sky bus, the project cost is Rs 50 crore, compared to elevated rail system's Rs 150 crore and underground rail's Rs 300 crore for the same distance.