The Linear Induction Motor (LIM) rail metro system developed by the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) can save more than Rs 100 crore per kilometre if adopted for the proposed metro project here in place of the conventional metro system, used in Delhi metro.
“The LIM technology, if adopted, will prove to be 30 to 40 per cent cheaper than the Delhi metro,” Professor SN Mahendra, head (electrical engineering department), Institute of Technology, BHU, told PTI.
The LIM system, already running in Japan as a transport method, has been researched by the scientists of BHU and awaits a proper consideration by the authorities concerned to apply the technology as a new form of metro rail system in the country.
“It is being researched upon as a mode of transport since 1977 at BHU and is a promising new technology, being better than the conventional metro system in a lot of ways,” said Mahendra. He added that the technology was ready for use in 1999 and has been displayed at several national and international exhibitions successfully.
The professor claimed the Malviya Center for Development of Low Cost Linear Metro System at BHU has developed this technology but the government agencies working on different metro projects in the country have overlooked this cheapest metro technology.
He said the Rotary Motor System, which is being used in Delhi metro, amounts to huge energy loss and requires regular maintenance.
The LIM system, once used, will lead to a major cost reduction as the tunnel diameter required for this system is as low as 4 metres compared to 6.2 metres for the conventional metro system. Also, in the absence of adhesion driving and major rotary parts, the LIM system will require reduced maintenance which has become a major problem in the country.
The linear metro is also said to be able to overcome slopes as steep as 6 per cent, which is not possible in any other metro system. Mahendra said that if applied in Varanasi itself, a 20-km-long metro route under the proposed technology would cost something between Rs 3,600 crore and Rs 4,200 crore, which is cheaper than the estimated Rs 6,000 crore under the rotary motor system.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his two-day visit to the city in March, had announced to support any modern transportation system for Varanasi this year.
Following his announcement, authorities are actively toying with the idea of a metro rail project for the city.
