Sky bus project for Mangalore discussed

Mangalore, Aug 24 (UNI) The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), which possessed the world patent in the sky bus system, will be able to complete the proposed sky bus project in the city within a span of two to four years from the date of financial closure, informed its Managing Director K K Gokhale today.

Making the presentation on sky bus project at the meeting organised by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here, he said the approximate cost per kilometre construction of sky bus would be around Rs 60 crore. The sky bus transport system would not only be cheap, most convenient and safe, but also ease traffic congestion in the city.

Mr Gokhale said the Corporation had already prepared a detailed project report for sky bus projects in Hyderabad (22 km), Pune (six km) and Mumbai (2.5 km) and a letter of indent had also been submitted for the 28 kms sky bus project for Kolkata.

The test track for Goa sky bus project had already been completed and the service was expected to commence in next couple of months, he added.

He said the sky bus could take 15,000 to 20,000 commuters per trip on a particular direction. The KCCI had given a preliminary project to have a 26 km stretch between Ammembal near Bantwal to Haleyangady, touching important areas like Konaje, where the Mangalore University was located, Nantur, Infosys, Panambur, Bykampady industrial area, Suratkal, near to MRPL.

He requested the district administration to prepare the detailed fesibility report and technical report on the project before preparing the detailed project report.

Mr Gokhale also hinted that private parties were ready to take up the project through build, operate and transfer (BOT) concept.

Deputy Commissioner Mahaeshwar Rao said the project proposal after discussion would be submitted to the government for approval.

Mr Yogesh Bhat, MLA, said the issue would be discussed in detail at the Mangalore Urban Development Authority meeting to be held here tomorrow.

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