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{{distinguish|text=other uses of the name "[[Skybus (disambiguation)|Skybus]]"}}
{{short description|Prototype suspended railway system}}
 
{{other uses of|Skybus}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}
 
{{Infobox public transit
The '''Skybus Metro''' was a prototype [[Suspension railway|suspended railway]] system by [[India]]n technologist B. Rajaram with the [[BEML]] and [[Konkan Railway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/76439/konkan-railway-invite-eoi-sky.html|title=Konkan Rly to invite EOI for Sky Bus metro|work=Deccan Herald}}</ref> The system consisted of an elevated track with the cars suspended below, similar to the [[Wuppertal Schwebebahn]] or [[H-Bahn]] systems in [[Germany]].
| box_width                  =
| name                        = Skybus Metro
| image                      = Skybus at Station.jpg
| alt                        =
| imagesize                  = 260
| caption                    = A Skybus Metro car at a station
| native_name                = <!-- use {{lang}} -->
| owner                      =
| area served                = [[Margao]], [[Goa]]
| locale                      =
| transit_type                = [[Suspension railway|Suspended railway]]
| lines                      = 1
| line_number                =
| start                      =
| end                        =
| stations                    = 1
| daily_ridership            =
| annual_ridership            =
| chief_executive            = <!-- or | key_people = -->
| headquarters                =
| website                    =
| began_operation            = ''Never entered service''
| operation_will_start        =
| ended_operation            =
| operator                    = [[Konkan Railway]]
| marks                      =
| host                        =
| character                  =
| stock                      = [[BEML]]
| vehicles                    =
| train_length                = {{cvt|18.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| headway                    =
| system_length              = {{convert|1.6|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| notrack                    =
| track_gauge                = <!-- {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}} -->
| ogauge                      = <!-- {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}} -->
| minimum_radius_of_curvature = {{convert|100|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| el                          =
| average_speed              = <!-- {{convert|0|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} -->
| top_speed                  = {{convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| map                        =
| map_name                    =
| map_state                  = <!-- show or collapsed -->
}}
The '''Skybus Metro''' was a prototype [[Suspension railway|suspended railway]] system by [[India]]n technologist B. Rajaram with the [[BEML]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-04-02 |title=First prototype of sky-bus to be unveiled in Goa |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/first-prototype-of-sky-bus-to-be-unveiled-in-goa/articleshow/42093524.cms |access-date=2023-07-20 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and [[Konkan Railway]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/76439/konkan-railway-invite-eoi-sky.html|title=Konkan Rly to invite EOI for Sky Bus metro|work=Deccan Herald}}</ref> which is patented by the [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-02-09 |title=Sky Bus Metro track gets US patent |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sky-bus-metro-track-gets-us-patent/articleshow/486269.cms |access-date=2024-04-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The system consisted of an elevated track with the cars suspended below, similar to the [[Wuppertal Schwebebahn]] or [[H-Bahn]] systems in [[Germany]].


A 1.6&nbsp;[[km]] (1&nbsp;[[Mile|mi]]) test track in [[Margao]], [[Goa]] started trials in 2004, but on 25 September, one employee was killed and three injured in an accident, ending the trial.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050114221729/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2005|title=National : Sky Bus Metro resumes after 3 months|date=23 December 2004|last1=Sastry|work=[[The Hindu]]|first1=Anil}}</ref> The test track was supposed to be extended to 10.5&nbsp;km, but no progress was made after the accident.<ref name=Pandey>{{cite web| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1050035.cms| title=Skybus project: Fantasy or reality?| author=Pandey, Vineeta| work=The Times of India| date=2005-03-15| accessdate=2006-06-07 }}</ref> In 2013, the [[Konkan Railway]] dismantled the line.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Its final! Konkan Railway Corporation to scrap skybus project - The Times of India|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Its-final-Konkan-Railway-Corporation-to-scrap-skybus-project/articleshow/23940892.cms|website = The Times of India|accessdate = 2015-05-30}}</ref>
A 1.6&nbsp;[[km]] (1&nbsp;[[Mile|mi]]) test track in [[Margao]], [[Goa]] started trials in 2004, but on 25 September, one employee was killed and three injured in an accident, ending the trial.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050114221729/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2005|title=National : Sky Bus Metro resumes after 3 months|date=23 December 2004|last1=Sastry|work=[[The Hindu]]|first1=Anil}}</ref> The test track was supposed to be extended to 10.5&nbsp;km, but no progress was made after the accident.<ref name=Pandey>{{cite web| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1050035.cms| title=Skybus project: Fantasy or reality?| author=Pandey, Vineeta| work=The Times of India| date=2005-03-15| accessdate=2006-06-07 }}</ref> In 2013, the [[Konkan Railway]] dismantled the line.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Its final! Konkan Railway Corporation to scrap skybus project - The Times of India|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Its-final-Konkan-Railway-Corporation-to-scrap-skybus-project/articleshow/23940892.cms|website = The Times of India|accessdate = 2015-05-30}}</ref>


==Construction==
==Construction==
Skybus can run at 100&nbsp;km/h using electric power,<ref>Rajaram Bojji: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-_AEdUvAts Skybus Tech Movie Full.]</ref> with suspended cars that carry the passengers.
Skybus can run at 100&nbsp;km/h using electric power,<ref name="RB15">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-_AEdUvAts |title=Skybus Tech Movie Full |publisher=Rajaram Bojji |date=19 January 2015 |access-date=12 March 2026}}</ref> with suspended cars that carry the passengers.


===Tracks===
===Tracks===
[[File:Skybus Metro Suspended Railway in Margao, Goa, India.jpg|thumb|A Skybus Metro Railcar suspended at a station on the track at [[Margao]], Goa, India. The system looks like a "monorail" but there are two conventional steel rails on the overhead concrete beam, with the car hanging from this.]]
[[File:Skybus Metro Suspended Railway in Margao, Goa, India.jpg|thumb|A Skybus Metro Railcar suspended at a station on the track at [[Margao]], Goa, India. The system looks like a "monorail" but there are two conventional steel rails on the overhead concrete beam, with the car hanging from this.]]


Heavy {{convert|52|kg/m|lb/yd}} rails of standard gauge are placed in 8m x 2m-box enclosures. These rails are supported over 1m diameter columns 10m tall, spaced at 15-20m intervals on pile foundation. This structure is constructed in the divider space between road lanes. Sky Bus follows existing road routes without disturbing traffic. The steepest gradient was 2%. The sharpest curve had a radius of 100m. The maximum radius of vertical curve was 3375m.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}}
Heavy {{convert|52|kg/m|lb/yd}} rails of standard gauge are placed in 8 m x 2 m-box enclosures of reinforced concrete. These double-track enclosures are supported over 1 m diameter columns 10 m tall, spaced at 15-20 m intervals on pile foundation. This structure was planned to run in the divider space between road lanes, so Skybus Metro follows existing road routes without disturbing at-grade traffic. The steepest gradient possible was 1.75 % and the sharpest curve had a radius of 100 m.<ref name="RB15" /> The maximum radius of a vertical curve was 3,375 m.


===Bogies===
===Bogies===
[[BEML]] had signed a memorandum of understanding with KRC for exclusive manufacture and supply of innovative Skybus bogies, the prototype development of Skybus for the first time in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-04-02 |title=First prototype of sky-bus to be unveiled in Goa |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/first-prototype-of-sky-bus-to-be-unveiled-in-goa/articleshow/42093524.cms |access-date=2023-07-20 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
Two standard axle "bogies" provide the drive mechanism. Each bogie is driven by 3-phase alternating current (AC) motor. A third rail provides power. Braking is either regenerative (returning electricity to the grid) with supplemental disc and (emergency) mechanical braking. Power is delivered to the vehicles using brushes or by current carrying wheels.
Two standard axle "bogies" provide the drive mechanism. Each bogie is driven by 3-phase alternating current (AC) motor. A third rail provides power. Braking is either regenerative (returning electricity to the grid) with supplemental disc and (emergency) mechanical braking. Power is delivered to the vehicles using brushes or by current carrying wheels.


===Coaches===
===Coaches===
The coaches are double walled lightweight shells with wide larger windows & are suspended below the rails. The air conditioned coaches have 4m-wide automatic doors. They offer audiovisual information to passengers. Each pair of coaches carries 300 passengers. Each coach is 9.25m long and 3.2 m wide. "Trains" consist of two coaches, with total length of 18.5m.
The coaches are double walled lightweight shells with wide larger windows and are suspended below the rails. The air conditioned coaches have 4 m-wide automatic doors. They offer audiovisual information to passengers. Each pair of coaches carries 300 passengers. Each coach is 9.25 m long and 3.2 m wide. "Trains" consist of two coaches, with total length of 18.5 m.


===Traverser===
===Traverser===
The traverser automatically shifts units between tracks. The traverser is a modified form of transverser used in others industries for lifting & shifting objects. In the traverser a platform of track is hung to a bogie which consist of a motor & is also mounted on the track. The traverser acts like a station. A distance of 50m from the last station to the traverser is maintained to provide holding capacity for two units as a third unit is getting traversed in case of unforeseen delay.
The traverser automatically shifts units between tracks. The traverser is a modified form of transverser used in others industries for lifting & shifting objects. In the traverser a platform of track is hung to a bogie which consist of a motor and is also mounted on the track. The traverser acts like a station. A distance of 50 m from the last station to the traverser is maintained to provide holding capacity for two units as a third unit is getting traversed in case of unforeseen delay.


===Station===
===Station===
[[File:Skybus at Station.jpg|thumb|A Skybus Metro car at a station]]
The station is an air-conditioned platform 5.5 m above ground. Stations have automatic doors and lifts. A smart card opens the station door. The station fits in a 50 m long spot.
The station is an air-conditioned platform 5.5m above ground. Stations have automatic doors and lifts. A smart card opens the station door. The station fits in a 50m long spot.


==Trials==
==Trials==
In 2004 the [[Konkan Railway]] carried out a trial of Sky Bus in [[Margao]], [[Goa]] with the help of Goa state government. On 25 September, one employee was killed and three injured in an accident when the coaches hit the concrete track pillars, ending the trial.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050114221729/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2005-01-14 |title=National : Sky Bus Metro resumes after 3 months |date=2004-12-23 |accessdate=2010-08-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
In 2004 the [[Konkan Railway]] carried out a trial of Skybus in [[Margao]], [[Goa]] with the help of Goa state government. On 25 September, one employee was killed and three injured in an accident when the coaches hit the concrete track pillars, ending the trial.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050114221729/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304661200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2005-01-14 |title=National : Sky Bus Metro resumes after 3 months |date=2004-12-23 |accessdate=2010-08-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>


Managing director Bhanu Prakash Tayal shared that KRC was unable to engineer critical components like the "swing arrestor" and "switching apparatus" which could have potentially addressed the safety concerns that surrounded the project since the 2004 accident.<ref name=":0" />
Managing director Bhanu Prakash Tayal shared that KRC was unable to engineer critical components like the "swing arrestor" and "switching apparatus" which could have potentially addressed the safety concerns that surrounded the project since the 2004 accident.<ref name=":0" />


Rajaram defended Sky Bus, stating that the accident was avoidable.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1yYQcyramb5wecESziWdwWZtxdXkZpUQ897COcdE8H1I |title=ACD article 20th july 2010 |date= |accessdate=2012-11-26}}</ref>
Rajaram defended Skybus, stating that the accident was avoidable.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1yYQcyramb5wecESziWdwWZtxdXkZpUQ897COcdE8H1I |title=ACD article 20th july 2010 |date= |accessdate=2012-11-26}}</ref>


==Closure==
==Closure==
In October, 2013 the [[Konkan Railway]] Corporation (KRC) decided to discontinue the SkyBus project to curb expenses. The 1.6km test track was dismantled as a result of the decision. The KRC had solicited interest from foreign firms to maintain and upgrade the test track; this was met with poor response which also contributed to the decision to dismantle.<ref name=":0"/>
In October, 2013 the [[Konkan Railway]] Corporation (KRC) decided to discontinue the Skybus project to curb expenses. The 1.6 km test track was dismantled as a result of the decision. The KRC had solicited interest from foreign firms to maintain and upgrade the test track; this was met with poor response which also contributed to the decision to dismantle.<ref name=":0"/>
 
==Revival discussions==
 
The state government of [[Goa]] considered reviving Skybus for a north-south metro rail project in 2018.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/govt-may-pitch-for-metro-rail-line-from-north-to-south-goa/articleshow/65546478.cms Govt may pitch for metro rail line from north to south Goa]</ref>
 
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways [[Nitin Gadkari]] has advocated for building Skybus systems for [[Delhi]]-[[Gurgaon]], [[Bengaluru]], and [[Pune]]. In October 2023, he visited a suspended train system build by uSky Technologies in [[Sharjah]], [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/news/nitin-gadkari-tests-skybus-in-sharjah-delhi-bengaluru-pune-to-get-suspended-rail-system-soon-101696434230653.html Nitin Gadkari Tests Skybus In Sharjah; Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune To Get Suspended Rail System Soon?]</ref><ref>[https://news.abplive.com/auto/gadkari-wants-skybuses-for-bengaluru-to-decongest-roads-what-is-a-skybus-1552626 Nitin Gadkari Wants Skybuses For Bengaluru To Decongest Roads. What Is A Skybus?]</ref><ref>[https://www.indianarrative.com/economy-news/will-nitin-gadkari-finally-announce-sky-bus-service-for-indian-cities-152708.html Will Nitin Gadkari finally announce sky bus service for Indian cities?]</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pegu |first=Violina |date=October 26, 2023 |title=Explained: What are Sky Buses in India and Will We Get Them Soon? |url=https://coachbuildersindia.com/what-are-sky-buses-in-india/ |work=Coach Builders India}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 61: Line 112:
* [http://irfca.org/faq/faq-metro.html Indian Railways Fan Club: Konkan Railway Skybus Metro]
* [http://irfca.org/faq/faq-metro.html Indian Railways Fan Club: Konkan Railway Skybus Metro]
* [http://rajaram.bojji.googlepages.com/ B. Rajaram, designer of the Skybus Metro]
* [http://rajaram.bojji.googlepages.com/ B. Rajaram, designer of the Skybus Metro]
* [http://www.google.com/patents/US6688235?hl=de Suspended coach transportation system.] Patent US 6688235 B2.
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US6688235 Suspended coach transportation system.] Patent US 6688235 B2.


{{Rapid transit in India}}
{{Rapid transit in India}}

Latest revision as of 02:15, 13 March 2026


For other uses of "Skybus", see Skybus (disambiguation).

Skybus Metro
A Skybus Metro car at a station
Overview
Area servedMargao, Goa
Transit typeSuspended railway
Number of lines1
Number of stations1
Operation
Began operationNever entered service
Operator(s)Konkan Railway
Rolling stockBEML
Train length18.5 m (61 ft)
Technical
System length1.6 km (0.99 mi)
Minimum radius of curvature100 m (330 ft)
Top speed100 km/h (62 mph)

The Skybus Metro was a prototype suspended railway system by Indian technologist B. Rajaram with the BEML[1] and Konkan Railway[2] which is patented by the Indian Railways.[3] The system consisted of an elevated track with the cars suspended below, similar to the Wuppertal Schwebebahn or H-Bahn systems in Germany.

A 1.6 km (1 mi) test track in Margao, Goa started trials in 2004, but on 25 September, one employee was killed and three injured in an accident, ending the trial.[4] The test track was supposed to be extended to 10.5 km, but no progress was made after the accident.[5] In 2013, the Konkan Railway dismantled the line.[6]

Construction[edit | edit source]

Skybus can run at 100 km/h using electric power,[7] with suspended cars that carry the passengers.

Tracks[edit | edit source]

A Skybus Metro Railcar suspended at a station on the track at Margao, Goa, India. The system looks like a "monorail" but there are two conventional steel rails on the overhead concrete beam, with the car hanging from this.

Heavy 52 kilograms per metre (100 lb/yd) rails of standard gauge are placed in 8 m x 2 m-box enclosures of reinforced concrete. These double-track enclosures are supported over 1 m diameter columns 10 m tall, spaced at 15-20 m intervals on pile foundation. This structure was planned to run in the divider space between road lanes, so Skybus Metro follows existing road routes without disturbing at-grade traffic. The steepest gradient possible was 1.75 % and the sharpest curve had a radius of 100 m.[7] The maximum radius of a vertical curve was 3,375 m.

Bogies[edit | edit source]

BEML had signed a memorandum of understanding with KRC for exclusive manufacture and supply of innovative Skybus bogies, the prototype development of Skybus for the first time in the country.[8]

Two standard axle "bogies" provide the drive mechanism. Each bogie is driven by 3-phase alternating current (AC) motor. A third rail provides power. Braking is either regenerative (returning electricity to the grid) with supplemental disc and (emergency) mechanical braking. Power is delivered to the vehicles using brushes or by current carrying wheels.

Coaches[edit | edit source]

The coaches are double walled lightweight shells with wide larger windows and are suspended below the rails. The air conditioned coaches have 4 m-wide automatic doors. They offer audiovisual information to passengers. Each pair of coaches carries 300 passengers. Each coach is 9.25 m long and 3.2 m wide. "Trains" consist of two coaches, with total length of 18.5 m.

Traverser[edit | edit source]

The traverser automatically shifts units between tracks. The traverser is a modified form of transverser used in others industries for lifting & shifting objects. In the traverser a platform of track is hung to a bogie which consist of a motor and is also mounted on the track. The traverser acts like a station. A distance of 50 m from the last station to the traverser is maintained to provide holding capacity for two units as a third unit is getting traversed in case of unforeseen delay.

Station[edit | edit source]

The station is an air-conditioned platform 5.5 m above ground. Stations have automatic doors and lifts. A smart card opens the station door. The station fits in a 50 m long spot.

Trials[edit | edit source]

In 2004 the Konkan Railway carried out a trial of Skybus in Margao, Goa with the help of Goa state government. On 25 September, one employee was killed and three injured in an accident when the coaches hit the concrete track pillars, ending the trial.[9]

Managing director Bhanu Prakash Tayal shared that KRC was unable to engineer critical components like the "swing arrestor" and "switching apparatus" which could have potentially addressed the safety concerns that surrounded the project since the 2004 accident.[6]

Rajaram defended Skybus, stating that the accident was avoidable.[10]

Closure[edit | edit source]

In October, 2013 the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) decided to discontinue the Skybus project to curb expenses. The 1.6 km test track was dismantled as a result of the decision. The KRC had solicited interest from foreign firms to maintain and upgrade the test track; this was met with poor response which also contributed to the decision to dismantle.[6]

Revival discussions[edit | edit source]

The state government of Goa considered reviving Skybus for a north-south metro rail project in 2018.[11]

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has advocated for building Skybus systems for Delhi-Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Pune. In October 2023, he visited a suspended train system build by uSky Technologies in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.[12][13][14][15]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "First prototype of sky-bus to be unveiled in Goa". The Times of India. 2 April 2003. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  2. ↑ "Konkan Rly to invite EOI for Sky Bus metro". Deccan Herald.
  3. ↑ "Sky Bus Metro track gets US patent". The Times of India. 9 February 2004. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  4. ↑ Sastry, Anil (23 December 2004). "National : Sky Bus Metro resumes after 3 months". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 January 2005.
  5. ↑ Pandey, Vineeta (15 March 2005). "Skybus project: Fantasy or reality?". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 June 2006.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Its final! Konkan Railway Corporation to scrap skybus project - The Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Skybus Tech Movie Full". Rajaram Bojji. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
  8. ↑ "First prototype of sky-bus to be unveiled in Goa". The Times of India. 2 April 2003. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  9. ↑ "National : Sky Bus Metro resumes after 3 months". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 23 December 2004. Archived from the original on 14 January 2005. Retrieved 11 August 2010.
  10. ↑ "ACD article 20th july 2010". Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  11. ↑ Govt may pitch for metro rail line from north to south Goa
  12. ↑ Nitin Gadkari Tests Skybus In Sharjah; Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune To Get Suspended Rail System Soon?
  13. ↑ Nitin Gadkari Wants Skybuses For Bengaluru To Decongest Roads. What Is A Skybus?
  14. ↑ Will Nitin Gadkari finally announce sky bus service for Indian cities?
  15. ↑ Pegu, Violina (26 October 2023). "Explained: What are Sky Buses in India and Will We Get Them Soon?". Coach Builders India.

External links[edit | edit source]

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