Nagpur: Urban transport in the country is scaling new heights. After the metro rail, another ambitious project is taking shape – Bus-in-Air – project. This will be a 150-seater bus project that will be plying air. This project will soon be launched by Nitin Gadkari, the city MP and Union minister for road transport, highways and shipping. Gadkari also shared that the tender will be finalised by August 15.
The project to be launched will cover the 70km stretch from Dhaula Kuan and Manesar (near New Delhi). Gadkari informed that this will be a unique urban mobility solution project among all the rapid transport services. He added that such projects are need, given the higher consumption of petrol and diesel. It will also help in easing traffic situations.
A big round of applause was conferred to Gadkari by the finance minister and railway minister Piyush Goyal and CM Devendra Fadnavis.
While the project was shared with the public for the first time, famous publication Times of India had reported about it in 2015. In a follow up to the report, in 2016, TOI had quoted Gadkari stating that the report is likely to be launched soon.
The unique project is referred to as Metrino public wherein small driverless vehicle pods are operated on an overhead electrical network.
Gadkari learnt of this project from a private company in Austria. Currently there are two technologies available for running the project.
The union minister has several ambitious plans under the kitty which includes a dedicated lane for electric-run trucks. He plans to replace trolley buses that operate on overhead electric lines.
Gadkari also urged Goyal to explore options to reduce import of fuel. He said he wants that NMC uses methane gases to run their vehicles. Currently the gas is stocked and not used. Gadkari will work towards reviving the project.
Goyal informed that more funds are now being allocated for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electic Vehicles in India (FAME).
