The Indian Central Government is on the verge of approving national standard specifications for Metro Neo. This brand new urban rail transit system is an economical, no-frills project targeted at serving tier 2 and tier 3 cities across the nation.
About Metro Neo
Designed to be a mass rapid transit system, Metro Neo aims to provide an affordable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transport for smaller cities. Unlike conventional metro systems, Metro Neo relies on traction power drawn from overhead wires and operates on a road instead of the traditional track system. The feasibility of this new system lies in places where the footfall peaks at around 8,000 passengers, one way during rush hours.
Metro Neo systems have a lighter and smaller footprint compared to traditional metro trains. Despite offering similar facilities, they cost only 25% of conventional systems. This makes them a more affordable alternative to Metrolite systems which cost approximately 40% of regular metro systems.
Metro Neo in Maharashtra
The government of Maharashtra has already endorsed the innovative Metro Neo for introduction in the city of Nashik. This makes Nashik the first city to accept this modern Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).
Metro Trains and Metrolite
Currently, the country is developing high capacity metro rail systems for larger cities that experience heavy passenger traffic and Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT). However, several smaller cities with lower traffic projections are also expressing demand for a rail-based mass rapid transit system. The solution? A Light Urban Rail Transit System named ‘Metrolite’, which offers lesser capacity at a significantly lower cost and can serve as a feeder system to the high capacity metro.
Other Cutting-edge Modes of Urban Mobility
Aside from Metro Neo, there are other innovative transportation systems being considered for the future:
Hyperloop Transportation System: Conceptualized by Tesla’s founder Elon Musk, the Hyperloop is a transport system that propels a pod-like vehicle through a virtually vacuum-sealed tube at speeds equalling an airplane. The US-based Hyperloop Transport Technology (HTT) estimates that it costs approximately USD 40 million per kilometre to construct a hyperloop system, which is roughly half the price of building a high-speed train line. Through an agreement with Virgin Group, the Maharashtra government is exploring options to introduce the Hyperloop system.
Pod Taxi: The concept of Pod Taxi or Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) was introduced in 2017 when the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) sought to launch India’s first autonomous pod taxi systems on a 70 km stretch from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi to Manesar in Haryana. This service involves driverless vehicles shaped like pods carrying two to six people each and operating at speeds between 80-130 km per hour along pre-determined routes.
Future Direction
India faces numerous mobility-related challenges such as pollution and traffic congestion. Therefore, the need for optimized mobility services is urgent. These services should promote green, clean practices while also ensuring accessibility and safety for all demographics, including women, children, and the elderly.
In summary, cities are the main drivers of economic growth. For a rapidly urbanizing nation like India, efficient mass rapid transit systems like Metro Neo could play a key role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and enable movement of people instead of just vehicles.
