Konkan Railway scraps its Sky Bus project

Konkan Railways Corporation has scrapped its over Rs 100 crore Sky bus project as it may not be "commercially viable".
The Konkan Railways Corporation Limited instead suggested that the Goa government can come up with a proposal of 'metro' for the coastal state.
"The Sky Bus project was an experiment. We have scrapped it. The project required huge investment to the tune of Rs 100-150 crore and we were not sure whether it would be commercially viable," KRCL's Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Gupta told reporters here.
The prototype of Sky Bus project was installed near Margao Railway Station, 40 kms away from here, which is currently being dismantled.

Gupta said after conducting a detailed study, KRCL realised that it would not be wise to have a project like Sky Bus in Goa.
Gupta said the KRCL has been concentrating on increasing the number of trains on the existing routes in the state.

On being asked whether KRCL will introduce metro train service in the state, Gupta said it is for the Goa government to decide if the state requires a metro.
"Metro rail system in every metro like Delhi or Mumbai is an initiative of the state government. However, if state (government) comes up with the proposal and willing to invest, then we are ready to have linkages within the cities," he added.

Gupta said KRCL has already submitted a proposal to the Goa government to link the upcoming Greenfield Mopa airport to the rail services through a dedicated line.