LPG powers monorail dream

KOLKATA: It is yet to be seen whether Kolkata's autorickshaw fleet makes a smooth transition to LPG, but if things move according to plan, the city could have a first-of-its kind monorail running on LPG from Budge Budge to Rabindra Sarobar Metro station by 2011.
The project was awarded to Andromeda Technologies Ltd a couple of years back, and work is expected to begin from March this year.
"Our city needs fresh air to breathe. So, we decided to develop a viable transport system, which will have negligible emission," Biplab Bhattacharya, director of Andromeda Technologies Ltd, told TOI. "There is anyway a shortage in electric supply and daily requirements are difficult to meet. Using LPG is the next best option. But this monorail can be run on LPG and, if required, on electricity, too. We kept that option in case there is a shortage of LPG. It was inspired from hybrid technology. Even high-end cars could now be run on more than one type of fuel."
The board members were also influenced by the Kyoto Protocol. "Carbon credits could generate a lot of revenue," said company chairman P C Sen. "We thought that instead of using grid power electricity, if it is run on LPG, we could save the carbon and later credit it. In fact, that is our principal motto."
Before the project gets started, however, a PWD clearance is needed to go ahead with soil testing and digging. West Bengal Transport Secretary Sumantra Chowdhury said: "The order has long been given on a build-own-andoperate basis. Now, it is for them to take it up with the PWD and progress." The board members of Andromeda are, however, hopeful that PWD will extend all support to the project.
The monorail will run parallel to a proposed flyover near Maheshtala, and later use the port area to reach Taratola and continue till the Rabindra Sarobar Metro station, covering total of 20 km. Clearance is also awaited from the Calcutta Port Trust.
The estimated project cost is about Rs 1,200 crore and the initial investment has been made by the Andromeda . But, currently, they are on the verge of finalizing a deal with investors before Andromeda starts work in March. The project plan also includes leasing out space in stations, which will add to revenue.
"When everybody is talking about Rajarhat, we thought the area beyond Taratola needs development, especially when there is a port," Bhattacharya added. "The area from Budge Budge to Taratola still has a suburban feel, though two big reality projects are coming up. Our project survey has expected to get more than a lakh passengers daily."
The proposed service would be helpful for people who travel to the other extreme of the city for work, thanks to feeder buses. Andromeda plans to start feeder bus services from Taratola to various destinations in Salt Lake, Behala, Rajarhat and Uluberia. "The buses will also be LPG-run . We are holding talks with Ashok Leyland and Tata for this," said Bhattacharya. "It will be a boon for people travelling to Uluberia or Rajarhat," said Bhulukanti Sarkar, Budge Budge Municipality chairman.
Route
Covering the 16-km stretch from Budge Budge to Taratola and another 4 km till Rabindra Sarobar Metro station
Total stretch: 20 km
Timing 14 hours to 16 hours a day
Interval of 10 minutes during peak time and 20 minutes during lean hours, or number of coaches could be reduced
Pricing
Same price slab as that of proposed East-West Metro
Partnering
German company Fernmeldewerk Munchen Aubing GmbH for signalling and Derap AG will partner Andromedas
German company Helbling Technik for technological know-how will be their partner