A SEMINAR REPORT

ON
SKYBUS

B.TECH- IV (CIVIL)
SUBMITTED BY:
DHARMIK DOBARIYA
(ROLL NO.: U11CE033)

GUIDED BY:
Prof. B. J. BATLIWALA
CED, SVNIT

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Year: 2014 15
SARDAR VALLABHBHAI NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY (SVNIT)
SURAT-395007

U11CE033 CED, SVNIT, SURAT

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Certificate
This is to certify that Seminar- entitled

SKYBUS
Submitted by
Name of candidate Dharmik Dobariya (Roll no. U11CE033 )

In partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of

Bachelor in Civil Engineering
From Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat
is the record of his own work carried out by him under the
guidance of Name of Faculty member (Designation, Civil
Engineering Department, SVNIT)
Prof.B.J.BATLIWALA

(Supervisor)

U11CE033 CED, SVNIT, SURAT

Dr. P L Patel

Head, Civil Engineering Dept.,

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DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

S. V. National Institute of Technology, Surat

DHARMIK DOBARIYA registered in Civil Engineering Department of S.V.N.I.T.

Surat having Roll No. U11CE033 has successfully presented his Seminar-VII
on 24/11/2014 at __:__ P.M. The seminar is presented before the following
members of the Committee.
Sign

Date

1) Examiner-1

_________ ___________ _________

2) Examiner-2

_________ ___________ _________

The Seminar entitled SKYBUS is submitted to the Head (CED) along with
this certificate.

Place: Surat

Date: 24/11/2014
(Dr. P V Timbadiya/Dr. S M Yadav)
Project Co-ordiantor

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to acknowledge Prof. B.J. Batliwala (Technical Seminar Coordinator)
for guiding me on how to go on with technical seminar writing. Without his guidance my
seminar report would not be in this state. Moreover, my sincere thanks goes to my seminar
guide Prof. B. J. Batliwala for guiding and giving timely feedback while writing my draft
seminar report. Prof. B. J. Batliwala has also tipped me on what should include in good
seminar writing and this idea helped me a lot while writing whole of my draft seminar
report. I would also like to thanks college CCC section for providing internet access for
24 hours which has helped in finding sources for writing my seminar report.

DHRMIK DOBARIYA,
U11CE033

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ABSTRACT

This report proposes a solution of traffic in the metro cities. Though many efforts
are made by government to solve this issue, it hasnt succeeded fully. Skybus is an Indian
invention which was proposed by Mr. B. Rajaram, chief engineer, Konkan Railway. The
biggest plus point of Skybus is that land acquisition is not required. In metro cities, land is
very precious asset. Many times when government wants to give new facilities to resolve
the problem of traffic, the land is not available there. In this case, land isnt an issue at all.
Skybus runs on the elevated skyway which is the same rail that we use for conventional
trains. The vehicles can run on the flyover bridges and below this bridges, skybus can also
run. The space between road and flyover is of no use at all. So, this space can be used to
run skybus. The skybus can run very fast upto 100 kmph and is able to take 300 persons in
one trip. It is totally safe and also economical than private vehicle and normal road buses.
Though many efforts have been made, the project of skybus is still in experimental
phase. Indian government has not shown much interest in skybus. Government trust
conventional railway more over skybus. The success of the project totally depends on
political will.

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CONTENTS
TITLE

PAGE

CERTIFICATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

LIST OF FIGURES

1.

INTRODUCTION

8-9

2.

COMPARISION OF SKYBUS WITH EXISTING RAILWAYS

10-11

2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF IDEAL SOLUTION

11

3.

SKYBUS
3.1 DESCRIPTION

12-14
12

3.2 DESIGN LOADS

13-14

4.

WORKING PRINCIPLE

15-16

5.

COMPONENENTS OF SKYBUS

17-19

5.1 SKY WAY

18

5.2 SKY BOGIE

18

5.3 SKY COATCHES

18

5.4 SKY STATION

19

5.5 TRAVERSER ARRANGEMENTS

19

6.

ADVANTAGES

20-23

7.

GOA SKYBUS

24

REFERENCES

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FIG NO.

LIST OF FIGURES

3(a).

Skybus system

13

3(b).

Skybus system

13

3(c).

Arrangements of bogies and sky coaches

13

4(a).

Standard railway coach

15

4(b).

Under frame with wheel set

15

4(c).

Coach attached with under frame

16

4(d).

Moving skybus

16

5(a).

Sky way

17

5(b).

Sky bogie

17

5(c).

Sky coaches

17

5(d).

Sky station

17

5(e).

Traverser arrangements

17

6(a).

Raksha kavach

23

6(b).

Emergency exit system

23

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1. INTRODUCTION

India is one of the leading developing country in the world community today. But,
the main obstacle it is facing is its large population. Now-a-days communication has been
one of the most important aspect where our country is concentrating to work in, for its
development, where mass transportation plays a vital role as we always have to think about
moving of a large population in a very denser area. Thats why our Government is planning
to implement the new technologies in mass public transportation.

All administrations are in search of an economically viable solution to the

transportation problem, which is also environmental friendly. The present conventional
capital-intensive technologies are proving to be financially unviable and require heavy
subsidy, which is not practical.

Mr, B. Rajaram, Chief engineer, Konkan Railway

The new technological solution, in terms of Skybus Metro is based on the concept
of Sky Wheels presented in 1989 at World Congress for Railway research. Mr. B. Rajaram
was the developer of skybus metro. His inventions cover railway technologies, worlds first
Intelligent Anticollision Devices Network,"RAKSHA KAVACH" (already under
implementation over 2500km of route on Indian Railways), Sky Bus Metro (concept first
presented in Bologna University Italy, by him in 1989) This innovative alternative

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transportation solution completely eliminates any possibility of vandalism, derailments and

virtually maintenance free.

Skybus Metro is the new rail based mass transit system that re-defines urban
transport solution making the existing elevated and underground metros obsolete! Skybus
Technology Launched 15th Oct.2003 Life size Prototype at Margao, Goa by Mr. Nitish
Kumar, Hon'ble Minister of Railways, India.

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2. COMPARISION OF SKYBUS WITH EXISTING RAILWAYS

Heavy concentrations of residential units coupled with require movement to work
places or to market places demand transportation o people.
Roads are to cater for the same. But roads have a limitation- the area available
remains constant, once the development is completed, and old cities in particular throw up
the problems of mismatch of designed capacity versus the increasing pressure of
populations.
Let us examine the various modes of transport that population uses in a city and
their capacities and limitations, to evolve requirements of urban transport solution in a
holistic manner.

Currently available solutions are either elevated railway or underground railway if

mass transportation is required:

Elevated railway technically cannot reach truly congested central busy roads where the
mass transport is needed. It is also too invasive and may require dislocation of some
portions of habitat as well as introduces noise pollution.

Underground railway is less invasive on surface but still poses technically

challenging risks of fires and evacuations. It also has to address concerns for foundations
of heritage buildings.

If road vehicles are involved, in inter-modal transfers, it becomes weak link in the
chain of transport between walking and railway. Both modes suffer from derailments and
capsizing killing commuters.
If road vehicles are involved, in inter-modal transfers, it becomes weak link in the
chain of transport between walking and railway. Both modes suffer from derailments and
capsizing killing commuters.

Surface railway is impossible to lay in an existing city. But even to lay the same in
a new development, one should keep in mind what happens after 50 years of laying the
same. We have living example of our own suburban system.

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The city remains divided by the corridor and it is an eternal noise polluter in the
heart of city day in and day out. Sudden disgorging of heavy loads of commuters at stations
create need less congestion on the roads, reducing quality of life. Almost close to 2000
persons die annually- because of trespassing or falling from trains in our present systemwhatever be the excuse and justification for accepting the same. In addition vulnerable to
minor vandalism by urchins, but resulting in grievous injuries like losing sight for the
commuters. Again this mode cannot follow roads, so the weak link of road vehicles has to
be brought in for inter-modal transfers.

Derailments, collisions and capsizing concerns remain with loss of life for all the
above mentioned three systems.

The infrastructure created for urban transport is hardly utilized to 30 to 40%

capacity because of directional as well as inevitable peaks for limited hours in a day. It has
no other use and just idles.

2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF IDEAL SOLUTION

1. follows the existing roads- but does not take road space- and be as flexible as a
bus
2. Have rail based mass transit capacity, same as existing rail metro
3. Does not divide city while providing integration along its alignment
4. Be derailment and collision proof- with NO CAPSIZING of coaches- so that
there can never be loss of life
5. Should be free from vandalism
6. Noise free and pollution-free
7. Non-invasive -requiring the least amount of scarce land space- and not come in
the way of development.
Skybus possesses all above characteristics

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3. SKYBUS

3.1 DESCRIPTION

Heavy 52/60 kg /m rails placed at standard gauge floating in elastic medium and
damped by inertia of measured mass held in a 8 m X 2m box enclosure, supported over a
1m dia. columns spaced at 15 m and located at 15m distance from each other, in the divider
space in between lanes on a roadway, at a height of 8m above road surface- provides the
support and guidance for powered bogies which can run at 100 kmph, with the coach shells
suspended below , carry passengers in air conditioned comfort, can follow existing road
routes, while existing traffic on roads continue.

The fixed structure at 8 m height above road level is aesthetically pleasing and there
is no concern of claustrophobic feeling for road users.

Aesthetic and eco-friendly, the Sky Bus can never derail, capsize nor collided by
design as well as by construction, hence is safer than existing rail-based system. With no
signalling and having no points and crossings, it is a unique mass-transit system, which can
be put up within two years in any crowded & congested city.

Sky Bus metro falls under tramway category, under Art 366(20) of Constitution of
India, since it operates along existing roadways and within municipal limits, hence
excluded from Indian railway act.

2.2 THE SYSTEM

Well proven rail guided bogie system commonly used for normal railway system.
Proven 3 phase asynchronous AC electrical motive unit-well proven and widely adopted
abroad as well as in India. Light weight coaches called Sky Buses which are suspended
from Bogies and travel below rail guides.

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3(a). Skybus system

3(b). Skybus system

Pre-fabricated latest construction technologies, which save time and money

resulting in easy execution of the project in busy urban areas without disturbing the existing
traffic pattern. These structural engineering methods are well proven which do not have
any project execution risk attached.

3.2: DESIGN LOADS

The sky bus metro is designed considering various parameters to make it the mode
of mass transportation of the next generation. Passengers safety, environment safety, low
cost of production, noise less movement and economic running are few most important
parameters, based upon which this is designed.

3(c). Arrangements of bogies and suspednded coaches

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Weight of -2 axle motor: 5 t

Bogie Tare weight of coach: 6.5 t
Weight of equipment: 2t
Passenger load: 9 t
Total for a bogie: 24 t
Axle load: 12t

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4. WORKING PRINCIPLE
Standard Railway coach running on railway track

4(a). Standard railway coach

The under-frame with standard railway wheel-set running on railway track..

4(b). Under frame with wheel set

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The under-frame remains same, railway wheels run on the same track, the coach is
firmly attached to the under-frame positively.

4(c). Coach attached with under frame

The under-frame with wheels and railway traction motors & railway track enclosed
in the concrete box- travel on the railway track, carrying the coach below outside the
concrete box- now the coach and the track are positively held together.

4(d). Moving skybus

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5. COMPONENETS OF SKYBUS
The system Sky Bus Metro consists of several conventional and some new proven
technologies, which makes the Sky bus more efficient. These are designed so that to keep
the sky bus moving without any defect and to give the passengers the ultimate comfort
along with other luxurious facilities which they cannot get in the local buses or in trains.
The various important components of this system are given below;

The sky way

Sky bogies

Sky coaches

Sky stations

Traverser arrangements

5(a). The Sky Way

5(c). Sky Coaches

5(b). Sky Bogie

5(d). Sky Station

5(d). Traverser Arrangements

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5.1 SKY WAY

In the middle of roadway pile foundations support 1 m diameter column

approximately 8 m high, and space at 15 m all along the roadway.

The sky way consists of a concrete box structure carried over a series of piers at a
height of 9 m to 10 m above existing road level. Two rails fixed with appropriate fastenings
within the concrete box support and guide the sky bogie.

There are no points & crossings.

5.2 SKY BOGIE

Standard two axle bogies used in metros for speed of 100 kmph are used(but can
have higher speeds, if required up to 160 kmph) -of standard gauge.

Linear induction motor technology is incorporated-with 4th rail driving which is

above the bogie/or 3 Ph AC motors with regenerative power capability.Third rail is used
for current collection.

Braking system is mounted on bogie. Generally disc brakes are used. Emergency
mechanical brakes are also available.

5.3 SKY COACHES

Double walled light shells with wide large windows are suspended from the sky
bogies are used. Controlled banking on curves- even 100m radius curves can be handled.
Air conditioned and with automatic doors are mounted.

Audio visual information to passengers Special 4m wide sliding doors for quick
entry & exit of passengers. Each pair carries 300 persons and service every two is possible.

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5.4 SKY STATION

Unlike conventional mass transit systems, Skybus needs smaller stations. Service
in every 2 minutes that is virtually no waiting time for passengers. Totally automated
without drivers or guards-and access control is also electronic by prepaid cards being
swiped in. Stations act as only access facility, and not as passenger holding area.

5.5 TRAVERSER ARRANGEMENTS

There are no points and crossings in Skybus. The traverser is the system which
automatically shifts the sky bus units for balancing the loads/ changing routes too as well
as shift units to depot lines etc.

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6. ADVANTAGES
Fast Transportation
Every minute passengers to get Air Conditioned 100 km/hr speed travel facility
covering distances at more than 45 km/hr. Average speed at just 50 paise per km.

No Land Acquisition Problems

In this new technology of `Sky Wheels, almost no land acquisition will be required,
except for providing for right of way on existing roadways. Only at terminal points,
minimum amount of land of the order of 2000 to 4000 sq.m of area will be required that
too at places away from the urban centre.

No demolition
Of structures or gardens. No environmental hazards.

No Vandalism
Not vulnerable to persons throwing stones and track is inaccessible.

No capsizing
If at all derails, cannot fall down coach keeps hanging. Hence no capsizing takes
place as compared to railways and underground metros.

No Deaths
Due to trespassing/falling off from train- In normal metros like Mumbai daily 2 to
3 deaths occur on the system with total casualties reaching almost 2000 per year.

Deep Penetration
Skybus follows existing busy roads, thus reaches the very heart of the city
decongesting the roads. This is not possible in case of Normal Railway.

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Low Capital cost

Almost 50% of elevated systems & 25% of underground metro for same
performance standards

Lowest Operational cost

Maintenance free tracks, no signals & points & crossings to maintain

No interference with normal road traffic

Does not require road over /under bridges.

Fast Clearance
Since the system involves guide ways in the sky, which does not fall into an exact
definition of Railway, the number of agencies involved in clearing and executing the project
will be minimum and only one authority at state level will be created for implementing the
project.

Capacity
Can handle 18 000 to 80 000 pphpd (Persons per hour per direction) and can still
cater to growing needs.

Flyover
It can be built on roads with Fly over. It is not an impediment.

Fast Execution
From the date financial closure is achieved, the Project can be completed and
commissioned within 100 weeks i.e. about 24 months.

No Pollution
Aesthetically pleasing & no noise pollution.

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No Force Major
Insulated against floods, rains and obstruction on track.

No traffic Jams
You reach your destination fast.

Low Travel cost

At 50 paise per km, Air-conditioned travel is affordable.

Comfort
All Sky Buses are Air-conditioned giving you excellent comfort of traveling.

Tourism
Enjoy the birds eye view of your city.

Easy Access
User needs to walk maximum 500 meter distance to board the Sky-Bus.

Amenity
Senior citizens and differently enabled persons have lift facility.

Luxury
Clean and comfortable cafes, business centers, restaurants and communication
facilities with health parks made available on Sky-Top, thus adding to urban space

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Raksha Kavach
The chances of collision between two skybuses is nearly zero. Because the well
tested anti-collision device developed by Er. B. Rajaram called as Raksha Kavach will
be there in each sky bus bogie.
In normal railway systems, when collision takes place,derailment also occurs, and
carriages capsize killing people. But in Sky Bus no collision can take place between the
coaches- even after the 3 levels of braking fail and the Skybus units hit each other in a
collision, the Sky Coaches in which people are travelling, will only swing to and fro- but
will not collide with each other nor capsize.

6(a). Raksha Kavach

Emergency Exit System

If there will be any problem occurs in the skybus during its running and it has to be
stopped between two sky station, then there are the safety air bags are provided with each
coaches for emergency exit of the passengers in the mid-way.

6(b). Emergency exit System

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7. GOA SKYBUS PROJECT

Atal Bihari Vajpayee government started Goa Skybus project in 2003. The pilot
project, under the first phase, was to have linked Mapusa with Panaji, with the proposed
initial route stretching 10.5 km. The Skybus could carry six million passengers daily, or
80,000 hourly. The biggest advantage of this project is that it still remains the most costeffective alternative to the Metro rail at Rs.60-75 crore per route km as compared to Rs.215
crore for the Metro overland line and Rs.400 crore for the underground Metro, according
to Rajaram. This skybus was prefabricated structure which needed less capital.

The skybus started in 2004, but on 25 September, on employee was killed and in an
accident when the coaches hit the concrete track pillars.

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REFERENCES
[1] http://skybus.blogspot.in
[2] https://sites.google.com/site/skybusmetro
[3] http://google.in
[4] http://google.co.in/imghp

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