AT an age where youngsters plan their way to cinema halls, 21-year-old Abhay Chavan plans to ease traffic on the busy Sinhagad Road.



Chavan, pursuing masters in computer application at Sinhgad College of Architecture, strongly recommends Skybus Rapid Transit Service as opposed to metro rail recommended by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

PMC had proposed skybus in 2006, but later rejected it because they felt it was not as flexible as the conventional bus system. According to Chavan, metro rail will not only create sound pollution but will also require more space. Future expansion of metro rail will also be very expensive.

He criticised the present PMPML bus service and also objected to BRT on Sinhagad Road. "Dandekar Bridge to Dhairi Fata is nightmare for any vehicle, especially during peak hours of the day," he said.

Chavan pointed out that PMPML, besides running in losses, was creating air and sound pollution. "We, therefore, need to provide a transport system that will have its own territory and will run with the help of non-conventional source of energy," he said. He proposed that skybus runs at the height of seven metres above the ground on solar energy.

"Skybus is not only a quiet mode of transport, but will also give a futuristic look to the city," Chavan said.
The project will initially cost Rs 50 crore while the working cost will be 50 paise per km. Passengers can travel in AC coaches on the same fare.

"I have proposed sky stations at main junctions that will have two layers," he added. The upper deck will have a platform, while the lower deck can accommodate a bazaar.