Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently embarked on a journey of exploration, visiting innovative urban mobility solutions in both Sharjah, UAE, and Prague, Czech Republic. His visit to the pilot certification and experience centre of uSky Technology in Sharjah left him enthralled by the Sky Bus, an elevated rail cable system designed to revolutionize urban transportation. Here’s a closer look at his experiences and the potential impact of this groundbreaking mobility solution.
Sky Bus in Sharjah: A Game-Changer for India’s Urban Mobility
During his stopover in Sharjah, Gadkari took a test ride of the Sky Bus and witnessed a safety and evacuation demonstration presented by uSky Technology. Impressed by the technology’s potential, Gadkari shared, “uSky Technology has developed Sky Bus solutions, and iSky Mobility has tied up with uSky to bring these mobility services to India.” The Sky Bus promises to offer a sustainable, congestion-free urban mobility solution while reducing pollution and traffic congestion. Furthermore, its elevated rail cable system minimises land use, making it a valuable addition to India’s mobility infrastructure.
Advantages of the Sky Bus
uSky Technology’s Sky Bus stands out for its unique design and elevated overpass system. This design comes with a host of advantages, including optimised aerodynamics, increased speed, unprecedented safety measures, rational land and resource utilisation, and minimal environmental impact. Moreover, the cost of constructing and operating the Sky Bus is significantly lower compared to existing transport solutions, making it an economically viable choice for urban transportation.
Gadkari’s Explorations in Prague
Before his visit to Sharjah, Gadkari had an official tour of the Czech Republic, where he participated in a ministerial session on Road Safety at the 27th World Road Congress in Prague. On the sidelines, he engaged with international organisations, academia, industry leaders, domain experts, and stakeholders, reaffirming his commitment to exploring sustainable mobility solutions.
Hydrogen Buses and Electric Trolley Buses in Prague
Gadkari’s enthusiasm for sustainable mobility solutions was further evident during his stay in Prague. He took a test drive in a hydrogen bus by Skoda, emphasising their potential to reduce carbon emissions and address environmental concerns. Notably, this aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to establish the country as a global hub for green hydrogen technology.
In Prague, Gadkari also experienced a 24-metre long electric trolley bus, which holds the distinction of being the world’s longest overhead power electric trolley bus. He highlighted its potential as a cost-effective alternative to capital-intensive metro systems, especially on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes, where dedicated lines for such buses could enhance public transportation infrastructure.
Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Mobility
Gadkari’s journey of exploration concluded with a significant announcement. He revealed that uSky Technology from Sharjah had partnered with iSky to bring Sky Buses to India, emphasising that the elevated rail cable system would minimise land use, making it a valuable addition to the nation’s infrastructure.
In summary, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s recent visits to Sharjah and Prague showcase his dedication to exploring innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions. The Sky Bus, in particular, holds the promise of transforming India’s urban transportation landscape, offering a cleaner, greener, and more efficient mode of travel for urban residents.
