As the name indicates, monorail is a single rail serving as a track for wheeled vehicles traveling on it. The monorail is a high-speed, high-capacity transportation system it is not a transit system such as light rail. The monorail will operate at speeds in excess of 100 kmph; it will operate at slower speeds through mountainous sections to ensure passenger comfort. Depending on the vehicle/car combination, 4-car train may occupy 100 passengers (Seated only) at any one time on a "Regular" operation. Nevertheless, on "Full" and "Crush" operation, the capacity may be increased to 300 respectively (Seated + 4pass/m2), at three minute headways. The monorail runs along a guideway elevated above the ground.

The vehicle wraps around its guideway beam. It has two sets of flangeless wheels; one set carries the vertical load and one set guides the vehicle. This makes the monorail very safe and stable, able to operate at high speeds, very difficult to derail, and able to operate in high crosswinds. Passengers will relax in a cabin very much like an aircraft compartment. The length of the cabin can be adjusted to meet passenger demand by adding or subtracting segments.

There has never been a passenger fatality in the history of the monorail technology that we are adopting because, it is designed for highly resistant to fire, toxic fumes and gases.

Depending on the vehicle/car combination 2-car train may occupy 100 passengers at any one time on a "Regular" operation. Nevertheless, on "Full" and "Crush" operation, the capacity may be increased to 225 and 300 respectively, at three minute headways.

The Technology

The vehicle is based on a proven European design which was tested extensively in the late 1980's. This design won the prestigious Lillehammer award, given by EUREKA (the technology organization for 23 European nations), as a breakthrough in transportation technology.

The vehicle wraps around its guideway beam. It has two sets of flangeless wheels; one set carries the vertical load and one set guides the vehicle. This makes the monorail very safe and stable, able to operate at high speeds, very difficult to derail, and able to operate in high crosswinds.

Passengers will relax in a cabin very much like an aircraft compartment. The length of the cabin can be adjusted to meet passenger demand by adding or subtracting segments.

The Motor

The monorail is powered by the SERAPHIM Linear Induction Motor developed at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The wheels are not powered. Acceleration and braking are provided by magnetic forces between electromagnets on the vehicle and induction magnets in the guideway, not by traction through the wheels.

• The motor has no moving parts
• This motor enables the vehicle to climb steep grades
• Snow and ice do not degrade the vehicle's performance

Electrical power is provided on the guideway beam which is connected to the power gri

The System

The monorail is a high-speed, high-capacity transportation system it is not a transit system such as light rail. The monorail will operate at speeds in excess of 125 mph; it will operate at slower speeds through mountainous sections to ensure passenger comfort. At capacity, the system could move up to 10,000 people per hour in each direction, using 20-segment vehicles carrying 500 passengers on average, at three minute headways. The monorail runs along a guideway elevated above the ground.

The design and nature of the monorail system makes it very difficult for trespassers to access the guideway and power rails. It is designed for highly resistant to fire, toxic fumes and gases.

All trains are be operated by a driver positioned at the head of the train for passenger comfort and assurance. Nevertheless, the operations of these trains are monitored at each individual station and a Control Centre equipped with full fail-safe train technology system.

The monorail system is more environmentally friendly than other railway or light rail transit system, having a low visual impact, a narrow guideway structure, stations of pleasing appearance, and rubber-tyre vehicles with low noise and vibration levels.

Present Status

• Authority accorded in -principle approval to implement the project for 25 km on pilot basis.
• RITES has been appointed as a consultant to assist MMRDA in
•   Preparation of Engineering and Feasibility Report.
•   Bidding process till award of contract.

In response to global invitation of applications for prequalification, seven applications were received on 25th Januaray, 2008. After evaluation of applications following three applicants have been qualified:-

1. Bombardier Transporation India Ltd
2. Reliance Energy Ltd. & Hitachi (Japan)
3. Larsen & Toubro Limited India and SCOMI Group Bhd. (Malaysia)