Metro Rail too much to handle - Can we leapfrog...

Where as the need of a high capacity transit system for our cities is beyond any doubt,at a cost of Rs. 16000 crores for about 33 kms., as it stands on this day and further escalation anticipated, Bangalore Metro looks pretty expensive. Can Bangalore leapfrog into a next generation public transport system ? The answer today is a resounding "YES". The new system called MetroLITE will in turn use a fleet of eco-friendly vehicles - 15-seater open minibus and auto-rickshaw running on electric or 4-stroke LPG, electric cars, electric scooters and lots of bicycles - parked at demand-responsive locations around the city. These will be used to service short trips and feeder trips to an advanced form of on-demand bus service and carpooling. Metro/mono rail will be used at the high density corridors "at grade", wherever required. Together, it is estimated that at an average cost of Rs. 20 crores per kilometer for an estimated network of 600 kms., we can have a full-fledged transport system - that will offer personalised mobility services - for Rs. 12000 crores. Compare this with Metro Rail cost of Rs. 16,000 crores for 33 kms. A way to go...