Light rail transit better option than underground, elevated metro

A better option as compared to the metro and a relief from the tug of war between underground and elevated metro, the Green Thumb, an environmental protection group, has come up with a solution of light rail transit system (LRT).

The issue has not been considered by any of the authorities, group or NGO as an option for the metro. The group’s managing trustee, Col Suresh Patil, put forth the proposal at a press conference in the city on Wednesday.

“LRT is one of the best solutions and least expensive option for the metro. Instead of spending Rs1,000 crore, we would end up spending only about Rs100 crore.  Also, the construction time is about one year and we will not have to wait for another 10 or 15 years,” Patil said.

Commander Ravindra Waman Pathak said, “The LRT is to be built on ground level. Thus, avoiding any accidents caused by tracks that are below ground level.”

LRT is one of the fastest and safest ways to travel in various cities of the world. Trains operate at a maximum speed of 70 kmph. It can help you save money on fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance. LRT trains operate on electricity, which can help reduce air pollution from vehicle emissions and greenhouse gas.

A transit rider creates 65% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than an auto user for the same trip.

Light rail or light rail transit (LRT) is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems.

The term is typically used to refer to rail systems with rapid transit-style features that usually use electric rail cars.