The Goa government has reportedly given up on Konkan Railway Corporation's proposed sky bus metro project, following protracted delays in Central government clearance.

Goa is understood to have decided to float expressions of interest from global firms to set up a monorail linking three major cities -- Panjim, Mapusa and Margao.

KRC, it may be recalled, had constructed a Rs.50 crore test track in Goa and even undertook trial runs in August 2004. During the trial runs, there was an accident that resulted in one death and some injuries.

This was one of the reasons for delay in Central clearance. Further, there was also confusion in government circles about who is the responsible agency for giving safety certification to the sky bus project since it could not be included under the extant Railways Act.

The sky bus metro project -- once dubbed as a path-breaking innovation of Konkan Railway -- has not yet found takers, although over six states expressed initial interest. Negotiations were also underway with foreign countries for implementing the sky bus project.

Also See:

Skybus project further delayed (12-Apr-05)

For all news relating to KRC's sky bus project, click here.

(Picture: Skybus metro during the trial runs at Goa)