Why in the news?

• Central government is pushing for MetroNeo Technology in the tier 2 and tier 3 cities in the recent budget.
• Nashik of Maharashtra will be the first city to adopt MetroNeo project.

What is MetroNeo technology?

• The MetroNeo service consists of electric bus coaches – their lengths varying from 18 to 25 metres – with a carrying capacity of 200 to 300 passengers at a time.
• MetroNeo is a comfortable, rapid, energy-efficient and less noisy transport medium. 
• The buses will have rubber tyres and draw power from an overhead electric wire with 600-750 V DC supply, similar to railways or trams. 
• The buses will be air-conditioned, with automatic door closing system, level boarding, comfortable seats, passenger announcement system, and an information system with electronic display.
• The system has been designed in such a way that there will be a train service after every two minutes.
• A Feeder Bus of 12-metre length will be battery-powered and run on the existing road on the two feeder routes. 
• The feeder bus batteries will get charged while operating on the main corridors that will enable seamless travel with a wider coverage. No separate charging facility will be required.

Reference:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/metroneo-rail-maharashtra-nashik-transport-7171793/