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WebIndia123.com Mumbai | October 10, 2005 7:45:49 PM IST The implementation of skybus project, an ambitious and innovative venture of the Konkan Railway (K R) may be delayed by an year with the experts committee, set up by the Union Urban Development Ministry to study its feasibility, recommending more test trials be conducted. The technology, a dream project of former Konkan Railway Managing Director B Rajaram, had been successfully demonstrated in a test track at Madgaon in Goa last year. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme, organised by the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, Mr Rajaram's successor K K Gokhale said the committee has stated that the skybus project is a positive working technology. However, it requires more testing for passenger safety. ''The experts committee has also suggested that the Centre provide adequate funds to the K R to enable it undertake the test trials and upgrade the project infrastructure'', Dr Gokhale informed. He said the 15 year agreement between the railways and four states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala for the implementation of the Konkan railway project has ended in June this year. ''Talks are on at the ministry level whether to continue with the same model of Konkan railway or whether to convert its losses into equity or merge K R with the Indian railways'', Dr Gokhale said adding that nothing has been decided as yet, but different options are being discussed. More UNI MR KD SY GC1914 -- PS: If you wish to have a *Gmail* e-mail address, do write to me. Will send you an invitation to open a *Gmail* e-mail account. :-)