08-02-2016, 03:29 PM
ABSTRACT
Monorails are trains that run on a one-rail track, often elevated above the ground level. The single-rail construction distinguishes monorails from any other elevated railway, although light rails and elevated cable car systems are often wrongly classified as monorails. There are several well-known monorail systems throughout the world, with two of the most recognizable serving as transportation lines for Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Disney world in Florida.
The technology and concept behind modern monorails has existed since the early 19th century. One of the first monorails opened in 1825 in Hertfordshire, England. Although developed as a freight train, this early monorail soon began carrying people as well. In the United States, one of the earliest monorail systems was built in Pennsylvania and opened in 1878, after its capabilities were demonstrated at an 1876 Exposition. Many early monorails featured wooden tracks and cars, although some, such as the Listowel and Ballybunion line of Ireland, used steel.
In the 20th century, monorail construction reached new heights. Although most monorail cars straddle the single rail, some were designed to be suspended below the rail instead. Both the skyway monorail in Texas and Ueno Zoo monorail system of Japan used suspended, rather than straddling, cars. By the mid-1950s, most monorails were also constructed of steel and concrete, considered to be safer by far than the original wooden designs.
Modern monorails are now available on every continent except Antarctica. Many work as small-scale transportation devices for parks, zoos, and large shopping districts. Yet some, like the Schwebebahn line in Germany, which also happens to be the oldest running monorail in the world, serve as commuter trains. Considered to be extremely safe, only four fatalities were recorded on monorails in the 20th century. These single-rail trains can also be an environmentally friendly form of mass transportation; in 2007, the famous Disneyland monorails were retrofitted to burn less-polluting biodiesel instead of ordinary gas.
INTRODUCTION
Monorail is safe, economic and eco-friendly public transport system. It can be only solution of traffic problems in congested metro cities.As per definition monorail is rapid transit light rail system, running on an elevated concrete track. Monorail is running on rubber tyres and powered by electric current.Monorails are of two types. One is straddle beam monorail and other is suspended monorail.Straddle beam monorail is running on the track, while suspended monorail is running beneath the track. it acquires very less space on the ground. It is provided to minimize thetraffic problems in congested areas, such as airports, commercial areas in metropolitan cities.It was a myth that monorail is only suitable in zoos and amusement parks, but it is approvedas a best solution of transport problems with reference to other conventional rail system. The monorail was first started in seetle, Washington as a public transport system, which is still in the working condition.