BYD's first overseas SkyRail moves forward into construction

The Salvador government in Brazil approved the full preliminary design of the first overseas SkyRail built by BYD, with construction expected to kick-off officially at the beginning of 2020.

The entire seaside route of approximately 14.5 miles — approximately 12 miles in Phase 1 and 2.5 miles in Phase-2 — will feature 26 stations along its length. The line will be connected with Salvador's other metro lines once completed.

Located on the northeastern coast of Brazil with a population of about 3.8 million, Salvador is the country’s fourth-largest city. Like many big cities across the world, along with rapid urbanization has come growing issues of traffic congestion, air pollution, and more. To meet local residents’ needs for cleaner and more modern connectivity, the Bahia state government made a call for bids globally in May 2018, to build a new rail transit line in Salvador as part of the city's growing public transit system.

SkyRail is a straddle-type monorail system, developed following five years of research and development, which aims to solve traffic congestion in cities. With a minimum turning radius of only 147 feet and able to climb gradients of 10%, SkyRail is well adapted to Salvador’s difficult terrain. Additionally, the advanced autonomous driving technology together with a striking and futuristic appearance allows the SkyRail to seamlessly fit into modern urban environments, according to the company.

Besides offering comfortable, low-carbon, and efficient public transport for residents, the expectation is that SkyRail will help attract new businesses and visitors to the area, aiding the government’s efforts to boost local employment and tourism.