Mumbai Pod Taxi: With an aim to facilitate people in commuting to Mumbai’s business hub Bandra-Kurla Complex, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved tender for pod taxis on the route.
The cost of the pod taxi project on the busy BKC-Kurla route is expected to be Rs 1016 crore.
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Informing about the distance of the pod taxi, a senior official, privy to the development said that this will cover a distance of total 8.8 kilometre, while the commuting cost will be Rs 21 per km.
Furthermore, Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement stating that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) approved pod taxi project on the 8.8 km long route between Bandra and Kurla railway stations.
“Operating at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour with 38 halts, each pod taxi will accommodate six passengers. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1016 crore, is set to ease the daily commute for the millions traveling between the two railway stations and BKC,” it stated.
According to a MMRDA official, the Advanced Rapid Transit System will be implemented through a public-private partnership, with construction expected to take three years after obtaining necessary permissions. CM Shinde has greenlit the tendering process for the pod taxi service. The official highlighted the potential impact on connectivity, anticipating 1.09 lakh daily passengers on the pod taxis by 2032.
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The MMRDA, overseeing regional planning in Mumbai and surrounding areas, aims to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce congestion with the introduction of pod taxis. The estimated travel cost per kilometer is Rs 21, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for commuters.
In a broader context, the success of pod taxis is not limited to Mumbai alone. Last year, the Uttar Pradesh administration approved the implementation of a pod taxi service in Noida, connecting the City to Jewar Airport. The project, inspired by models from London and Abu Dhabi, is expected to be operational by March 2026, accommodating up to 12 passengers per pod taxi.
A Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) or pod taxi is a driverless, energy-efficient mode of transportation that operates on specially designed guideways. With the potential to alleviate pollution caused by traditional vehicles, the pod taxi system represents a modern and sustainable solution to urban commuting challenges.
