In a bid to alleviate traffic congestion in Mumbai’s bustling business hub, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has greenlit the introduction of pod taxis along an 8.8-kilometer stretch between Bandra and Kurla via Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The driverless pod taxi system, already operational in various global locales, aims to provide commuters with a convenient and efficient mode of transport.
Revolutionizing Public Transit in Mumbai
Pod taxis, akin to ropeway systems, will navigate an overhead rail, ferrying up to five to six passengers each. Running on electricity, these futuristic pods will glide 8-10 meters above ground, descending and ascending at designated stations for passenger boarding and alighting. This initiative, previously shelved in 2017, is now being revived under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, promising enhanced connectivity for employees of multinational corporations, commercial establishments, and government offices situated in and around BKC.
The project, with an estimated cost yet to be disclosed, is strategically aligned with MMRDA’s objective to decongest BKC, a hub housing key institutions such as the US Consulate, suburban railway stations, the National Stock Exchange, and corporate offices. With 38 planned stops and a speed of 40 kmph, the pod taxi service aims to provide commuters with a seamless and efficient alternative to traditional modes of transport.
Elevated stations, meticulously designed to complement the architectural landscape, will occupy minimal space, ensuring minimal disruption to the existing urban fabric. The integration of pod taxis into Mumbai’s public transit ecosystem aligns with broader infrastructure initiatives, including the forthcoming Metro Line 2B and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, aimed at offering commuters a comprehensive and interconnected network of transit options.
