Yes you heard it right! Soon, the central business district in Mumbai, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) will experience the London-style pod taxis.
London’s Pod Taxis Coming To BKC Soon
It appears that Sai Green Mobility will be developing bite-sized taxis along with Ultra PRT, the main pod taxi developers at Heathrow Airport in London.
This system will have 21 vehicles covering a 3.9-kilometer route, connecting Bandra and Kurla Railway stations to its BKC car parks, reportedly.
Earlier, this project was sanctioned during March.
Ahead of the official announcement Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) conducted a techno-economic feasibility study to understand the topography to battle the growing traffic issues at BKC.
They have also finalized the fare for the pod taxi services through the surveys conducted among auto and bus users, as per the media report.
If we compare this to the current scenario, presently, commuters pay Rs 15.33 per km for metered auto rides and ₹30 to ₹40 per passenger in shared autos to reach BKC from Bandra or Kurla.
On the other hand taxi users pay Rs 18.67 per km.
Similarly, Ola and Uber drivers often apply dynamic pricing, charging between ₹80 to ₹100 for short trips of 2-3 km from stations to BKC.
A Significant Step Towards Enhancing Urban Mobility
The pod taxi system will serve as a model for future urban transport projects across India, ensuring sustainable and efficient mobility for our citizens, said Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister and MMRDA chairman.
“The Pod Taxi project in BKC marks a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility in one of Mumbai’s busiest business districts. This system will not only improve last-mile connectivity but also reduce congestion and provide a modern, efficient mode of transportation for daily commuters,” stated Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, MMRDA metropolitan commissioner.
When it comes to BKC, this place is known for corporate the affairs, however lately it has also become a hotspot for leisure and entertainment.
As we already know that NMACC (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre) and Jio World Drive offer diverse activities here.
So, the pod taxi will definitely add to the experience for the travelers.
