Sunday, September 15, 2024 Mumbai’s bustling Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) is gearing up to introduce a cutting-edge urban transport solution — London-style pod taxis. This futuristic project is expected to completely transform how people move around one of the city’s busiest business hubs. Sai Green Mobility, in partnership with Ultra PRT, the team behind the renowned Heathrow Airport pod taxi system, is spearheading the initiative.
The project will see the deployment of 21 pod taxis along a 3.9-kilometer route, seamlessly connecting Bandra and Kurla train stations with BKC’s parking facilities. Once operational, these pods are anticipated to slash travel time, providing much-needed relief from traffic congestion in the area.
The green light for the project came after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) carried out a detailed techno-economic feasibility study. The study took into account BKC’s unique topography and persistent traffic challenges, revealing that this innovative transport solution could effectively address last-mile connectivity and ease the daily grind for commuters. Currently, traffic between Bandra and Kurla can leave commuters trapped in gridlock, sometimes stretching a short journey into a frustrating 45-minute ordeal.
With the introduction of these pod taxis, travel times are expected to drop dramatically, offering a smoother and faster commute. In terms of fares, the pricing model has been designed with local commuters in mind, following a thorough survey of existing transport costs in the area. At present, auto-rickshaws charge INR 15.
33 per kilometer, while shared autos cost between INR 30 and INR 40 per passenger. Metered taxis come in at INR 18.67 per kilometer, with ride-sharing services often fluctuating due to dynamic pricing.
The new pod taxi system aims to offer a competitive, efficient alternative that will appeal to everyday travelers. The initiative has garnered significant support from top officials, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who views it as a forward-thinking model for future urban transport across India. But the impact of pod taxis extends beyond business commuters.
With BKC transforming into a leisure and entertainment hub, featuring landmarks like the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) and Jio World Drive, the pods will enhance the visitor experience, offering a seamless, high-tech mode of transportation. Set to be completed within three years, this project marks a giant leap in Mumbai’s journey toward modernizing its transport infrastructure, positioning BKC as a model for urban mobility in India..
