Mumbaikars to soon get pod taxis in BKC area; Know details

The project, approved in MMRDA’s 156th authority meeting, will cost an estimated INR 1,016 crore and will be completed in three years.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has approved the pod taxi project, which was first proposed in March by the state government, for the bustling business hub of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

With an anticipated rise in footfall due to upcoming infrastructure developments such as the bullet train and new commercial buildings, the necessity for efficient last-mile connectivity has become paramount.

On Wednesday, September 4, the executive committee of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) granted approval for the appointment of M/s Sai Green Mobility Private Limited. The newly appointed private company will design, engineer, develop, construct, test, commission and also operate and maintain the modes of commute on design finance built operate and transfer (DFBOT) basis.

The project, approved in MMRDA’s 156th authority meeting, will cost an estimated INR 1,016 crore and will be completed in three years. It will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with a 30-year concession period including revenue-sharing with MMRDA.

The firm has partnered with M/s. Ultra PRT, a technology provider with a proven track record, including the operational Pod Taxi system at Heathrow Airport, London. This project is set to revolutionize last-mile connectivity within BKC, addressing the needs of the 4 to 6 lakh commuters who travel daily to and from the business district.

The Pod Taxi system, being fully autonomous and capable of operating at a frequency of every 15 to 30 seconds, is ideally suited for the narrow roads connecting BKC to Bandra and Kurla suburban stations. It aims to cut down travel time from 45 minutes to a swift, congestion-free ride.

The decision to implement the Pod Taxi system follows a comprehensive Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) commissioned by MMRDA, which explored various technologies operational across the globe. Considering the area’s layout and expected growth, pod taxis are the best option for BKC, recommended Tata Consulting Engineers after a detailed study.

The pod taxi network will cover 8.80 km in Bandra Kurla Complex, with 38 stations along the route. The pods will be 3.5 meters long, 1.47 meters wide, and 1.8 meters tall, with a maximum speed of 40 kmph and a capacity of about six passengers per pod. The project depot will be situated within Bandra-Kurla Complex.

The fares for the Pod Taxi system have been meticulously finalized based on stated preference surveys conducted among current auto and bus users. Surveys indicated that about 70 percent of auto users and 36 percent of bus users are willing to pay Rs 21 per km for the pod taxi service. Consequently, the TEFS study has recommended a fare of Rs 21 per km, with an annual increase of 4 per cent to account for inflation and operational costs.