The much-anticipated Automated Rapid Transits or pod taxi project at BKC finally got approved by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). They have approached the Tree Authority seeking approval to fell the trees.
Pod Taxis Approved For BKC
As per Hindustan Times report, the pod taxi project in Bandra Kurla Complex, the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), recently got approval from MCZMA. The estimated cost of this project is over ₹1,016.34 crore and will be ready to use within three years. However, this project can cause environmental impact on the coastal ecosystem. It will affect 0.14 hectares of mangroves and require the cutting of 431 trees.
Over 58.48 metres of the route of the pod taxi project will pass over mangroves. To ensure a smooth process, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has already taken permission from the Tree Authority to cut the trees. This project is looking forward to enhance the last-mile connectivity in BKC. It is expected to serve around 4 to 6 lakh commuters daily.
Why Mumbai Is Launching Automatic Taxis?
At present, many office-goers have to take BEST buses, taxis, and rickshaws to reach BKC. These commuters often have to pay high prices even for short distances. Even after many complaints, the traffic police, RTO, and MMRDA have not taken any strict action. MMRDA believes that the aforementioned modes of transport are neither flexible nor energy-efficient.
According to a Hindustan Times report, to solve this issue, the authorities are planning to launch pod taxis, also known as the Automated Rapid Transit System (ARTS). These are small, electric, autonomous vehicles. Pod taxis in BKC will run on an 8.01 km-long track built above the ground connecting Bandra and Kurla.
The proposal of this project features 21 stations with ticket counters, escalators, waiting areas, and charging docks. This modern technology will have advanced control systems, smart sensors, and real-time monitoring. With this new project, the authorities are planning to reduce the use of fuel-based transport as well as travel time.
We are excited to see how these pod taxis will change travel around BKC in the future. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: Mumbai Metro Line 3 Phase 2A Opens: Travel From BKC To Worli In 36 Min
Cover Image Courtesy: X (formerly Twitter)/ Hiren
