The much-anticipated pod taxi service for the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) is finally going to see the light of day. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has cleared the pod taxi service that will connect Bandra and Kurla railway stations and facilitate fast access to the bustling BKC business centre. In March, the state government proposed fast travel to cut down travel time and ensure less congestion of traffic on the roads. The project is expected to be completed within three years.
Mumbai’s Pod Taxi Service For BKC Approved
With the launch of pod taxi service, Mumbai’s traffic congestion is set to ease, providing a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation for thousands of commuters. pic.twitter.com/XqdADU8B5C
— Abhinav Singh (@Blinder_Abhinav) March 23, 2024
It takes about 45 minutes to reach BKC from either Bandra or Kurla station because of heavy congestion. Pod taxis are meant to slash that commute, offering a comfortable, quick option. The contract for the futuristic transport system has been given to Sai Green Mobility in association with Ultra PRT, a company famous for the implementation of the pod taxi system at London’s Heathrow Airport.
With many big-ticket projects in the pipeline, including the bullet train and new commercial establishments, the need for better last-mile connectivity has acquired urgency, officials said. Footfall is expected to be manifold, and pod taxi service will provide the alternative to avoid bottlenecks as would be witnessed at present.
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Major Leap Forward In Urban Mobility
#PPP_Urban_Mobility || #India #Mumbai_Pod_Taxi_Service_To_Connect_Bandra_Kurla_Complex The Maharashtra government has announced a pod taxi service between the Bandra and Kurla complex….for more….. https://t.co/tEkbbltnbK #taxi #service #pod pic.twitter.com/xPuwKxqpQL
— Naresh Bana (@NBana) March 7, 2024
MMRDA had approved the pod taxi system based on the study for techno-economic feasibility. The draught report was prepared by Tata Consulting Engineers and considered various global technologies. After deliberation, this pod taxi system was considered to be most apt for BKC, factoring in topography and future volume growth of the area.
The pod taxi project in BKC is a major leap forward in urban mobility for one of Mumbai’s busiest business districts. Besides improving last-mile connectivity, this system will also reduce congestion and bring a state-of-the-art, efficient mode of transport before the regular commuter.
The project sanctioned during the 156th authority meeting of MMRDA held in March 2024 will cost around ₹1,016 crore. It will be developed in a PPP model. A three-year construction period and a concession period of 30 years have been proposed in the financing plan, besides revenue-sharing in the ratio between the private operator and MMRDA.
This would go a long way in reshaping the manner of travel in and around BKC as the project picks steam. Once complete, the commuters stand to benefit from shorter travel time, reduced congestion on the roads, and an eco-friendly alternative to conventional transport modes. Towards this end, the pod taxi service assures of a new frontier in urban mobility—a sneak peek into what transport solutions in Mumbai and elsewhere might look and feel like.
Cover Image Courtesy: @NBana/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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