December 29, 2025: Mumbai is gearing up to launch India’s first pod taxi network, a transformative step in addressing last-mile connectivity in the city’s congested business corridors. Spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the project will initially cover an 8 km elevated corridor from Bandra to Kurla in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), featuring 33 stations that integrate seamlessly with local trains and Metro lines.
Each pod, a compact automated electric vehicle seating five to eight passengers, will navigate the corridor without a driver, relying on advanced GPS systems and sensors such as radar and cameras for real-time hazard detection. “The ultimate objective of these driverless pods is to improve the last-mile connection for BKC residents and thousands of other people who use the congested roads daily, making their journeys much better and more efficient,” officials said.
The network aims to cut commute times, enhance the livability of BKC, and offer an affordable transit alternative for office workers and visitors. With Mumbai’s suburban rail network handling over 7.5 million trips daily and BEST buses carrying 2.8 million, traffic congestion still severely affects productivity. Pod taxis are expected to serve 67,800 daily users in their first year, reducing travel time and boosting economic efficiency in the financial hub.
Powered entirely by electricity, the pods also support India’s sustainability goals, lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality in a city where PM2.5 levels remain high. Their efficient autonomous system and lower maintenance requirements make them more economical than conventional transport.
Globally, pod taxis have proven successful in locations like Chengdu, Heathrow Airport, Masdar City, and Suncheon. Mumbai’s pilot could serve as a blueprint for other Indian cities, complementing high-speed rail projects such as the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train. As the city positions itself as a world-class financial center, pod taxis promise to redefine urban mobility, offering a sustainable, efficient, and modern solution for the city’s commuters.
Source: ET Auto
