Mumbai’s proposed pod taxi project in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) has undergone a significant change even before major construction work has begun. The UK-based technology provider that played a key role in securing the project bid has exited the venture and has been replaced by a Dutch company through a contractual provision that allowed a change in technology partners during implementation.
Originally, the project was backed by UK-based Ultra PRT, the company known for operating the pod taxi system at Heathrow Airport. Ultra PRT served as the technology partner for Sai Green Mobility, whose bid was selected for the project. However, the company has since been replaced by Netherlands-based 2getthere, which was subsequently acquired by Sai Green Mobility.
The change means that the technology eventually deployed in Mumbai will differ from the system that helped the concessionaire qualify and win the original tender.
While the project has seen limited on-ground progress so far, work is beginning to gather momentum. Following progress on land-related issues, barricades have been installed near the BKC Metro station and soil testing activities have commenced.
According to reports, the partnership between Ultra PRT and Sai Green Mobility broke down shortly after the tender process was completed. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) later approved a request from Sai Green Mobility to replace Ultra PRT with 2getthere under a tender clause permitting technology-partner substitution, subject to regulatory approval and technical eligibility requirements.
Confirming the separation, Ranbir Saran Das, Chairman and Owner of Ultra PRT Ltd, said, “Ultra PRT parted ways with Sai Green Mobility in July 2024, shortly after the paperwork for the tender process was completed but before the concession agreement was signed,” attributing the split to “business differences”.
Das explained that Ultra PRT was responsible for supplying the pod taxi technology while Sai Green Mobility was expected to manage civil works, approvals and project ownership. He added that the technology component accounted for nearly 30% of the project cost and that Ultra PRT’s operational experience was instrumental in meeting the tender’s technical qualification requirements.
Following Ultra PRT’s exit, MMRDA constituted a technical committee comprising experts from academic and metro rail institutions to evaluate 2getthere’s credentials. After reviewing the proposal and conducting technical assessments, the authority approved the replacement in September 2025.
Officials said the contractual provision allowing a change in technology partners was introduced to avoid dependence on a single technology provider and to ensure long-term operational flexibility for the project.
Source: The Indian Express
