A group of 129 architects has asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to reconsider the proposed pod taxi system in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), citing concerns over its projected cost, passenger capacity and environmental impact.
The Mumbai Architects Collective recently wrote to metropolitan commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, describing the ₹1,016-crore project as “economically inefficient” because of its relatively low carrying capacity.
Among those supporting the representation are architects Brinda Somaya, Rahul Kadri, PK Das, Vivek Pai, Vikas Dilawari, Abraham John and Nondita Correa Mehrotra.
“At a projected fare of approximately Rs 21 per kilometre, the Personal Rapid Transit System operates as an exclusive, high-cost transit mode rather than an inclusive mass transit solution.”
The Collective added, “Spending over 1,016 crore on a low-capacity system (4-6 passengers per pod) that caters primarily to a limited demographic is economically inefficient. Also, this decreases the carrying capacity of the roads below,”
Environmental Concerns Raised
The architects have also flagged issues related to construction activity, including the alleged use of Urban Plaza and City Park in Bandra East for storing debris and equipment.
Residents have similarly raised concerns over barricading in the public open space and the project’s potential impact on trees along road medians. The proposal could affect around 499 trees, while approximately 0.41 hectares of mangrove area may also be impacted.
The Collective said, “Excavations along road medians threaten local trees and fail to mitigate localized microclimate disruptions, loss of canopy coverage, and ‘Urban Heat Island’ escalation in BKC,”
First Phase Under Construction
Construction of the first phase began in May, with around 140 piers reportedly under development. The initial 3.36-km phase consists of two separate arms connecting Bandra East and Kurla, with four stations on each side.
The planned stations include Bandra East, Kalanagar, MMRDA Old Building, Excise Department, Bharat Diamond Bourse Gate 11, MMRDA Pay & Park, LBS Marg and Kurla. The first phase is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
According to MMRDA estimates, the pod taxi could carry around 1.09 lakh passengers by 2031. However, urban planners and transport experts have questioned whether this projected ridership would be sufficient to significantly address congestion in BKC.
The business district already attracts an estimated four to six lakh people daily, with footfall expected to rise further following the opening of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train.
The architects have sought a meeting with MMRDA to discuss the project’s transport capacity, environmental implications and construction-related concerns before implementation progresses further.
Source: The Indian Express
