The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that the proposed pod taxi system in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) will function without any government subsidy. Instead, the selected concessionaire will pay an annual fee of Rs 1 crore to the authority and share 21% of its revenue.
According to a senior MMRDA official, the project is being introduced as a pilot to ease last-mile connectivity issues for the thousands who commute daily to BKC.
“The pod taxi system is intended to bridge the connectivity gap between Bandra and Kurla suburban railway stations and BKC, where a large number of commuters currently rely on autos, buses, taxis, and app-based cabs,” the official said.
The proposed corridor will cover 8 km and include 33 stations. Each pod will accommodate up to six passengers, operate at a maximum speed of 40 kmph, and run at intervals ranging between 15 and 30 seconds.
Land acquisition formalities are in progress. A plot in Kurla owned by the Mumbai Police is being transferred following directions from the Home Department. In Bandra East, land belonging to the Railway Land Development Authority has been designated as an amenity plot, with approvals tied to its handover.
Sai Green Mobility was selected as the concessionaire during MMRDA’s 282nd executive committee meeting in September 2024. The company has partnered with Ultra PRT, which operates a similar system at Heathrow Airport.
The project is aimed at serving 4 to 6 lakh commuters visiting BKC daily. With an estimated investment of Rs 1,016.34 crore, construction is expected to take three years, followed by operations under a 30-year concession agreement.
A feasibility report reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers recommended a starting fare of Rs 21 per km, with a 4 percent annual increase.
“This project is a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility in BKC, one of Mumbai’s busiest business districts. The pod taxi system will improve last-mile connectivity, reduce congestion, and provide a modern transport option for commuters,” MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee had said earlier.
Source: Swarajya
