The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received applications from two companies interested in implementing a pod taxi system between Bandra and Kurla. MMRDA officials are now reviewing the bids.
The companies are Chennai-based Refex Industries and Hyderabad-based Sai Green Mobility Pvt. Ltd. The project would cover an 8.8-kilometre stretch between Bandra and Kurla via BKC. Once the final contractor is selected, they will be responsible for building the elevated line and introducing the pod taxis.
These autonomous taxis will operate on an overhead rail suspended 8 to 10 meters above the ground. Each pod taxi will accommodate five to six passengers. They will operate at a speed of 40 kmph. The goal is to ease traffic congestion in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
The taxis will make stops at 38 locations, including the US Consulate, the National Stock Exchange, Diamond Bourse, Kalanagar, and MCA. At these stations, the pods will descend and ascend to pick up and drop off passengers.
The project was sanctioned in March by MMRDA. It is expected to cost slightly over INR 1,000 crore. The construction of the pod taxi corridor would take about 24 months once the contractor is finalised.
The project will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The concession period for the contractor will be 30 years, with an option to extend it by another 30 years if required. MMRDA authorities are expected to receive INR 1 crore annually from the operations.
Earlier this month, merchants from the Diamond Bourse wrote a letter to the government highlighting issues related to vehicle parking, ongoing infrastructure work, and the closed Sion ROB. With over 4.5 lakh people visiting BKC daily, there is a need for solutions.
Currently, commuters travelling from BKC to Kurla and Bandra train stations face exhausting journeys, often taking up to an hour. The buses on this route are frequently overcrowded, with BEST buses carrying at least 75,000 passengers to BKC every day.
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