India’s first pod taxi network was approved at a high-level meeting chaired by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Pod Taxi: India’s urban mobility is rapidly entering a new era. From state-of-the-art expressways to electric buses, and from Vande Bharat to Namo Bharat trains, these are all playing a significant role in transforming India’s rapidly advancing landscape. Along with the ongoing bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, preparations are also underway to launch a pod taxi network. Yes, Maharashtra is set to launch India’s first pod taxi network. This pod taxi network will connect Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mira-Bhayander. This project, approved by the Maharashtra government, will be developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
India’s first pod taxi network approved under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
According to a report in Pune Mirror, India’s first pod taxi network was approved at a high-level meeting chaired by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This project will be launched under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, inviting private companies to provide technical expertise and financial proposals. Pod taxis are driverless, automated, on-demand transportation systems, also known as Personal Rapid Transit (PRT). Pod taxis are small in size, carrying 3-6 passengers. They operate on elevated tracks. This will not only alleviate traffic congestion in congested areas but also significantly save time.
MMRDA Gets Major Responsibility
Currently operating in Abu Dhabi, London, South Korea, and parts of Japan, pod taxis are being customized for India’s high-density commuting patterns. The MMRDA has been asked to map corridors, study traffic flows, and work with municipal bodies to finalize pod routes that maximize the benefits of daily commuters. In Maharashtra, pod taxis will be connected to bus and metro stations, as well as monorail and railway stations, allowing commuters to easily switch between modes of transport.
