The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has approved the pod taxi project for Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), appointing Sai Green Mobility as the concessionaire. This decision was made during the 282nd executive committee meeting, chaired by the state chief secretary, on Thursday (September 5).
Sai Green Mobility will handle all aspects of the pod taxi system, including design, engineering, development, construction, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance. They have teamed up with M/s Ultra PRT, known for their successful pod taxi system at Heathrow Airport in London.
8.80 km long pod taxi network to have 38 stations
According to a news report in The Indian Express, the new pod taxi network will span 8.80 km within BKC and feature 38 stations. Each pod will be 3.5 meters long, 1.47 meters wide, and 1.8 meters tall, capable of reaching speeds up to 40 km/h and accommodating around six passengers. A depot for the project will be located within BKC.
According to MMRDA, this pod taxi project aims to revolutionize last-mile connectivity in BKC, serving between 400,000 to 600,000 daily commuters. With future infrastructure projects like the bullet train and new commercial developments expected to increase traffic, efficient last-mile connectivity has become essential.
The fully autonomous pod taxi system will operate at intervals of 15 to 30 seconds, providing a solution for the narrow roads connecting BKC with Bandra and Kurla suburban stations.
The decision to implement the pod taxi system comes after a detailed techno-economic feasibility study (TEFS) commissioned by MMRDA. This study, reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers, endorsed the pod taxi system for its alignment with the region’s topography and expected traffic demands.
Pod taxi service fare
Fares for the upcoming pod taxi service have been set based on preference surveys among current auto and bus users. At present, commuters pay Rs 15.33 per km for metered auto rickshaws and Rs 30 to 40 per passenger for shared autos traveling from Bandra or Kurla to BKC. Taxi fares are Rs 18.67 per km, while ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber typically charge between Rs 80 to 100 for the short 2-3 km trips from the stations to BKC.
Surveys reveal that about 70 percent of auto users and 36 percent of bus users are willing to pay Rs 21 per km for the pod taxi service. As a result, the techno-economic feasibility study (TEFS) has proposed a fare of Rs 21 per km, with an annual increase of 4 percent to accommodate inflation and operational costs.
The total project, estimated at approximately Rs 1,016.34 crore, will be completed over three years. The selected operator will manage the service for 30 years, with a model that includes a fixed concession fee and revenue-sharing arrangements with MMRDA.