Mumbai, September 5: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has greenlit the pod taxi project in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), appointing Sai Green Mobility as the concessionaire. The decision to approve the pod taxi project in BKC was made during the 282nd executive committee meeting, chaired by the state chief secretary.

Sai Green Mobility has been tasked with the design, engineering, development, construction, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the pod taxis in BKC. The company has entered in partnership with M/s Ultra PRT, known for the operational pod taxi system at London's Heathrow Airport. Mumbai-Indore Train Journey To Get Shorter As Cabinet Approves 309Km Long New Line Project To Connect 2 Commercial Hubs.

Pod Taxi System in BKC:

The pod taxi project in BKC will have a network spanning 8.80 km with 38 stations along the route. Each pod will measure 3.5 meters in length, 1.47 meters in width, and 1.8 meters in height, with a maximum speed of 40 kmph and a capacity to accommodate six passengers. The project depot will be located within BKC. According to MMRDA, this initiative is set to revolutionise last-mile connectivity for the 400,000 to 600,000 daily commuters in the business district.

Cost of Pod Taxi System in BKC:

A comprehensive techno-economic feasibility study (TEFS) by MMRDA, peer-reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers, recommended the pod taxi system for its suitability to the region’s topography and anticipated traffic growth. The project, estimated at INR 1,016.34 crore, will be executed on a design, finance, build, operate, and transfer (DFBOT) basis over a 30-year concession period. It is expected to be fully operational within three years. VIP Number Fees Hike: Maharashtra Government Hikes Fees for ‘Choice Numbers’; Pay INR 6 Lakh for ‘0001’ in Mumbai and High-Demand Areas.

Likely Fares for Pod Taxis in BKC:

Fares have been determined based on surveys among current auto and bus users. Current rates are INR 15.33 per km for metered auto rickshaws, INR 30-40 per passenger for shared autos, INR 18.67 per km for taxis, and INR 80-100 for ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber for short trips from stations to BKC.

The project received initial approval in March from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with final approval expected soon. Last month, MMRDA received bids from Chennai-based Refex Industries and Hyderabad-based Sai Green Mobility, with the latter being selected.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2024 01:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).