YEIDA taking pod taxi lessons from abroad

Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) is a government-initiated special purpose vehicle (SPV) responsible for the development of industrial and urban infrastructure along the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The authority has proposed the implementation of a pod taxi system in the Yamuna Expressway region.

In this regard, YEIDA is carrying out a study of the personal rapid transit (PRT) systems operational at London (Heathrow airport), Abu Dhabi (Masdar city) and Korea (Suncheon). YEIDA Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Shailendra Bhatia informed that Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd has sent its detailed project report (DPR) to these agencies abroad and is asking for all the details regarding their system.

According to the final DPR, there will be 12 stations on the 12-km route connecting the two mega projects - Jewar airport and Film City - coming up in the YEIDA region. The draft DPR of the project had originally suggested 17 stations.

YEIDA Chief Executive Arun Vir Singh, who is also the CEO of Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), said, ''The route has been finalised that will be elevated at a height of 12m on the 100m-wide road passing through many Sectors. We have planned the route through Sectors so that the users can comfortably use the stations.''

The pod taxi system proposed by YEIDA would cover a distance of 18 km and connect Greater Noida with the proposed Jewar International Airport. The system would consist of small, driverless pods that can carry up to four passengers and would operate on an elevated track.

The proposed pod taxi system is expected to provide a faster, more efficient and environment-friendly mode of transportation for passengers traveling between the destinations. The system is also expected to reduce traffic congestion and provide a more comfortable and safer mode of transportation.

It is noteworthy that the YEIDA pod taxi system is still in the planning stages and the organization is currently seeking funding and partnerships to implement the project. Once implemented, the pod taxi system is expected to have a significant impact on transportation in the region and could serve as a model for other cities in India looking to improve their transportation infrastructure.