Pod Taxis In Maharashtra Soon: Connecting Mira-Bhayandar And Thane-Ghodbunder

The state government is planning a new pod taxi system to connect Mira-Bhayandar with Thane-Ghodbunder, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. This project aims to reduce urban traffic and improve connectivity to railway and metro stations, even as the current pod taxi plan for the Bandra-Kurla Complex progresses slowly.

On Tuesday, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed the new route after returning from Vadodara, where the pod cars are being developed. He was joined by the transport commissioner and other senior officials during his visit to the Futran Experience Centre at Nutran EV Mobility in the Special Economic Zone in Wagodiya.

The Futran project aligns with the Make in India initiative, boasting that 70 per cent of its components are made locally, with plans to increase this to 85 per cent by 2028. This approach aims to provide cost-effective production and low maintenance, making it a sustainable option for urban transport in India.

Minister Sarnaik stated, "This pod car will help solve congestion problems in Maharashtra using the state-of-the-art technology of the Futran system. We are focusing on Mira-Bhayandar Road to evaluate its potential deployment." The Futran system operates continuously, providing a solution to urban traffic congestion.

Sources in the delegation noted that the pod taxi system could easily integrate with the existing metro network, enhancing access to metro stations and easing congestion in densely populated areas. The system is expected to improve the usage of metro rail services in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The pod cars feature a small turning radius and compact station designs, which can be installed along existing roads. Each pod car accommodates up to 20 passengers and operates at speeds of 60-70 kilometres per hour, powered by electric motors and battery systems. They are designed to run 24 hours a day and include safety features like an onboard collision avoidance system and a 25-metre following distance.

The pod car tracks and stations will be elevated six metres above the road and require only four to six small pillars, allowing for efficient use of space. The high-capacity system can transport over 15,000 passengers in one direction every hour.

In addition to the new project, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has appointed M/s Sai Green Mobility Private Limited from Hyderabad as the Concessionaire for the pod taxi service in Bandra-Kurla Complex. An official from MMRDA confirmed that the agreement was signed on October 9, 2024, and the company has one year to secure the necessary approvals for the project's implementation.