Mumbai Transport Minister Proposes Innovative Solutions to Combat Congestion
Mumbai’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is taking proactive steps to combat the growing traffic congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). In a bid to revolutionise the city’s public transport system, Sarnaik has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive study and survey to explore new, innovative transport solutions. These measures aim to accommodate the rising number of vehicles and passengers and alleviate congestion on high-traffic routes.
A recent high-level meeting, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, discussed a variety of futuristic transport options, including water taxis, ropeways, and pod taxis. Sarnaik highlighted the importance of enhancing public transport infrastructure to keep pace with the city’s rapid population growth. The meeting was attended by key officials from the Urban Development Department, Maritime Board, Transport Commissioner’s Office, and the State Transport Corporation. Among the key proposals discussed, Sarnaik recommended the establishment of ropeways as a distinct sector under the Transport Department, as opposed to its current management under the Public Works Department (PWD). This move is intended to streamline the construction process and introduce new regulations to ensure smoother implementation of ropeway projects in the city.
Ropeways, which can connect areas with steep gradients or difficult terrain, offer an ideal solution for decongesting certain parts of Mumbai. Addressing Mumbai’s perennial parking issues, Sarnaik suggested the need for underground parking plazas to reduce the burden of on-street parking. He instructed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to conduct a survey to identify potential locations for these underground facilities, which could also house commercial malls to maximise utility. A major focus of the meeting was the much-anticipated pod taxi project, which aims to provide a high-speed, low-impact alternative to traditional transport. The 8.8-kilometer Bandra East–Kurla corridor will feature 38 stations, with pod taxis arriving at intervals of just 15 seconds, offering commuters a convenient and efficient way to travel.
Sarnaik has emphasised the importance of accelerating this project to ensure it is completed on time and delivers on its promise to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion. With these forward-thinking initiatives, Sarnaik envisions a more sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem for Mumbai. The introduction of alternative transport modes like ropeways, pod taxis, and underground parking could significantly ease the city’s traffic woes and provide much-needed relief to commuters. As Mumbai continues to grow, the implementation of these innovative solutions will be crucial in maintaining the city’s infrastructure and ensuring a better quality of life for its residents.
