The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has approved a landmark INR 1,016 crore Pod Taxi project for the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), marking a significant advancement in urban mobility. The project, awarded to M/s Sai Green Mobility Private Limited, will be executed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
Sai Green Mobility has partnered with M/s Ultra PRT, a renowned technology provider known for its successful implementation of Pod Taxi systems, including the one at Heathrow Airport in London. This collaboration is expected to revolutionise last-mile connectivity within BKC, a key business district that serves between 400,000 and 600,000 commuters daily. Given the anticipated surge in footfall due to ongoing infrastructure projects such as the bullet train and new commercial developments, the need for efficient last-mile connectivity has become increasingly urgent.
The Pod Taxi system, featuring fully autonomous vehicles operating at intervals of 15 to 30 seconds, is designed to address this demand effectively. It is particularly suited to navigate the narrow roads linking BKC with Bandra and Kurla suburban stations. Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde emphasised the project’s role in embracing advanced technological solutions to urban challenges. “This innovative system will set a precedent for future urban transport initiatives across India, promoting sustainable and efficient mobility,” Shinde remarked.
Metropolitan Commissioner highlighted the project’s impact on urban mobility. “The Pod Taxi system will significantly enhance connectivity in one of Mumbai’s most congested areas, reducing traffic congestion and offering a modern, efficient transportation option for commuters,”he stated. The decision follows a detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS), which assessed various global technologies. Conducted by Tata Consulting Engineers, the study endorsed the Pod Taxi system as the optimal solution for BKC’s specific topographical and traffic needs.
Fare structures for the Pod Taxi system have been set based on user preference surveys. Currently, commuters face costs of INR 15.33 per km by metered auto-rickshaws and INR 30 to INR 40 per passenger for shared autos. Taxi fares are approximately INR 18.67 per km, while dynamic rates for ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber range from INR 80 to INR 100 for the short 2-3 km journey to BKC. The surveys indicated a willingness among 70% of auto users and 36% of bus users to pay INR 21 per km for the new service. Consequently, the TEFS recommends a fare of INR 21 per km, with an annual adjustment of 4% to accommodate inflation and operational costs.
The project, approved during the MMRDA meeting on March 6, 2024, will be executed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, involving a construction timeline of three years and a 30-year concession period. The financial model, developed by the TEFS consultant and reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers, includes provisions for both a fixed concession fee and a revenue-sharing arrangement with MMRDA.
