India’s First Driverless Pod Taxi: India is soon set to launch its first driverless pod taxi service. On Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis performed the groundbreaking ceremony for this pod taxi project. The project will be executed in a phased manner. The first phase is scheduled to be completed within 10 months. Let’s take a look at the key highlights of this pod taxi project.
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Pod Taxi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis performed the *Bhoomi Pujan* (groundbreaking ceremony) for the driverless pod taxi project on Tuesday. This project is truly unique. The pod taxi service, being launched in Mumbai, is an Automated Rapid Transit System. It is being developed to connect Kurla and BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex).
Upon the completion of this project, daily commuters will benefit from enhanced connectivity. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present at the *Bhoomi Pujan* ceremony. CM Fadnavis stated that all necessary approvals for this project have already been secured.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is developing this project between Kurla and the Bandra Kurla Complex. BKC is a significant and prominent commercial hub in Mumbai. It houses multinational companies, banks, the National Stock Exchange, hotels, and the Bharat Diamond Bourse.
22 Stations to be Built
This 8.85-kilometer-long project will be developed in a phased manner. A total of 22 air-conditioned stations will be constructed along this route, spaced approximately 200 meters apart. Initially, the 3.36-kilometer stretch between Bandra (East) and Kurla will be covered.
This system will connect key areas such as LBS Marg, Kalanagar, and BKC. Additionally, it will enhance connectivity between the Bandra and Kurla railway stations. These driverless, AI-based pods will be battery-operated and will run on a fixed track. Each pod will have a seating capacity for a maximum of six people.
Speed of 40 km/h and Seating for 6 People
These pod taxis will operate at a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour. The pods will arrive at intervals of every 15 seconds and will stop only at the stations selected by the passengers. This will make commuting faster and more convenient. The project will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
To operate this system, a depot will also be constructed on an RLDA plot in Bandra East. According to officials, this pod taxi system will help reduce traffic congestion. It is estimated that by 2031, more than 109,000 passengers will use it daily.
