In a bid to tackle rising traffic congestion, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday announced a trial run of an automated pod taxi system between Bhayander Pada Metro Station on Ghodbunder Road and Vihang Hills Circle in Thane.
Pod taxis, also known as Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), are driverless electric vehicles designed to transport passengers swiftly between fixed locations. The initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s vision for modern urban transport solutions.
“With limited road space and increasing vehicles, it is crucial to explore alternative transport modes like pod taxis and ropeways,” Sarnaik said, highlighting the need for sustainable mobility solutions in Thane.
The minister also revealed that a pod taxi pilot project has already been approved for Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. Additionally, upcoming pilot routes include:
JP Infrastructure (Mira-Bhayander) to Shivaji Maharaj Statue
Bhayander Pada Metro Station to Vihang Hills Circle (Thane)
Sarnaik recently visited Vadodara’s pod taxi project site to assess the feasibility of the system in Maharashtra. The government is also reviewing infrastructure development projects in Thane in collaboration with the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).