Mumbai: MMRDA Receives Bids From Two Firms For City's First Pod Taxi Service Between Bandra And Kurla

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has received applications from two companies interested in developing a pod taxi system between Bandra and Kurla, as per reports.

The companies involved are Chennai-based Refex Industries and Hyderabad-based Sai Green Mobility.

The proposed pod taxi network within the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) will span 8.8 kilometres, featuring 38 stations.

The pods will measure 3.5 metres in length, 1.47 metres in width, and 1.8 metres in height, with a maximum speed of 40 km per hour and a capacity of around six passengers per pod.

Once the final contractor is chosen, it will be responsible for constructing the elevated line and introducing the pod taxis.

The MMRDA initiated this pod taxi project, and invited bids through a request for proposal from specialised agencies in March.

The project will be executed on a DFBOT (design, finance, build, operate and transfer) basis.

The project is expected to cost just over Rs 1,000 crore, and the construction of the pod taxi corridor is estimated to take approximately 24 months once the contractor is finalised.

Over the years, BKC has developed into Mumbai’s premier business hub, with several hotels, the National Stock Exchange (NSE), diamond bourse, malls, convention centre and more.

According to MMRDA estimates, more than 400,000 commuters pass through BKC daily. The complex is situated between the Bandra and Kurla suburban railway stations, which are key interchange hubs.

The introduction of pod taxis is expected to enhance connectivity between Bandra station and BKC.

Pod taxi systems have been proposed and considered in various parts of the country, but these projects are yet to materialise.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also approved a pod taxi network between the upcoming Noida International Airport and major commercial and entertainment centres.