Pod taxi soon in BKC? MMRDA invites bids from agencies

The Pod Taxis will run between Bandra railway station, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and Kurla railway station, to ease traffic congestion.

The Pod Taxis will run between Bandra railway station, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and Kurla railway station, to ease traffic congestion. (Express photo by Narendra Vaskar)

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated the Pod Taxi project, that is expected to be rolled out this fiscal, officials said. It has invited bids through a request for proposal from expert agencies to execute the project on a DFBOT (Design Finance Build Operate and Transfer) basis.

The proposed Pod Taxis will run between Bandra railway station, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and Kurla railway station, aiming to ease traffic congestion in Mumbai’s commercial hub. BKC, housing over 4 lakh office employees and an equal number of daily visitors, faces significant traffic, especially from commuters using Bandra and Kurla/Sion railway stations.

Bidding will be open from March 26 to April 29 and the bids will be evaluated on April 30. Interested bidders must deposit an Earnest Money of Rs 1 crore for participation, officials said.

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The project was announced by MMRDA on March 5 after receiving approval from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Interestingly, tenders have been issued within a week, possibly due to the imminent Lok Sabha elections code of conduct that is set to come into force soon. MMRDA aims to complete all tendering processes before the election countdown begins, to ensure no work interruptions, sources said.

A comprehensive study by consultants recommended an automated rapid public transport system or ‘Pod Taxi to enhance the global stature of BKC and connect Bandra and Kurla railway stations, according to an MMRDA official.

The project’s estimated cost is Rs 1,016.38 crore. The selected contractor must complete the project within 24 months and operate it for 30 years.

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The pod taxi network will cover 8.80 km in the Bandra Kurla Complex, with 38 stations along the route. The pods will be 3.5 metres long, 1.47 m wide, and 1.8 m high, with a maximum speed of 40 kmph and a capacity of approximately six passengers per pod. The project depot will be situated within the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

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