Mira-Bhayandar is gearing up to roll out pod taxi services, making it the second city in India after Vadodara to embrace this futuristic mode of transport. The project aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance commuting efficiency, and offer a cleaner, safer travel option to residents.
Elevated, Eco-Friendly, and Efficient
The pod taxis will run on elevated tracks, entirely separate from conventional road traffic. This design not only boosts speed and safety but also ensures smoother commutes unaffected by road congestion. The service is being developed in collaboration with Neutron EV, which began survey work in April.
Backed by State Development Push
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the project following a review of 26 development initiatives worth ₹1,800 crore for Mira-Bhayandar, with ₹900 crore allocated solely for road repairs. The pod taxi system is positioned as a key follow-up to the city’s metro connectivity, bridging gaps between residential hubs, metro stations, and railway lines.
Public-Private Partnership Model
One of the most notable aspects is that the ₹1,000 crore project will be executed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This means neither the state government nor the municipal corporation will bear financial costs, ensuring faster implementation without straining public resources.
First Phase: Connecting Key Urban Points
The initial phase will cover a 14-km stretch from JP Infra to Golden Nest, linking vital areas within the city’s 33 km footprint. Once complete, the network will improve last-mile connectivity and integrate seamlessly with existing public transport systems.
Timeline and Expectations
The groundbreaking ceremony is expected by the end of the year. With Mira-Bhayandar’s growing population, officials are optimistic that pod taxis will become a preferred choice for daily commuters, reducing reliance on personal vehicles and lowering the city’s carbon footprint.
By combining modern design, green technology, and a cost-effective funding model, Mira-Bhayandar’s pod taxi project could become a blueprint for other Indian cities seeking sustainable urban transport solutions.
