UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (Metro Rail News): Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) also known as Pod Taxis will make its debut in India from Noida International Airport to Film City in Uttar Pradesh. This driverless Pod taxi project is expected to cost around INR 400 Crores as per the draft report of Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL).
Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has entrusted the work to make a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this work to IPRCL. Uttar Pradesh Government has asked to submit DPR for this project by the 20th of April.
This advanced public transport system is cost effective, environment friendly causing less pollution. One km route construction for pod taxis could cost about Rs 40-45 crore against an amount of Rs 250-350 crore for Mass Rapid Transport, Rs 135-150 crore for Light Rail Transit, and Rs 40-45 crore for Bus Rapid Transport. One Pod taxi can accommodate 5-6 passengers which make it more viable than other mass transit system
As per IPRCL, it will cost Rs 60 crore per km for a driverless Pod taxi in comparison to running a Pod taxi with the driver which will cost Rs 40 crore. The distance between Noida International Airport and Film City is 6.5 km and the route has immense potential to be the next tourist hub with a lot of people travelling on this route incoming times including artists for Film City. Considering this, the Uttar Pradesh Government is keen to fast-track this project.
