Mumbai (Metro Rail News): To streamline the connectivity in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) region and address the needs of the 4 to 6 lakh commuters who travel daily to and from the business district, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning to launch an Automated Rapid Transit System (Pod Taxi).
Sai Green Mobility Pvt Ltd, with M/s. Ultra PRT, as the technology partner, is likely to execute this project on a public-private partnership basis, with MMRDA providing the right way and the concessionaire bringing in the entire project funding. This initiative branches from a comprehensive Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) commissioned by MMRDA, which studied several technologies operational across the globe.
Significance of Project
The study, which was peer-reviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers, strongly recommended implementing the Pod Taxi system for the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This recommendation was based on a detailed analysis of the region’s topography, which is well-suited for such a system, as well as projections of traffic growth in the area. The Pod Taxi system was identified as an ideal solution to efficiently manage the anticipated increase in transportation demand while integrating with the existing infrastructure.
Fares for Pod Taxi System
Fares for the Pod Taxi system have been decided based on surveys that MMRDA conducted among current auto and bus passengers. Currently, commuters pay Rs. 15.33 per km for metered autos and Rs. 30 to 40 for shared auto rides per person to reach BKC from Bandra or Kurla. Taxi users are charged Rs. 18.67 per km, while Ola and Uber drivers frequently impose dynamic rates ranging from Rs. 80 to 100 for short 2-3 km journeys from the stations to BKC.
The surveys indicated that approximately 70% of auto users and 36% of bus passengers are ready to pay Rs. 21 per km for the Pod Taxi service. Consequently, the TEFS study suggested setting the fare at Rs. 21 per km, with a 4% annual increase to cover inflation and operational costs.
Approval From MMRDA
On March 6, 2024, MMRDA approved this project with an estimated cost of Rs. 1016.34 crore on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
TEFS consultant developed the financial model for this project, which was further reviewed by M/s. TCE. The model anticipates a three-year construction period and a 30-year concession period, including provisions for a fixed concession fee and a percentage of revenue sharing with MMRDA.
