Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Monday that Thane city will soon witness the launch of pod taxis, providing residents with a modern, eco-friendly, and congestion-free mode of transportation.
Pod taxis, also known as Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) are an advanced, environment-friendly transport system featuring automated, driverless electric vehicles designed to travel at high speeds between designated locations.
Each pod taxi can accommodate at least 20 passengers and travel at speeds of 60 to 70 km per hour, operating on an elevated cement girder track supported by steel wheels and tracks.
Highlighting the growing population of Thane—now exceeding 2.5 million—Sarnaik emphasized the increasing pressure on existing road infrastructure. He stated that aerial taxis could become an effective solution to combat future traffic congestion.
The TMC has granted preliminary permission to Neutron EV Mobility Limited to carry out necessary surveys and obtain further approvals for the pod taxi project.
Addressing the strain on Thane’s current road network, Sarnaik said, “There will continue to be limitations on road transport in the future. Therefore, using air (pod) taxis to ease traffic congestion will surely be successful.”
Notably, a pilot project for aerial taxis has already been launched in Vadodara, Gujarat. Minister Sarnaik visited Vadodara to inspect the project and is now taking steps to initiate a similar pilot in Thane and Mira-Bhayandar.
Integration with Metro Connectivity
The minister also noted that the metro project from Wadala to Gaimukh in Thane is expected to commence next year. Pod taxis would complement this development by enhancing last-mile connectivity from Kapurbawdi to Gaimukh. He stressed that considering the future transportation needs of the city, this project would prove highly significant.
The pilot project in Thane is planned to be implemented along a 40-meter stretch of road at Vihang Hills in Bhayander Pada, located on Ghodbunder Road. Notably, the project will be executed without any financial burden on the municipal corporation or the government, ensuring no strain on public funds.
