To address growing traffic congestion in the city, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will implement a pilot project for an automated pod taxi system. The project will run on an experimental basis from Bhayander Pada Metro Station on Ghodbunder Road to Vihang Hills Circle, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced.

During a review meeting at the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters, chaired by Minister Sarnaik, various infrastructure and transport projects were discussed, including pod taxis and their integration with multimodal transport systems.

Key officials, including Mahametro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, and other senior engineers, were present.

Minister Sarnaik stressed the need for alternative transport solutions like ropeways and pod taxis, given the city’s narrow roads and rising vehicle numbers.

He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s guidance, a similar automated elevated pod taxi system is being developed in Baroda by Neutron EV Mobility Private Limited. Minister Sarnaik personally inspected the project during his visit to Gujarat.

A similar project has been approved for Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Following that model, the pilot pod taxi service will also be introduced between J.P. Infrastructure in Mira-Bhayander and Shivaji Maharaj Statue, in addition to the Thane route.

To ensure smooth implementation, Minister Sarnaik has directed officials to expedite land acquisition and encroachment removal, setting a deadline of March 15. The Municipal Corporation will provide land for the project, while all expenses will be covered by the concerned private entities, ensuring no financial burden on the government or TMC.

“If successful, this initiative could pave the way for an extensive network of electric automated pod taxis across Thane and Mira-Bhayander, seamlessly integrating with the metro system and revolutionising urban transportation in the region”, said an official.