The revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Bid document for India’s FIRST Pod Taxi project have been approved by the Yamuna Authority, as stated in The Uttar Pradesh Index.
India’s inaugural pod taxi, also referred to as Personalized Rapid Transit, is set to establish a connection between Noida International Airport and Film City in Jewar. The revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) and bid document for this groundbreaking project have received approval from the Yamuna Authority, as reported by the Uttar Pradesh Index. Upon government approval, construction work will commence, and the tender process is anticipated to begin in the near future.
What are pod taxis?
Pod Taxis are electric vehicles designed to transport a limited number of passengers swiftly from one location to another. Operating on separate tracks constructed specifically for them, these small automated cars navigate without drivers and are powered by electricity. This dedicated infrastructure ensures the avoidance of typical traffic encountered on regular roads.These are small automatic cars designed to carry a few passengers from one place to another at a very high speed.
What will be the route, station and capacity
The upcoming pod taxi system will establish a connection between Jewar airport in Noida and Film City situated in Sector 21. According to preliminary estimates, these modern pod taxis are expected to facilitate the daily commute of approximately 37,000 passengers.
Numerous media reports indicate that the proposed route will span a distance of 12 to 14 kilometers and will encompass 12 stations. Among the reported stations are Sector 29, Handicrafts Park, MSME Park in Sector 29, Apparel Park, Sector 32, Sector 33, Toy Park, and Sector 21.
Construction Cost and Estimated Completion Date
The projected cost of the pod taxi project is approximately Rs 810 crore. As per the Uttar Pradesh Index, once the government gives its final approval, the project is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024.
If Uttar Pradesh successfully implements these taxis, there is no doubt that they will bring tremendous benefits to transportation. These pod taxis are not only cost-effective but also provide convenience and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Pod taxis: Routes and other details
According to media reports, the PRT system is characterized by the following features:
- India’s pioneering pod taxi will be a fast, automated, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, representing one of the most advanced transit options of its generation.
- These taxis are designed to accommodate a maximum of four to six passengers for efficient point-to-point travel.
- Operating above highways and regular roads, these cars are specifically tailored to navigate congested areas swiftly.
- The cars will be electrically powered and will travel on a dedicated network of elevated rails known as guideways.
- Covering a distance of 14.6 km, the service will pass through Handicraft Park, Apparel Park, MSME Park in Sector 29, industrial units in Sector 32, Toy Park in Sector 33, and conclude at Film City in Sector 21.
- The route will have a total of 12 stations, with an overall travel time of approximately 20 minutes.
- The introduction of pods will be phased, with a total of 690 pods planned, and the initial phase will consist of 101 pods. The system is projected to serve nearly 37,000 passengers daily.
- The estimated cost for the project is INR 810 crores, and the concession period, including the construction period of two years, will span 35 years. The concession period denotes the time required to recover the invested cost. Completion of the project is scheduled for the end of 2024.
- Internationally, several countries have embraced this advanced technology, with successful pod taxi systems already in operation in locations such as Morgantown in West Virginia, Masdar City in the UAE, Suncheon City in South Korea, and London Heathrow Airport.