Mumbai: The long-delayed automated Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), popularly called the pod taxi project, has secured clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). The approval marks a key step forward for the Rs 1,016.34-crore initiative, which is aimed at transforming last-mile connectivity in the city’s prime business district.
0.14 Hectares Of Mangroves Affected, 431 Trees To Be Cut
Planned for completion within three years, the project is expected to cater to between 4,00,000 and 6,00,000 commuters daily. It promises quicker, more efficient travel across BKC, but comes with an environmental cost.
According to the MCZMA’s approval, 0.14 hectares of mangroves will be impacted and 431 trees will be felled, reported Hindustan Times. Around 58.48 metres of the 8.01-km alignment will pass over mangrove areas along the banks near BKC. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has already approached the Tree Authority for clearance to cut the trees.
Currently, thousands of office-goers depend on BEST buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis to reach BKC. Commuters frequently complain about irregular bus services and steep fares charged by auto drivers, especially for short rides from Bandra and Kurla stations. Many say that despite repeated grievances, agencies such as the traffic police, RTO, and MMRDA have failed to provide consistent solutions.
The MMRDA’s proposal highlights that conventional transport options in BKC are inflexible and inefficient, particularly outside peak hours, when large buses often run nearly empty. To address this, the authority is turning to an Automated Rapid Transit System (ARTS), a zero-emission, on-demand urban transport network.
Features Of BKC's Pod Taxi Project
Also known as a pod car system, ARTS will feature small, autonomous, electric-powered vehicles running on a dedicated elevated corridor between Bandra and Kurla. The system will have 21 strategically located stations across BKC, each equipped with ticket counters, escalators, waiting areas and charging docks. The pods will be operated using advanced control systems, smart sensors and real-time monitoring to ensure smooth service.
Officials believe the project will reduce travel times within BKC and majorly cut reliance on fossil fuel-powered transport. However, environmentalists are expected to closely monitor the project’s mangrove and tree clearance permissions, potentially challenging any moves seen as detrimental to Mumbai’s fragile coastal ecosystem.
