Mumbai, August 22, 2026: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to appoint an independent engineer to monitor the construction quality and execution of the proposed Automated Rapid Transit System (PODTaxi) between Kurla and Bandra, ensuring that the project is independently scrutinised throughout its implementation.
The engineer will be appointed through a tender process and will function independently of both MMRDA and the agency responsible for implementing the pod taxi system. The agency will monitor construction, project progress and quality and report any deficiencies or shortcomings to the concerned authorities.
The proposed 8.85-km Automated Rapid Transit System is being implemented on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, without any cost to the state government or MMRDA. Despite having no project cost burden, MMRDA is expected to generate revenue from the system.
22 Stations Planned Across The Corridor
The project envisages 22 air-conditioned stations, planned to be spaced approximately 200 metres apart, to improve accessibility for commuters.
The first phase will cover 3.36 km and connect Bandra and Kurla. The Phase-I stations are:
1. Kurla – Terminal Station
2. LBS Marg
3. MMRDA Pay & Park – G Block
4. BDB Gate-11
5. Bandra (East) – Terminal Station
6. Kalanagar
7. Old MMRDA Building
8. Excise Department
The system is planned to provide first- and last-mile connectivity to Kurla and Bandra suburban railway stations, while also improving access to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
Driverless Pods To Operate At 40 Kmph
The system will use AI-based, driverless operating technology, with battery-powered pods running on a dedicated guideway.
Each pod will accommodate six passengers. The pods will have a maximum operating speed of 40 kmph and are planned to operate at a headway of just 15 seconds.
Unlike conventional systems, the pods will be able to stop only at the station selected by passengers, allowing them to bypass other stations and potentially reduce travel time.
Each pod will measure 3.9 metres in length, 2.01 metres in width and 1.8 metres in height and will be fully air-conditioned.
Operations will be controlled from a central control room, which will monitor the system to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
Elevated System To Strengthen BKC Connectivity
The pod taxi system is planned as an elevated transport network aimed at improving connectivity to BKC, one of Mumbai's major commercial and financial districts.
The system will integrate with Metro Line 3 at the BKC Metro station and with Metro Line 2B at the ITO and IL&FS metro stations, creating additional interchange options between the pod taxi, metro and suburban railway networks.
A depot has also been planned at an RLDA plot in Bandra East to support operations and maintenance of the system.
With BKC attracting thousands of daily commuters, the proposed system is expected to provide an additional public transport option for short-distance journeys between key transport hubs and offices.
1.09 Lakh Daily Riders Projected By 2031
According to the project details, the system is expected to cater to around 1.09 lakh daily riders by 2031.
The proposed fare is Rs 21 per km, based on 2022 rates.
The project is positioned as a zero-carbon mobility system and is expected to help reduce road congestion and travel time while offering an automated and environmentally sustainable mode of transport.
Independent Oversight Amid Complex Urban Construction
The proposed guideway will pass through heavily developed parts of Mumbai, including the BKC area. As a result, monitoring construction quality, structural safety and adherence to technical specifications will be critical.
The independent engineer is expected to provide an additional layer of oversight by remaining separate from both the implementing agency and MMRDA. Any construction deficiency or deviation identified during execution will be reported to the authorities for corrective action.
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The project is ultimately aimed at creating a comfortable, reliable and green first- and last-mile transport network connecting Kurla, Bandra and BKC, while complementing Mumbai's expanding metro and suburban railway network.
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