In a bid to improve public transport and ease congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed authorities to conduct a detailed study and survey to identify new transport solutions.
He emphasized the need for additional transport services on high-traffic routes to accommodate the rising number of vehicles and passengers.
A high-level meeting was held on Wednesday at the office of the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department to discuss innovative transport options such as water taxis, ropeways, and pod taxis, as well as the implementation of these transport options in the future. Apart from that, the minister also hinted at the implementation of bike taxis in the near future.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Urban Development Department, Maritime Board, Transport Commissioner’s Office, and State Transport Corporation.
Push for Ropeways and Underground Parking
Minister Sarnaik proposed that ropeways should be managed as a separate sector under the Transport Department rather than the Public Works Department (PWD). He suggested that new regulations be formulated for the construction of ropeways in Mumbai to streamline the process.
Addressing Mumbai’s parking crisis, the minister recommended that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) conduct a survey for underground parking plazas. He also instructed authorities to appoint consultants for the project, suggesting that these plazas could include commercial malls to enhance utility.
Pod Taxi Project to be Fast-Tracked
The minister also urged authorities to accelerate the much-anticipated pod taxi project. The 8.8-kilometer Bandra East–Kurla corridor will feature 38 stations, with pod taxis arriving at intervals of just 15 seconds. Minister Sarnaik directed officials to ensure efficient planning for its timely execution.
With these initiatives, the Transport Department aims to enhance commuting convenience, reduce traffic congestion, and provide modern transport alternatives for Mumbai’s growing population.
