India is all set to launch its first-ever pod taxi soon, which will run from Noida's Film City to the International Airport in Jewar. Introduction of such taxi transportation will lead to greater transportation ease, improved connectivity, modern infrastructure development, reduced traffic jams and reduced pollution as this system is powered by solar energy and other renewable sources.
According to the Uttar Pradesh Index, the Yamuna Authority has approved the revised detailed project report (DPR) and bid document for the country's first Personalised Rapid Transit project. This development has allowed the construction to commence with the Uttar Pradesh government's permission, and the tendering process is expected to start soon.
What does a 'pod taxi' mean?
Pod taxis are an advanced and eco-friendly kind of transportation system that operate at high speeds. These are automated cars that are configured to transport a set number of passengers from one location to another. These autonomous, driverless cars have a capacity of four to six passengers and are electrically propelled.
In order to avoid congestion on the roads, a dedicated track is constructed for the pod taxis to travel on. These cutting-edge transportation system can be powered by solar energy and other renewable sources, leading to reduced pollution in busy areas and cities having dense population.
Although this mode of transportation has been introduced in other countries like Singapore, London, and Dubai, it will be the first time the international transit system is introduced in India, starting from the state of Uttar Pradesh. Many of these nations have experienced the effectiveness and efficiency of these taxis, a fact that makes this initiative a viable transport option for India.
For the project, the Jewar Airport will be connected to the Film City in Noida Sector 21. It is expected that the pod taxis will be able to provide services to around 37,000 commuters daily. According to reports, the track will span 12-14 kilometres and will have 12 stops at some of the prime locations like MSME Park in Sector 29, Sector 21, Toy Park, Handicraft Park, Sector 32 and Sector 33, to name a few.
Once the pod taxi initiative gets official approvement from the government, the initiative is expected to be finalized by the end of the year 2024, according to the UP Index. The project is anticipated to cost approximately Rs. 810 crore.
Interestingly, the first such taxi was introduced at West Virginia University in the 1970s. Today, these are extensively in use in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, which uses the CyberCab METRINO system, and Heathrow Airport in London.
