Maharashtra Minister Proposes Cable Taxi System to Combat Mumbai Traffic

Mumbai, 25th December 2024: On Tuesday, Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik proposed a cable taxi system in Mumbai and its surrounding areas as a solution to traffic congestion, calling it his “dream project.”

Sarnaik, who recently assumed the role of state transport minister, emphasized the feasibility of cable taxis in Mumbai, citing the city’s limited road space and the growing number of vehicles. “Cable taxis are commonly used in European countries, and they’re an efficient mode of transport. With road space shrinking, we are already working to improve water transport services. At the same time, we must explore new modes of transportation, and cable taxis are a practical option,” he said.

He suggested that cable taxis could serve as an effective transport solution for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “No other region in Maharashtra has such a system. If we introduce 15- or 20-seater cable taxis, road traffic could be significantly reduced. Operating cable taxis should not be difficult if we can run metro systems above ground, as they require minimal space for installation,” he added.

Sarnaik proposed that the Maharashtra transport department oversee the cable taxi project to ensure its smooth implementation.

Cable taxis, or pod taxis, are small, driverless vehicles designed to carry a set number of passengers. They operate on elevated guideways or overhead cables, enabling them to bypass road traffic and provide continuous, point-to-point service. These taxis are environmentally friendly, as they are typically powered by electricity or even solar energy.

In 2017, Bengaluru’s civic body proposed a similar pod taxi system to address the city’s traffic woes. However, the project was scrapped in 2018 by the Karnataka government due to concerns over high costs and the feasibility of the system.