Thane: Pod Taxi Service to Ease Ghodbunder Traffic, Pilot Project Announced
Thane, 3rd March 2025: To address traffic congestion and enhance transit efficiency in the Ghodbunder area, a pod taxi service is set to launch, offering vital connectivity between the internal and main metro networks. Presented to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik at the Arvind Pendse Auditorium of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the initiative will begin as a pilot project, with potential expansion to the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation if successful.
“This service is expected to ease traffic flow and significantly reduce travel time for commuters,” Sarnaik stated after the meeting.
Designed to run on an elevated track similar to a ropeway, the pod taxi system will provide a reliable alternative to navigating the frequently congested roads, particularly during monsoons when waterlogging worsens delays. Covering a 1.8-kilometer route between Bhayander Pada and Vihang Hill, these taxis will operate at speeds of 60-70 km/hr, accommodating up to 16 passengers per trip.
With the last metro stations of both the internal and main lines converging at Ghodbunder, the pod taxi service aims to enhance accessibility to this crucial transit hub. Sarnaik emphasized that the pilot project would be implemented without financial burden on either the municipal corporation or the state government.
Additionally, the meeting included a review of broader developmental plans for the Ovala-Majiwada assembly constituency. A survey of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will also be conducted to identify potential locations for similar pod taxi and ropeway systems. Areas where ropeways are viable will be prioritized, while pod taxis will be considered for other suitable locations.
“The proposal has been presented in a cabinet meeting, and further action will follow once the survey is completed,” Sarnaik confirmed.
The new transit system will be powered by electricity, supported by cement girders, and utilize steel wheels and tracks to ensure durability. If the pilot project succeeds, it could play a crucial role in alleviating congestion in this rapidly expanding suburban region.
