Mumbai: BKC-Kurla Pod Taxi Project Faces Environmental Hurdle, MMRDA Seeks Forest Ministry Clearance

Mumbai: The proposed pod taxi project in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) has faced an environmental hurdle. Despite growing concerns from transport experts about the viability and environmental impact, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is moving full steam ahead.

According to a Mid-day report, the authority has approached the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change seeking forest clearance, as the planned route runs close to sensitive mangrove zones, making official environmental approval mandatory before construction can begin.

MMRDA To Appoint Independent Engineers

Meanwhile, the MMRDA has taken a major step by deciding to appoint an independent engineering firm to supervise the technical and design aspects of the pod taxi project. Unlike other infrastructure ventures typically overseen by general consultants or internal MMRDA teams, this project will have a dedicated external team with domain expertise.

“Since the pod taxi involves new-age automation and battery-powered systems, we are bringing in an outside engineering team to ensure rigorous technical compliance,” said an MMRDA official, as quoted by The Indian Express.

The pod taxi project, which is expected to cost Rs 1,100 crore, was awarded in 2024 to Sai Green Mobility Private Limited. The execution responsibilities will be handled by a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) named BKC Connect Private Limited, set up exclusively for the initiative.

To ensure proper supervision, MMRDA has floated a tender to select a specialised engineering firm. The selected company will be tasked with reviewing the design, recommending changes where necessary, auditing progress, and verifying adherence to safety and technical standards. A team of 18 engineers with experience in transportation systems and automation technologies will be deployed.

Details Of Podi Taxi System

The project aims to transform last-mile connectivity in the high-density commercial belt linking Kurla, Bandra East, and BKC. The pod taxi network will feature 38 stations and promises high-frequency services, with pods arriving every 15 to 30 seconds. A complete trip across the network is expected to cost around Rs 105, offering a modern, efficient alternative for office-goers and daily commuters.

This futuristic transport system is part of MMRDA’s larger Rs 1.2 lakh crore infrastructure push in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. If successful, the pod taxi could become a model for intra-city urban mobility in India. However, its implementation hinges not just on engineering innovation, but also on securing environmental clearances and public confidence.