Maharashtra plans to expand the pod taxi system proposed for Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex to Thane, Mira-Bhayandar and Navi Mumbai after its rollout in BKC, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said. The project is part of the state government's efforts to improve transport infrastructure across Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Sarnaik said in an interview.
"The pod taxi concept is a dream project of our Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers," Sarnaik said, adding that the system is aimed at improving transport connectivity and passenger convenience. "Once it is implemented in BKC, we are planning to take pod taxis to Mira-Bhayandar, Thane and Navi Mumbai as well," he said.
BKC is one of Mumbai's key business districts and is expected to see further infrastructure development, including a station for the bullet train project. The proposed pod taxi system is intended to help improve mobility in the area amid concerns over congestion and pressure on existing public transport.
Sarnaik said the government wants to make Mumbai and the MMR more efficient in terms of infrastructure, with transport projects forming a key part of that push.
"We are now trying to bring to Mumbai the kind of infrastructure that European countries had 25 or 30 years ago," he said. While acknowledging delays in infrastructure development, Sarnaik said the region could see a substantial change over the next five years.
The minister also addressed concerns over pressure on Mumbai's feeder transport network, including BEST bus services. He said the city's transport network was facing rising demand as more people moved to Mumbai, even as the government continued to add capacity.
According to Sarnaik, plans are underway to induct 5,000 new electric buses into the BEST fleet alongside the development of bus depots.
Asked when the additional buses would be available, Sarnaik said the process should move ahead as quickly as possible and indicated that a decision could be implemented over the next six to eight months.
The expansion of the pod taxi network, along with additional electric buses, forms part of the government's broader plan to increase public transport capacity across the Mumbai metropolitan region.
ALSO READ: Mumbai's BEST Bus Shortage: Pratap Sarnaik Promises 5,000 Electric Buses In 6-8 Months
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