- Telangana plans pod taxis to enhance last-mile connectivity for Hyderabad Metro commuters
- Pod taxis will operate on elevated tracks to avoid road traffic congestion and delays
- First phase covers routes like Rayadurgam-Kukatpally and Rayadurgam-Hitech City corridors
The Telangana government is preparing to introduce a new transport system, the pod taxis to improve last-mile connectivity for metro commuters in Hyderabad.
According to a report by The Hans India, the initiative is aimed at helping passengers travel easily from metro stations to offices, residential areas and other key locations where public transport options are currently limited.
Why the Pod Taxi System Is Being Planned?
At present, around five lakh people use the Hyderabad Metro every day. However, many commuters face difficulties after getting down at metro stations due to the shortage of buses and autos, high fares, and heavy traffic congestion. To address these problems, the government has decided to introduce pod taxis, officially known as Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), as a feeder system to the metro network.
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How the Pod Taxis Will Operate?
According to reports, the pod taxis will operate on elevated tracks and will not depend on road traffic. This is expected to reduce travel delays caused by congestion.
The system will directly connect metro stations with major destinations such as IT hubs, office headquarters, residential zones and government areas.
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Which Areas Will Be Covered In The First Phase?
In the first phase, the proposed routes will cover Rayadurgam–Kukatpally, Rayadurgam–Hitech City, the Financial District, Knowledge City, and areas around the Secretariat. These corridors have been identified due to high commuter movement and demand for better connectivity.
Reports suggest that the pod taxis will be fully automated and driverless. Each pod will be able to carry between six and eight passengers and travel at speeds of up to 40 km per hour. The system is expected to handle nearly 10,000 passengers per hour. The vehicles will run on electricity or batteries, making them a non-polluting mode of transport.
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The project will be reportedly implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) model using the design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) framework.
The government plans to appoint a consultant to study the technical and financial feasibility of the project before execution. Similar pod taxi projects are being planned in Mumbai.
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