Mumbai: All you need to know about the BKC pod taxis is mapped HERE

MidDay has accessed the list of 38 stations that will figure in the BKC pod taxi project which reveals that they will be at close proximity with each other and connect almost every important building in the business district The list features in the TechnoEconomic Feasibility Study TEFS the bedrock of any infrastructure project which midday obtained via a Right To Information queryThe 38 proposed stations are estimated to be ready by 2027 when the first phase will be completed There will be a total of 54 stations to be completed by 2041 The first phase of the project will connect the Bandra and Kurla suburban railway stations with two main terminals adjacent to each railway stationA pod taxi image shared by MMRDA for referenceThe pod taxi line will connect the two stations to spots in BKC like the Regional Passport Office ONGC Building Godrej BKC Jio World Centre Bharat Diamond Bourse SEBI NSE family court and Kalanagar Junction For full list of stations see graphicLastmile connectivityThe Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority MMRDA had in September announced the pod taxi project as a lastmile connectivity solution to BKC from the nearby suburban railways and Metro stationsThe decision was taken based on the TEFS commissioned by the MMRDA and peerreviewed by Tata Consulting Engineers which explored various technologies from across the worldThe Design Build Finance Operate and Transfer DBFOT model project was given to Sai Green Mobility Private Limited SGMPT which has partnered with Ultra PRT lsquoa technology provider with a proven track record including the operational Pod Taxi system at Heathrow Airport Londonrsquo38 stations in 88 kmSGMPT will build the 38 stations at a cost of more than Rs 1000 crore The morethan700page TEFS mentions proposed stations alignments design cost and economic benefits of the projectAs per the TEFS the entire corridor will have 54 stations in 135 kilometres with three terminals at Bandra Kurla and Sion railway stations two interchanges at MTNL and NABARD and 49 stations by 2041The TEFS says the proposed terminal stations at Kurla Sion and Bandra will be built adjacent to the suburban railway stations The interchanges at MTNL and NABARD will cater to Metro commutersTEFS TechnoEconomic Feasibility Study While the ITO Junction station is mentioned in the list the study does not mention its exact locationAll pod stations will be at elevated levels with paid and unpaid areas The unpaid area is the part of the concourse on the upper level where passengers can purchase tickets The passenger will then enter the paid area which is the platform at the lower levelThe TEFS proposed two locations for pod taxi depots inside the BKC the first at MMRDA Pay amp Park opposite PNB and the second at MMRDA Pay amp Park near Dhirubhai Ambani International SchoolLinked to suburban stnsThe two pod terminals at Bandra and Kurla will be connected to the respective suburban stationsKurla The Kurla pod taxi terminal will be adjacent to the Kurla railway station and have a twostorey platform and concourse Dense residential and commercial areas including encroachments and narrow roads between the proposed Kurla and LBS Marg pod stations are a major constraint for the project The study says the narrow roads are very difficult to navigate for vehicles and pedestriansBesides recommending two separate tracks at different levels for up and down directions the study also proposes banning motorised traffic along the proposed alignmentBandra Like Kurla Bandra terminal too is planned adjacent to the Bandra railway station As per the consultant this section of the railway is proposed to have a ground area of waiting lobby escalators staircase and elevators while the upper level will consist of two levels one serving as concoursepluspaid area for alighting pods and another consisting of seven to eight platforms for passengers The remaining area will be utilised as a parking and maintenance sectionList of other recommended stations in TEFS proposed till 2041Kurla station New Mill Road Equinox Taximenrsquos Colony MTNL TATA Communications CBI HQ Ambani School FIFC BKC Fire Station MMRDA Grounds Tata Power Asian Heart Institute Laxmi Towers Chunabhatti Dharavi Depot and Sion railway stationTEFS TechnoEconomic Feasibility StudyOfficial SpeakA Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority official said the decision to have pod taxis in BKC was made after considering other options like Metro trams and even buses ldquoThe issue with running more buses is that the areas outside BKCndashBandra and Kurla stationsndashhave very narrow roadsrdquo said the official ldquoHence the passenger will get stuck in traffic the moment they are out of BKC The narrow roads also meant it was not possible to have Metro pillars which are around 2 metres wide For pod taxis the piling needed is around 08 metres wide taking very little area on the ground No amount of Monorail trams or buses could eradicate road congestion outside BKCrdquoMoney MattersThe following are the logistic and revenue assumptions as per the TEFS studyAverage trip length 243kmRidership in year 1 of operation 67800 passengersRidership growthgtgt 1st year of operation to 2031 101437 per annumgtgt From 2032 to 2041 45537 pagtgt From 2042 to 2053 46037 pagtgt Fare rate at 202122 price levels R21kmgtgt Fare increase every 4th year 1537gtgt Advertisement revenue per year 537 of fare revenueBETTER ENVIRONMENT BETTER HEALTHThe economic analysis projects an Economic Internal Rate of Return of more than 12 per cent over 30 yearsIt also claims the following direct and indirect benefitsgtgt Peoplersquos quality of life will improve with a shift from personal motorised vehicles to public transportgtgt Fewer motor vehicles will reduce negative health impacts related to respiratory disorders cardiovascular dysfunction etc As a result there will be savings due to the reduced medical expendituregtgt There will be a positive impact on the environment due to a reduction in the use of autos and taxis resulting in improved health of peoplegtgt Road safety will improve and the incidence of accidents will decreasegtgt Pod taxis will help the economically weaker sections who cannot afford private transport autorickshaws or taxisgtgt With the improved mobility the economically weaker sections will get access to higherpaying jobs and their income level will risegtgt Pod taxis will help people with disabilities become more independent