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Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMRL) is planning to introduce Pod Taxis to improve last-mile connectivity for passengers. The Metro authorities have invited consultants to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study and prepare the design and bidding process for the project.
Introduction of Pod Taxis
Pod taxis are small, driverless electric vehicles that run on dedicated elevated tracks. They are fully automated and controlled by computers using GPS navigation. Each pod can carry four to six passengers and is designed for direct, point-to-point travel. These vehicles can run at speeds between 30 and 60 km per hour. They are considered eco-friendly and offer quick, personalized transport.
Pod Taxi to Cover Major Areas
HMRL plans to select a consultant through a competitive bidding process. The project will be developed under the DBFOT, which stands for Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer model in public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The proposed pod taxi system will cover areas around the state secretariat, Knowledge City, Raidurg, and Hitec City Metro stations, the Financial District, and the Raidurg-Kukatpally stretch. Metro officials said that while the Metro is fast and efficient, many commuters face problems while traveling between their homes or offices and the nearest Metro station. The pod taxi system is expected to bridge this last-mile gap, especially in the IT corridor where many professionals work.
Pod Taxi Project in India
Pod taxis have been operating at West Virginia University since 1975. In India, a similar project was started in Mumbai to connect Bandra and Kurla through an 8.8 km elevated corridor.
Meanwhile, the Telangana government will take over the Hyderabad Metro Rail in April. Other pending projects include the Old City corridor from MGBS to Chandrayangutta and the airport express line from Nagole to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad, with western expansion plans.
