Pod Taxis to become reality in Gurgaon soon

The Pod Taxis, which were under discussion for some time, will now finally become a reality in Gurgaon, according to media reports.

Pod taxis are a result of a project called the Metrino-a PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system in which pods are suspended from an overhead rail.

According to report, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has laid the groundwork to roll out India’s first PRT network and will invite global bids for the project soon.

The estimated budget for this 13km long is Rs 850 crore.

A PRT network is made up of small automated vehicles running at close intervals on a guideway with docking stations for passengers to get on and get off

The authority has planned 16 stations initially, starting Ambience Mall. Each pod can accommodate up to five passengers. There is also an option to hire an entire pod that will take a passenger straight to the destination, skipping the scheduled stops. The average speed of the pods is 60kmph.

The network would be built within a year of the contract being allocated, according to a senior NHAI official.

Haryana Government agencies have the land which is needed for the project. Also there is no requirement of forest and environmental clearance. The entire of investment for the project will be done by the private company that sets up the PRT. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will recover its investment in 25 years through tickets.