Hyderabad is considering a 40.82-km pod taxi network across four corridors to improve last-mile connectivity. The proposal includes links to Metro, MMTS and bus services.
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government is considering a 40.82-km Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS), or pod taxi network, to improve last-mile connectivity and ease traffic congestion in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) officials have submitted a technical and financial feasibility report to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, proposing four corridors connecting key locations in the city's IT corridor and the Secretariat area.
At a meeting held at the Secretariat on Friday, officials presented the report prepared by Lea Associates. The project is proposed to be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
According to the proposal, the network would comprise four corridors: Kukatpally to Raidurg (7.62 km), Raidurg to Knowledge City (12.83 km), Raidurg/HITEC City to the Financial District (14.01 km), and the Secretariat to NTR Marg (6.36 km).
The feasibility report projects daily ridership of 5.42 lakh passengers by 2030, rising to 20.31 lakh by 2050.
Mr. Revanth Reddy directed officials to explore the introduction of PRTS in areas experiencing heavy traffic congestion. He also stressed the need to integrate the proposed system with the Metro Rail, Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) and bus stations to facilitate seamless transfers between modes of public transport.
The Chief Minister asked officials to study leading PRTS systems operating globally and expedite the preparatory work for the project.
The proposed pod taxi system would use small, driverless vehicles operating on elevated tracks. Each pod is expected to accommodate three to six passengers, offering point-to-point connectivity over designated routes.
The project is intended to address the last-mile connectivity gap, which often requires Metro commuters to rely on other forms of transport to reach their final destinations.
The proposed network's overall cost, passenger fares and construction schedule have not yet been finalised. Further decisions will depend on the project's development and implementation process.
Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex has a pod taxi project under construction, described in the supplied report as India's first such initiative.
The Hyderabad proposal marks an effort to explore an additional public transport option for the city's expanding urban and commercial corridors. Its eventual impact will depend on project costs, integration with existing transport services, implementation timelines and passenger demand.
The 40.82-km network remains a proposal, and further details are awaited from the State government.
