India’s first pod taxi service is likely to run between Noida film city and Noida airport
There is not an inch of doubt that Indiais one of the most populated countries on earth. To be precise, it is the second most populated country in the world after China. Therefore, the country has no dearth of travellers. Over the years, the government of the country has established numerous types of transportation systems to ensure a smooth movement of travellers. And now, in 2021, the country has announced its first-ever pod taxi service project.
Before going into more details about India’s pod taxi service, let us write about what a pod taxi service is for the unversed souls. Known as personal rapid transit, pod taxis are driverless taxis that are designed like small pods and can carry four to six passengers at a time. The pod taxis run on solar power or electricity because of which they are an environment-friendly mode of transport.
Going back to India’s pod taxi service, the first connectivity is likely to take place between the airport of Noida and Noida film city. The distance from the airport to the film city is around 14 kilometres and the taxi service is likely to make stops at Sector 21, 28, 29, 30 and 32.
To introduce the pod taxi service in India as soon as possible, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) roped in the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) which is a government agency. YIEDA roped in IPRCL in the month of March and ordered them to submit a detailed project report. In July, the IPRCL finally submitted the detailed project report. As of now, the detailed project report is being analysed carefully and changes will be made if required, as per the Chief Executive Officer of YIEDA. Once the changes are made, the report will be sent to the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The idea of creating a pod taxi service in India came from airports of four places. Airports in London, Dubai, South Korea and Virginia have pod taxi services that offer a convenient connectivity facility for air passengers. Last but not least, the government will have to spend a massive amount of INR 2,500 crore to create a pod taxi service of 14 kilometres with five stations. If everything works in order, India will have its first pod taxi service by 2025.
