Delhi and Gurgaon will soon be connected by India’s first Pod Taxi—transport via ropeway connected driverless pods—work for which will commence by the end of July. The transport ministry pegs a cost of nearly ₹850 crore for this project. Each pod can take five passengers at a time. Phase one will covering 13-km with 16 stations.
Despite the Centre’s approval of the project, the urban development ministry has raised safety concerns. It seeks information on which ministry will be responsible for the safety audit of the service. Headed by Union minister Venkaiah Naidu, it believes plans cannot be executed unless it approves the taxi service as mass rapid transit systems falls under its ambit.
The transport ministry is also in the fray to take over the project. It claims it will help decongest NH-8, which falls under its domain. The system runs on electricity. The pods descend at designated stations.
Apart from this internal controversy—that the government says will not delay the project—there are already four bidders for the contract, including two foreign firms. The bids are reportedly being scrutinised. A formal decision is awaited.
The first project will be constructed from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi to Manesar in Haryana. This 70-kilometre stretch will include a 13-km one from Gurgaon-Delhi border to Badshapur Mod.
