Pod Taxi in India: Government invites fresh bids with high safety standards

New Delhi : India's much-awaited pod taxi project got strength with the government asking for fresh bids based upon the strict safety standards.

The project with an estimated cost of Rs 4000 crores is one of the dream projects of Nitin Gadkari under Public-private-partnership.

Also known as Personal Rapid Transit, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has been ordered to start it on Delhi-Gurugram route (12.30 km)– Delhi-Haryana border to Gurugram’s Rajeev Chowk.

"The committee recommends issuance of a fresh EOI (expression of interest) incorporating (automated people movers) APM standards and specifications, along with other general safety parameters with Niti Aayog recommendations," the five-member committee set up for technical and safety standards of PRT, headed by transport expert S K Dhramadhikari, said.

The project got delayed as Niti Ayog asked bidders to make a 1-km-long specimen as they were not sure about the technology used in it. However, now the hurdles seem to have been cleared.

"We will be issuing bids very soon for the pod taxi project now, with all hurdles cleared. The safety and security concerns will be taken care of as per the recommendation of the committee. This will be a major step towards easing congestion on busy Dhaula Kuan-Manesar stretch and revolutionising transportation," Gadkari told PTI.

About PRT: It is an advanced public transport using automated electric pod cars to provide a taxi-like demand responsive feeder and shuttle services for small groups of travellers and is a green mode of uninterrupted journey.