Mumbai's BKC-Kurla Pod Taxi Project Hits Environmental Roadblock, MMRDA Seeks Forest Clearance

Mumbai, July 12: The much-anticipated pod taxi project planned for Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) has encountered a significant environmental hurdle, as the proposed alignment passes near ecologically sensitive mangrove zones. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has now approached the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) seeking the necessary forest clearance before any construction activity can commence.

According to a report by Mid-Day, MMRDA’s request for clearance comes amid concerns raised by environmentalists and urban planners about the project’s ecological implications. The proposed route’s proximity to protected mangrove belts makes official environmental approval not just procedural, but essential under current regulatory frameworks.

In a strategic move to ensure robust design and execution, the MMRDA has decided to appoint an independent engineering firm to oversee the pod taxi project. This marks a shift from traditional infrastructure projects that are typically managed internally or with the help of general consultants. A tender has already been floated to identify a specialised firm capable of supervising the technical and safety standards of the futuristic transport initiative.

“Since the pod taxi involves automation and battery-powered technologies, an external team with domain expertise is crucial to ensure full compliance with safety and performance standards,” an MMRDA official told The Indian Express.

The selected engineering firm will deploy a team of 18 professionals with expertise in transportation systems and automation. Their responsibilities will include auditing construction progress, reviewing and approving design components, and ensuring technical compliance throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Awarded in 2024 to Sai Green Mobility Private Limited, the Rs 1,100 crore project will be implemented through a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) named BKC Connect Private Limited. The pod taxi network is expected to revolutionise last-mile urban mobility between Bandra East, Kurla, and BKC — one of Mumbai’s busiest commercial zones.

Planned features of the system include 38 stations and ultra-high-frequency service, with pods arriving every 15 to 30 seconds. The cost of a complete trip is projected to be around ₹105, making it an attractive and efficient option for office-goers and daily commuters.

This initiative forms a key part of MMRDA’s broader infrastructure roadmap, which involves investments exceeding ₹1.2 lakh crore across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. If successful, the BKC pod taxi system could serve as a model for urban mobility solutions across Indian cities.

While the MMRDA’s technical preparations are moving forward, the project’s future remains tied to the outcome of environmental evaluations. The Ministry of Environment is expected to conduct a thorough review before granting clearance, given the sensitivity of the region’s mangrove ecosystems.

Until then, the ambitious project stands at the intersection of innovation and environmental responsibility, symbolising the challenges of developing urban infrastructure in ecologically fragile areas.