POD Taxis are all set to roll into Gurgaon, improving connectivity and decongesting busy intersections. In 2015, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had proposed a personal rapid transit system to shuttle passengers from Delhi to Gurgaon and back. The project has since picked up steam, with various government authorities coming on board to get the network up and running within a year.
About the POD Taxi
The POD taxi network is a fully automated transport system where in small cars are suspended from cables to ferry people from one point to another. A car would typically seat 5-6 people and would travel at a height of ten meters from the street level. It moves at a good speed of 60 km per hour.
The route
Although the route initially proposed was to start from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi and run up to Manesar in Gurgaon, the distance has now been shortened. ‘Metrinos’ as these taxis are being called, will now run from Delhi Gurgaon Border to Sohna Road, Gurgaon. This could of course be extended to the originally planned route later as well. There is a plan to develop 16 stations over an approximate stretch of 13 kms.
Challenges
The project does not need much land, and most of the required land is already with the government. A clearance from the environment ministry would not be required for the project. The main challenge therefore would be for the government agencies to work in tandem with the private developer to spread ‘Metrinos’ across Gurgaon.
Likely Impact on Realty Market
The proposed 850 crore project would have a strong impact on the real estate market in Gurgaon, especially the Sohna Road micro market. This has until now, been not connected with a metro project. An automated POD taxi network would boost connectivity with other regions of Gurgaon, mainly close to the Delhi Border. Further proposal to extend the ‘Metrino’ system to Manesar would enhance the investment potential in the region. This was also help lighten up traffic on this very busy road.
