The initial stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 9, connecting Kashigaon and Dahisar, is expected to be inaugurated on April 3, pending final clearance from the state government. Alongside this milestone, authorities are planning to mark multiple infrastructure developments on the same day. These include the groundbreaking ceremony (Bhumi Pujan) for a Pod Taxi system in the Bandra-Kurla Complex and the commencement of tunnel boring machine operations for the ambitious Thane–Borivali underground tunnel project. The combined launch of these initiatives reflects the government’s push to strengthen urban transport networks and reduce congestion through integrated, future-ready mobility solutions across key regions of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Meanwhile, the Bandra-Kurla Complex is set to witness the introduction of India’s first Pod Taxi system, with a project cost estimated at ₹1,016 crore. This proposed system will feature compact, driverless pods capable of accommodating three to six passengers at a time. The network is designed as an 8.8-kilometre loop, aiming to provide efficient and seamless transportation within the busy commercial district. By introducing this advanced transit mode, officials intend to significantly ease commuting challenges faced by daily office-goers and visitors, particularly by addressing the persistent issue of last-mile connectivity in one of Mumbai’s most prominent business hubs.
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The proposed Pod Taxi project in BKC will function as an Automated Rapid Transit System, focusing on improving connectivity between Bandra and Kurla suburban railway stations through the business district. The elevated corridor, spanning approximately 8.8 kilometres, is expected to include around 38 stations, though some estimates suggest a slightly lower count. Key locations such as the National Stock Exchange, Jio World Centre, SEBI, Kalanagar, and upcoming developments like the bullet train terminal and the new Bombay High Court complex are planned to be linked. This network is intended to provide swift and direct access to major commercial and institutional zones.
The system will deploy compact autonomous pods, each measuring roughly 3.5 metres in length and designed to travel at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour on elevated tracks supported by pillars about eight metres high. These pods will operate on demand, with minimal waiting time between services, typically ranging from 15 to 30 seconds. The project is proposed under a public-private partnership model, with private players such as Sai Green Mobility expected to be involved, and in some plans, without direct government subsidy. By offering quick, non-intrusive transit above road level, the system aims to ease congestion without affecting existing traffic flow.